Debulk and Refine: A Tailored Strategy for Individualized Submental and Abdominal Fat Reduction with Cryolipolysis and Injectable Lipolysis
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined treatment approach utilizing Cryolipolysis to "debulk" submental and abdominal fat, followed by injectable deoxycholic acid for "refining" results in Asian males and females.
Introduction: Submental fullness and abdominal fat are common aesthetic concerns that can significantly affect self-esteem. Non-invasive treatments such as Cryolipolysis and injectable lipolysis have emerged as effective options. This study investigates the outcomes of a tailored strategy combining these two modalities for optimal fat reduction.
Materials / method: Five Asian patients (three females and two males) with moderate to severe submental fullness and abdominal fat participated in this study. Each patient underwent Cryolipolysis targeting both areas, followed by injectable lipolysis (injectable deoxycholic acid) administered four weeks later. Assessments included 2D and 3D photographic analysis and waist/hip measurements at baseline, post-Cryolipolysis, and 12 weeks after injectable deoxycholic acid.
Results: All participants showed significant improvements. Photographic evaluations indicated reductions in submental fullness and abdominal contour. 3D Vectra analysis revealed submental volume reductions of -5.29 cc, -3.85 cc, and -16.65 cc, with abdominal reductions of -1066 cc and -354.66 cc. Submental-cervical angles improved from 117° to 113° (-3.4%), 126° to 119° (-5.6%), and 106° to 101° (-4.7%). Waist measurements decreased by 4.9% and 8.1% at the umbilicus, and 4% and 11.3% below it. Patient satisfaction was high, with 80% noting significant differences.
Conclusion: The combined approach of "debulking" submental and abdominal fat with Cryolipolysis, followed by "refining" with injectable deoxycholic acid, proves to be an effective and satisfactory method for individualized fat reduction in Asian males and females. This tailored strategy offers a promising non-surgical option for patients seeking aesthetic enhancement, addressing different fat types and improving overall facial and body harmony. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings and refine treatment protocols.