A Novel Approach to Double Chins
Double chins are no fun. They can be due to genetic fat patterns, excessive weight gain, aging related skin looseness. People have tried all sorts of treatments to help improve double chins. Some of these treatments try to remove the submental fat using liposuction, coolsculpt, kybella, or ulthera. Others try to build up the chin with fillers or chin implants.
Journal study looking at MRI changes
There is a new approach to see if you can improve the double chin by using a method that works in two ways: First, using high intensity focused electrical stimulation to tighten the muscles. Second, they do Sync RF (radiofrequency) treatment to reduce the fat volume in the chin and cheek area.
The study was published in the July 2025 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, “High Intensity Focused Electrical Stimulation and Sync Radiofrequency + Technology for submental volume Reduction: An MRI Study.”
Study:
- 33 subjects, average BMI 28, mostly women.
- 4 treatments, 1x/week to submental and cheek area
- Photographs taken at baseline, after 1 month, and follow ups at 1 and 3 months
- MRI was at baseline and both follow ups
Study Findings
- Submental volume decreased by 25% at 1 month, and 36% at 3 months
- Submental fat decreased by 20% at 1 month, and 30% at 3 months
- This equated to a volume difference of 3.48cc at 1 month and 5.39 cc at 3 months
- Patient satisfaction was 94%
- There was minimal change to the cheek area, with a change of .07% and .30%
They concluded that it helped reduce the volume under the chin and it helped improve the muscle and skin. The photos included had subtle change. They did 3D and MRI evaluation, and found the analysis yielded different volume measurements. They used the 3D measurements as that is the “clinical effect” not the “more accurate and comprehensive understanding” given by the MRI.
Fat volume in the cheek was unaffected. They attributed this to the lower energy used in the cheek.
Further studies should be done with more men and BMI ranges.
My thoughts
Noninvasive ways to improve a double chin are great. The changes in the photos were mild, but any improvement may be worth it to patients when doing a noninvasive, no downtime approach.
With all of these “tightening” procedures, I always want to see
- WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE AT ONE YEAR? Does the tightening effect loosen?
- Are there any deleterious skin changes?
- What are the costs for the procedure?
- Do you need to do further treatments?
I am thrilled it didn’t work on the cheek. I don’t think anyone should be removing cheek volume.
So I am not sure on this treatment. I want to see what the changes are farther out, and if the results are sustained. I also don’t love that they used the measurement with the bigger change instead of the MRI which is more accurate.
Bottom line though is if the patients happy with the result? When the answer is yes, then it is good.
I do not think this replaces liposuction to the chin and jawline area. The amounts documented in this were tiny- 3-5cc of volume reduction. For some patients the amounts there are much more 25-50cc. The other issue with this is that it doesn’t fix the biggest issue we see with liposuction or other fat reduction tratments of the double chin- skin laxity. The achilles heel of double chins is relying on that skin to contract tightly. It frequently cannot, particularly as you age or have a larger amount of fat.
Medical Citation
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
