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. 2025 Jan 22;40(1):28.
doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04270-1.

An innovative microwave technology for the treatment of submental skin laxity

Elena Zappia  1   2 , Paolo Bonan  3 , Federica Coli  3 , Chiara Del Re  4 , Fortunato Cassalia  5 , Martina Tolone  4 , Luigi Bennardo  4 , Steven Paul Nisticò  6 , Giovanni Cannarozzo  6
Affiliations

An innovative microwave technology for the treatment of submental skin laxity

Elena Zappia et al. Lasers Med Sci. .

Abstract

Backgrounds and aims: Submental skin laxity (SSL), manifesting as sagging skin and double chin, can significantly affect patients' self-perception and social interactions. While surgical treatments exist, non-invasive methods are increasingly sought for their minimal recovery time. This study assesses the safety and effectiveness of a novel microwave-based device for treating SSL, aiming to provide long-term improvements in skin tightness and appearance.

Materials and methods: Ten female patients with moderate to severe SSL underwent two treatments spaced 30 days apart using a 2.45 GHz non-invasive microwave device, with a specific handpiece. Treatment sessions lasted 10 min each, targeting the submental region. The Submental Skin Laxity Grade (SMSLG) was assessed before treatment and 12 weeks after the final session. Safety was monitored, and standardized photographs were taken for clinical evaluation.

Results: All patients showed a significant reduction in SSL, with SMSLG scores improving from a mean of 3.6 at baseline to 2.3 after 12 weeks. No adverse effects were reported, and patients experienced minimal discomfort during and after the treatment sessions. Photographs revealed visible improvements in skin tone and tightness across all cases.

Conclusions: The microwave-based treatment demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing SSL and improving skin tone with minimal side effects, offering a promising alternative to surgical interventions. This non-invasive approach provides effective outcomes in fewer sessions and may represent a new standard for non-surgical skin tightening in aesthetic dermatology.

Keywords: Facial aging; Microwaves technology; Skin laxity; Skin tightening; Submental fat.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: Authors declare no competing interests or funding for this study.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The Submental Skin Laxity Grade (SMSLG) was used to assess the neck skin tone before the treatment (baseline) with the Onda Pocket handpiece and after 12 weeks of follow-up (12WFU). A considerable decrease at 12WFU from the last treatment was registered
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
An example of a middle-aged woman unsatisfied with the appearance of her anterior cervicomental triangle and eligible for the treatment is reported. For this patient, power:70 W and energy:35.000 were used. Pre-treatment (A) and post-2-session-treatment (B) photographs are shown. In B, the patient’s skin laxity is sensibly reduced, and neck wrinkles and general tightening are visible
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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