Adipocyte Apoptosis Following a Novel Method for Double Chin Reduction: A Pilot Human Histology Study

Area of Science:

• Aesthetics
• Dermatology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Submental fullness, or "double chin," affects both men and women, impacting perceived attractiveness.
• Noninvasive treatments combining High-Intensity Focused Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) and synchronized radiofrequency (Sync RF+) target skin, adipose tissue, and the digastric muscle for submental fat reduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate histological changes in adipose tissue, including cell morphology and apoptosis markers (caspase-7, Bcl-2), following HIFES and Sync RF+ treatment.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined noninvasive technology for submental fat reduction.

Main Methods:

• A single 20-minute treatment was administered to the submental area in the active group (n=6).
• Subcutaneous fat biopsies were collected at baseline, 24 hours, and 7 days post-treatment for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.
• Changes in adipocyte morphology, caspase-7, and Bcl-2 levels were assessed.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in caspase-7 levels (511% at 24h, 101% at 7d) and decrease in Bcl-2 levels (89% at 24h, 24% at 7d) post-treatment, indicating apoptosis.
• Adipocytes showed shrinkage and loss of uniformity in shape.
• The treatment was comfortable for 5 out of 6 subjects, with no adverse events observed.

Conclusions:

• Noninvasive HIFES and Sync RF+ technologies induce adipocyte apoptosis, leading to submental fat reduction.
• The combined treatment demonstrates a favorable safety profile for aesthetic applications.