AccScience Publishing / STI / Online First / DOI: 10.36922/sti.0459
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Frontotemporal filling guided by computed tomography angiography and high-frequency ultrasound: A prospective clinical study

Yibao Li1 Cun Liu2 Jing Chang3 Pengyuan Song3 Ning Yan1 Danfeng Guo1* Lingling Guo1*
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1 Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
2 Department of Ultrasound, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
3 Department of Intervention Therapy, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong
Received: 5 April 2026 | Revised: 14 May 2026 | Accepted: 22 May 2026 | Published online: 11 June 2026
© 2026 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Abstract

Background: Frontotemporal filling injections have become key components in facial rejuvenation treatment. The application of computed tomography angiography and ultrasound-guided technology for frontotemporal filling injections provides new possibilities for improving injection safety and accuracy.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate a frontotemporal filling approach guided by computed tomography angiography and high-frequency ultrasonography.
Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted in 20 female Asian patients seeking cosmetic treatment. Computed tomography angiography was performed for pretreatment evaluation. Various quantitative anatomical measurements of the superficial temporal artery were performed. Subsequently, the plastic surgeon administered the injections under real-time ultrasound guidance.
Results: Clinical evaluation scores were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment session. No severe adverse events were observed. Mild or moderate transient adverse events included pain, swelling, erythema, bruising/hematoma, and one palpable nodule. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores improved from 3.0 ± 0.0 at baseline to 4.3 ± 0.5, 4.6 ± 0.4, and 4.5 ± 0.5 at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively.
Conclusion: The application of computed tomography angiography and ultrasound-guided technology may provide patients with more comprehensive and personalized aesthetic improvements.

Keywords
Computed tomography angiography
High-frequency ultrasound
Frontal and temporal filling
Funding
This work was supported by the Jinan Clinical Medical Technology Innovation Plan (202225027) and the Shandong Medical and Health Science and Technology Project (202404101110).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no competing interests.
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Surgical Technology International, Electronic ISSN: 1090-3941 Published by AccScience Publishing