Cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat: Review of the literature

Summary Background Submental fat accumulation is a common cosmetic concern. Cryolipolysis utilizes noninvasive cooling to lyse adipocytes. A cryolipolysis device was recently approved for treatment of submental fat. Objective This manuscript provides a review of the preclinical work and clinical trials related to cryolipolysis for the treatment of submental fat. Settings, efficacy, and side effects are also discussed. Materials and Methods A literature search was performed through Pubmed, EMBASE , Web of Science, and CINAHL , using the search terms “cryolipolysis,” “submental,” and “paradoxical adipose hyperplasia”. Additional sources from the original source bibliographies were used to further supplement this review. Results There are 4 clinical trials and one case series (total 101 patients) that evaluated the use of cryolipolysis for treatment of submental fat. In these studies, there was a statistically significant reduction in submental fat and patients expressed high satisfaction with the treatment. Adverse effects were mild and transient. Conclusions Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive cooling technique that is safe and effective for treatment of submental fat. To date, there are no reports of marginal mandibular nerve injury or paradoxical adipose hyperplasia following treatment with this device.