EFFICACY OF CRYOLIPOLYSIS AND ITS COMBINATION WITH MICROFOCUSED ULTRASOUND IN THE CORRECTION OF AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE LOWER THIRD OF THE FACE AND SUBMANDIBULAR AREA: A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE COHORT STUDY

Background. Cryolipolysis (CL) and microfocused ultrasound with visualization (MFU-V) are effective and safe methods for the correction of excessive subcutaneous fat (SCF) in the submental and submandibular areas. However, data on the effectiveness of their combined use in the lower third of the face remain limited. Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of cryolipolysis as monotherapy and in combination with MFU-V for improving skin quality and reducing subcutaneous fat volume. Materials and methods. A prospective multicenter comparative non-randomized cohort study included 108 patients aged 35–65 years. Participants were divided into two groups: group 1 (CL, n=54) received cryolipolysis only; group 2 (CL+MFU-V, n=54) received cryolipolysis followed by MFU-V after 3 months. Treatment efficacy was assessed using GAIS, SCF severity scales, caliper measurements, and the total aging index (TAI). Results. Both groups demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in SCF severity and skinfold thickness. The combined protocol was associated with more pronounced improvements in several parameters. The most notable differences between the groups were observed at 6 months and persisted up to 12 months. Conclusion. The combined use of cryolipolysis and MFU-V provides a more pronounced and sustained clinical effect compared to monotherapy.