Combination Treatment of Cryolipolysis and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Greatly Enhances Jawline

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A combined treatment of cryolipolysis followed by hyaluronic acid (HA) injection for lower face contouring was found to be safe and effective for addressing common aesthetic concerns, like a “double chin.”¹ The synergistic treatment approach, which combines submental fat reduction with structural jawline augmentation, provided significant enhancement by reducing submental fullness, enhancing mandible line definition, and improving chin projection.

“This non-invasive technique works by gradually eliminating fat deposits and reducing submental fullness effectively, even in the Asian population,” the authors wrote. “The synergistic effects of cryolipolysis and HA injection for jawline enhancement yield harmonious and balanced facial profiles, contributing to overall facial rejuvenation.”

The retrospective analysis included 5 patients, 4 female and 1 male. All were between the ages of 31 and 55 years with a BMI less than 28. A total of 3 treatment sessions were conducted at a KUMIKO clinic in Japan. This included 2 90-minute cryolipolysis sessions and 1 session of HA injections, each taking place 8 weeks apart.

Pre-treatment assessments recorded patient baseline characteristics and the severity of concerns on the lower face. Digital photographs, standard measurements, and 3-D VECTRA images were also taken. Volume difference, cervicomental angle, and surface area reduction were also analyzed using the VECTRA system. Additionally, patient satisfaction was assessed using the 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Progress evaluations were conducted at 4-week intervals.

After the cryolipolysis sessions, the mean change in cervicomental angle was −4.94°, with a p-value of 0.0635. After both cryolipolysis and the HA fillers, the mean change in cervicomental angle was −9.34°and the p-value was 0.0244. Additionally, the 95% confidence interval for the mean difference ranged from −16.70° to −1.98°, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction.

Digital photographs also supported these visible improvements as patients achieved a slimmer and more toned appearance up to 1 year after treatment. These long-term outcomes were noted even with fluctuations in body weight, emphasizing its durability.

High satisfaction rates were also noted, according to the GAIS. Participants saw positive enhancements in facial symmetry and overall appearance. These surveys were administered at the completion of treatment as well as 1-year post-treatment.

Some minor adverse events were noted immediately after cryolipolysis treatment, including oedema, redness, numbness, and tingling. These resolved within hours to a few days and no other adverse effects were reported throughout the rest of the study period.

There were also some study limitations that may limit the generalizability of the results, including the small sample size, retrospective design, and lack of a control group. Future research with larger sample sizes, randomized controlled trials, and even longer follow-up periods is recommended.

The induction of apoptosis in fat cells through cryolipolysis already has great results. However, the addition of strategically placed HA fillers increases this improvement. Both of these nonsurgical fat reduction methods have reduced downtime, natural-looking outcomes, and minimal adverse effects.² Further investigation to “elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects, particularly in submandibular gland size and mandibular geometry” is suggested.

“These results indicate that while cryolipolysis alone shows a trend toward improvement, the addition of hyaluronic acid fillers provides a statistically significant enhancement in cervicomental angle and overall lower face contouring,” the authors noted.

References

1. Shimojima K, Hashimoto M, Yamaoka Y, Kapoor KM. Combination Treatment with Cryolipolysis and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Jawline Enhancement. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:2989-2998. Published 2024 Dec 20. doi:10.2147/CCID.S492091

2. Braz A, Eduardo CCP. Reshaping the Lower Face Using Injectable Fillers. Indian J Plast Surg. 2020;53(2):207-218. doi:10.1055/s-0040-1716185