Hologic recently announced an expanded FDA 510(k) clearance for Cynosure’s non-invasive body contouring technology SculpSure to the submental area.

The September FDA clearance for under the chin is very important for the brand, according to Lawrence Bass, M.D., F.A.C.S., a clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York City. “Our research indicates that the addition of the submental area will expand potential patient populations who are interested in this noninvasive space. We also believe that submental opens the door to more male patients than with previous clearances.”

Dr. Bass, who is a principal investigator for SculpSure clinical trials, notes that research shows a high percentage of people are concerned with their appearance in the submental area, including both younger people and the aging population.

To treat, a technician positions a piece of equipment around the patient’s head that holds the submental applicator in place.

The laser is then turned on. “The patient feels a cooling sensation, helping keep the skin comfortable,” Dr. Bass tells The Aesthetic Channel. .

As the laser cycles on and off, the temperature of the fat cells rise. “Fat is heated to the point where the cells are shocked, then dying over a few weeks and being slowly removed from the body,” Dr. Bass explains.

Treatment is brief, only 25 minutes, but creates a substantial impact on the neck contour, according to Dr. Bass.