Tightening and Reduction of Unwanted Submental Fat Using Triple-Layer High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Clinical and 3-Dimensional Imaging Analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND Unwanted submental fat (SMF) is aesthetically unappealing, but methods of reduction are either invasive or lack evidence of their use. OBJECTIVE The authors sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel triple-layer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) regimen for SMF reduction. METHODS Forty Korean subjects with moderate/severe SMF were evaluated after receiving a session of triple-layer HIFU treatments (using 3.0-, 4.5-, and 6.0-mm focusing transducers). The objective evaluation based on the 5-point Clinician-Reported Submental Fat Rating Scale (CR-SMFRS) and patients' satisfaction based on the 7-point Subject Self-Rating Scale (SSRS) were determined 8 weeks after treatment. Three-dimensional image analysis was also performed. RESULTS At the follow-up visit, the proportion of treatment responders defined as subjects with ≥1-point improvement in CR-SMFRS was 62.5%, and the proportion of patients satisfied with appearance of their face and chin (score ≥4 on the SSRS) was 67.5% of the total patients. The results of 3-dimensional analysis were consistent with clinical observations. Only mild and transient side effects were observed for some patients with no serious adverse effects. CONCLUSION The triple-layer HIFU regimen including the novel 6.0-mm transducer has benefits for tightening and rejuvenation of the area with unwanted SMF, showing reasonable safety profiles.

Efficacy and safety of the enzymatic mixture - Lipase, collagenase and hyaluronidase - In the treatment of moderate to severe submental fat: A prospective cohort study

“…Radiofrequency treatments employ thermal energy to target fat cells, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin [ 12 ]. Ultrasound Therapy and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) disrupts fat cells and tightens the skin through targeted ultrasound energy [ 13 ].…”

Efficacy and Safety of the Micro-insulated Needle Radiofrequency Device for Reduction of Submental Fat

“…Previous studies using monopolar RF or HIFU for the treatment of submental fat demonstrated significant clinical improvements in fat reduction with reasonable safety profiles. 19,20 These studies also provided objective outcome data that quantified changes in submental fat through ultrasound measurement and 3D image analysis. One study with 2 treatments using an RF device reported that the mean thickness of submental fat decreased by 9.7% and 10.5% at 1-and 6-month follow-up compared with pretreatment, whereas another study with one treatment using a HIFU device reported that the mean surface area of submental fat decreased by 7.7% at 2-month follow-up.…”

Quantified Facial Rejuvenation Utilizing High Intense Focus Ultrasound with Multiple Penetrative Depths

“… 12 , 14 Kwon et al proved a 6-mm transducer has benefits for tightening and rejuvenation of the area with unwanted fat. 23 Because both the skin and fat of the lateral temporal and cheek regions are relatively thick, 4.5- and 6-mm transducers were employed to target the SMAS or deeper layers. We applied the MF6 (6 mm, 2 MHz, 1.0–1.2 J) to the posterior temporal lobes (generated energy was 60–72 J), extended the treatment site further to the hair-bearing region and scalp, in order to target the temporal fat pad in between the superficial and deep layers of the deep temporal fascia, which create a resonance between these two temporal fascia layers.…”

“…Park et al 5 recorded a significant tightening of infraorbital laxity in seven patients treated with 1.5-mm (0.2 J) and 3-mm (0.45 J) focal depth transducers (with a total of 30 treatment lines). Recently, Kwon et al 23 studied the efficacy of multiple transducers (3, 4.5 and 6.5 mm) applied on submental for reduction of unwanted submental fat. Our study design integrated the application of more transducers (2, 4.5 and 6 mm) on a single session of treatment.…”