Non-Surgical Jawline Contouring: Combining Cryolipolysis and HA Fillers to create natural, long-lasting results
- Admin
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Facial contouring procedures have evolved significantly, with non-invasive techniques offering effective solutions for lower face sculpting. A recent study by Kumiko Shimojima, Mayuko Hashimoto, Yuhi Yamaoka, and Krishan Mohan Kapoor explores the efficacy and safety of combining cryolipolysis with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers for jawline enhancement. This article delves into the procedure, ideal candidates, safety considerations, and expected outcomes based on the study’s findings.
What is the Combined Treatment?
Cryolipolysis, a non-invasive fat reduction technique, employs controlled cooling to target and eliminate submental fat. This is followed by HA filler injections, which enhance jawline definition and projection. This dual approach provides a synergistic effect by reducing fat volume while improving structural support, leading to a more defined and youthful lower face contour.
This combined treatment aims to achieve a sculpted jawline with natural contours without the invasiveness of surgery. By first eliminating excess submental fat and then refining the jawline with fillers, it addresses the common aesthetic concerns of lower face heaviness and poor definition more comprehensively than traditional methods like liposuction alone. The integration of both treatments offers a more tailored approach with improved control over facial harmony.
Cryolipolysis vs. Liposuction
Liposuction has long been the gold standard for fat removal, but it involves anesthesia, incisions, and a recovery period. Cryolipolysis, on the other hand, is a non-invasive procedure that selectively freezes fat cells, leading to their gradual elimination through the body’s lymphatic system. Unlike liposuction, which removes fat immediately but can cause contour irregularities, cryolipolysis provides a more natural reduction in fat over time. This makes it particularly advantageous for treating small, localized fat pockets, such as the submental area, where precision is crucial.
Anatomy and Mechanism of Action
The submental and jawline regions are key components of facial harmony. Cryolipolysis selectively reduces adipocytes in the submental area, which can compromise jawline definition when excessive fat accumulates. HA fillers, strategically placed along the mandible and chin, provide volume, support, and contour refinement.
Compared to traditional liposuction, which primarily removes fat without addressing structural deficiencies, this approach targets multiple anatomical layers. The subcutaneous fat is reduced with cryolipolysis, while the deep and superficial fat compartments are augmented or shaped with fillers. This combined approach allows for precise contouring while maintaining facial balance. Key areas targeted include the mandibular angle, the chin, and the cervicomental angle, enhancing the jawline’s definition and continuity with the neck.
Ideal and Non-Ideal Candidates
This combined treatment is most effective for individuals with moderate submental fat and mild-to-moderate jawline definition concerns.
Ideal Candidates:
Aged 31–55 years with a BMI below 28: These individuals have enough submental fat to benefit from cryolipolysis but not excessive fat or loose skin that would require surgical intervention.
Presenting with submental fat accumulation and a desire for non-surgical enhancement: Cryolipolysis can efficiently reduce small to moderate fat deposits, while HA fillers enhance contours.
Seeking a well-defined jawline without undergoing invasive surgery: The procedure is well-suited for those who prefer gradual improvements with minimal downtime.
Non-Ideal Candidates:
Individuals with severe skin laxity: Cryolipolysis does not significantly tighten the skin, so patients with sagging may experience worsened appearance without concurrent skin-tightening treatments.
Excessive submental fat: Patients with very high fat deposits may not achieve optimal results and may benefit more from liposuction or surgical interventions.
History of facial surgery: Scar tissue and altered anatomy from past surgeries can affect how fillers integrate and how fat reduction appears post-treatment.
Procedure and Safety Considerations
The study followed a structured treatment protocol:
Cryolipolysis: Two sessions were performed at an eight-week interval using the CoolSculpting Cool Mini applicator for targeted fat reduction.
HA Filler Injections: After an additional eight weeks, Juvéderm Volux was injected using a combination of needle and cannula techniques for optimal jawline enhancement.
Key safety considerations include:
Ensuring patient selection aligns with anatomical suitability.
Using controlled cooling settings to prevent adverse effects such as prolonged numbness or erythema.
Employing aseptic injection techniques to minimize infection risk and vascular complications.
Cryolipolysis Protocol:
Identify the submental fat area for treatment.
Apply a protective gel pad to prevent skin damage.
Use the CoolSculpting Cool Mini applicator for two cycles per session, each lasting 45 minutes.
Perform a second cryolipolysis session after eight weeks for enhanced fat reduction.
HA Filler Injection Protocol:
Eight weeks after the final cryolipolysis session, inject HA fillers (Juvéderm Volux) along the jawline and chin.
Use a combination of a needle and cannula to minimize trauma and optimize placement.
Employ the MD Codes technique for precise sculpting and natural projection.
Assess the balance of the chin and jawline for symmetry, refining injections as needed.
Ensure post-procedure massage and monitoring for potential complications.
Outcomes and Effectiveness
The study demonstrated significant improvements in jawline definition and cervicomental angle reduction. Notable results included:
A mean cervicomental angle reduction of −9.34° after both treatments (p=0.0244), indicating statistical significance.
High patient satisfaction, with all participants rating their results as ‘very improved’ or ‘exceptional’ on the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS).
Long-lasting effects, with fat reduction remaining stable at one-year follow-up.
Case studies showed patients maintaining a slimmer jawline even after weight fluctuations, highlighting the enduring benefits of cryolipolysis. Compared to traditional liposuction, this approach resulted in fewer complications, minimal downtime, and more controlled contouring.
Benefits and Limitations
Benefits:
This combined approach offers significant advantages. It provides a non-invasive alternative to liposuction while delivering a sculpted jawline with natural contours. By first eliminating excess fat and then refining the jawline with fillers, it achieves results superior to either treatment alone. Patients experience minimal discomfort and downtime, making it an appealing option for those seeking subtle but effective improvements.
Additionally, the integration of both treatments allows for better facial harmony. Cryolipolysis reduces fat without creating irregularities, and HA fillers provide structural support that compensates for lost volume or weak bone structure. This dual approach ensures a more controlled and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Limitations:
Despite its advantages, this combination treatment has some limitations. It is not suitable for patients with severe skin laxity, as cryolipolysis does not significantly tighten skin. The results of HA fillers are temporary, requiring maintenance treatments every 12–18 months. Furthermore, while fat reduction is long-term, significant weight gain could affect the outcomes.
Additionally, the study had a small sample size and lacked a control group, limiting the generalizability of its findings. Future research with larger cohorts and longer follow-ups is needed to further validate the effectiveness of this approach.
Conclusion
The combination of cryolipolysis and HA filler injections presents an innovative and effective approach to lower face contouring. This synergistic treatment offers long-lasting results with high patient satisfaction, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking non-surgical facial sculpting. While further research is needed to validate long-term efficacy, this study highlights the potential of integrating fat reduction and volumization techniques to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes.
Reference:
Shimojima K, Hashimoto M, Yamaoka Y, Kapoor KM. Combination Treatment with Cryolipolysis and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers for Jawline Enhancement. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024 Dec 20;17:2989-2998. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S492091. PMID: 39723342; PMCID: PMC11668967.
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