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

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.