Facial contour correction: the influence of subcutaneous fat morphotype on the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis

Objective. To determine the influence of facial subcutaneous fat morphotype on the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL). Materials and methods. This prospective cohort study included 30 women aged 35 to 60 years (mean age: 45.2±6.1 years) with localized fat deposits in the lower third of the face. Patients were stratified by adipose tissue morphotype (dense, loose, or mixed) based on ultrasound and MRI data. All subjects underwent RFAL. Efficacy was assessed using clinical and instrumental methods, as well as the validated FACE-Q and GAIS questionnaires. Results. Six months after RFAL, all groups showed a significant reduction thickness of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (by an average of 25—35%) and an increase in tissue echogenicity, indicating fibrous remodeling. The most pronounced lifting effect was observed in patients with loose adipose tissue. Conclusion. The results of this pilot study indicate a relationship between the initial subcutaneous fat morphotype and the tissue response to RFAL. The loose morphotype was characterized by the most pronounced liporeduction and tissue restructuring, whereas the dense morphotype demonstrated a less significant decrease in the subcutaneous fat thickness while maintaining a developed septal framework. Finally, the mixed morphotype showed an intermediate response.