Ultrasound and morphological characteristics of the lower face tissue changes in the submandibular and submental regions after the use of cryolipolysis and its combination with microfocused ultrasound

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BACKGROUND

Cryolipolysis (CL) is a non-invasive technique that provides selective reduction of adipocyte number. At the same time, understanding of the specific changes in the skin and subcutaneous adipose tissue when using combined protocols, for example with microfocused ultrasound (MFUS), is insufficient. Therefore, there is a need for a more detailed study of structural changes in tissues with various therapeutic approaches.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate morphological and ultrasound changes in the skin in the submental and submandibular regions after the use of CL and its combination with MFUS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ultrasound was performed before hardware methods (D01), after 3, 6 and 12 months (M03, M06 and M12, respectively) in 30 patients (15 patients from each group). Histological examination was done in 6 patients (3 patients from each group). In the 1^st group (CL), a repeat biopsy was taken 3 months after the CL procedure (M03). In the 2^nd group (CL+MFUS with visualization), re-sampling was performed twice: 3 months after CL (M03) and 3 months after MFUS with visualization (M06).

RESULTS

In the CL+MFUS-V group, a tendency towards increased dermal thickness and a decrease in subcutaneous fat thickness was observed. In the CL group, similar changes were recorded on M03 while the impact was the same, but later the severity of changes decreased. According to morphometric analysis, both methods demonstrate comparable effectiveness, while the combined impact is characterized by more pronounced dynamics of changes.

CONCLUSION

The obtained results indicate the potential of a combined approach for correcting changes in the lower face.

Keywords:

cryolipolysis

microfocused ultrasound

lower face

ultrasound examination

skin histology

Received:

25.04.2026

Accepted:

22.05.2026

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