A Single-Center, Prospective Trial Investigating Effects of Combined Infrared, Radiofrequency, Mechanical Massage, and Suction Treatment on Submental and Lateral Neck Tissue Contouring

Abstract

There are many treatments for neck laxity and fullness, both invasive and noninvasive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy in performing contour changes in the submental and lateral neck regions. This was a single-center, prospective cohort study in which 30 patients were treated with a session of combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy once a week for 4 weeks. Follow-up was performed at posttreatment months 1, 3, and 6. Both subjects and investigators completed submental fat grading scales and lateral neck and jowl linear analog scales. Exclusion criteria included history of soft tissue augmentation, cosmetic injections, ablative or nonablative skin resurfacing, or surgical procedures in the lower facial region, as well as weight gain or loss exceeding 10 pounds during the study period. There was a significant difference between mean ± SD neck and jowl investigator scores at day 0 and month 6, which were 5.6 ± 0.9 and 4.4 ± 1.0, respectively ( P < .05). Mean investigator submental fat score at day 0 was 1.9 ± 0.7 vs 1.5 ± 0.6 ( P = .04) at month 6. Differences between mean patient neck and jowl and submental fat scores were also statistically significant between day 0 and month 6. At day 0, the mean patient neck and jowl score was 4.7 ± 0.8 vs 3.2 ± 1.1 at month 6 ( P < .05), and at day 0, the mean patient submental fat score was 2.2 ± 0.5 vs 1.8 ± 0.6 at month 6 ( P < .05). Combined infrared, radiofrequency, mechanical massage, and suction therapy provides an effective, noninvasive treatment modality for improving contour of the lateral neck and submentum.