Combination treatment for buttock and abdominal remodeling and skin improvement using HIFEM procedure and simultaneous delivery of radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy

Background

High‐intensity electromagnetic field procedure (HIFEM) is an effective tool for body shaping and muscle toning. Radiofrequency (RF) combined with targeted pressure energy (TPE) provides the solution for skin laxity and cellulite.

Aims

To document the effect of consecutive use of HIFEM, RF, and TPE for treatment of abdomen and buttocks.

Methods

Fifteen subjects (44.3 ± 14.2 years, 22.3 ± 2.3 kg/m²) finished treatments and consequent follow‐ups. They were treated over the abdomen (Group 1, N = 7) or buttocks (Group 2, N = 8), receiving four treatment procedures consisting of HIFEM treatment administered first, immediately followed by the simultaneous RF & TPE treatment. Each session took approximately 50 min (30 min of HIFEM; up to 20 min of RF & TPE) depending on the treated area. Study outcomes were assessed by the circumference measurement, satisfaction and comfort questionnaires, and digital photographs.

Results

Combined treatments were safe and comfortable. At 1 month, the abdominal circumference significantly decreased by 4.4 cm, while buttocks showed a significant increase by 1.0 cm. The abdomen (−4.1 cm) and buttocks (+1.2 cm) circumference results were sustained for three months without a significant decline. Satisfaction was high in both groups (93.3%) since most subjects noted that the appearance of the treated area has been improved, referring to both body sculpting and skin appearance.

Conclusions

The consecutive application of HIFEM, RF, and TPE treatments noticeably improved the appearance of the abdomen and buttocks. Subjects showed enhancement of abdominal body contour, buttock lifting, and improved skin quality manifested by reduced skin laxity and cellulite.

Evaluation of the evidence level for the use of radiofrequency in aesthetic treatments: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiofrequency (RF) is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications. It has been employed for several aesthetic purposes.

AIM

This study aimed to conduct a systematic literature review on the use of RF for aesthetic applications and assess the level of accumulated evidence for each condition.

METHODS

Using the MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE databases, we searched for articles published from 2009 to 2019 describing the use of RF treatment for aesthetic purposes.

RESULTS

Our search approach identified 25 randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of RF in the following clinical situations: body contour improvement, facial rejuvenation, acne scar treatment, alopecia, and rosacea. There were problems with the quality of the studies, especially regarding selection, performance, and detection bias.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that RF treatment is potentially promising in all of the evaluated clinical situations; however, we were not able to identify a level of evidence that justifies its use over other therapeutic options currently available on the market.

Combined microwaves and fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment for postpartum abdominal laxity

BACKGROUND

Postpartum abdominal changes represent a major esthetic concern affecting women. As the abdomen stretches during pregnancy and some of the muscles lose tone, there is an increased skin laxity and a loss of abdominal elasticity. As a result, the abdomen becomes saggy.

AIMS

To evaluate the performance of a combined microwaves and fractional microablative CO2 laser treatment for reshaping and improvement of abdomen texture/laxity and striae distensae in postpartum women.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Fifteen women (median age 38 years) received three monthly abdomen treatments with a new microwaves platform, the ONDA Coolwaves^® (DEKA) system, followed by a treatment with fractional microablative CO2 laser (SmartXide2; DEKA) a month thereafter. We followed up each patient's weight and nutritional habits. Outcome was assessed using reproducible circumference and abdominal measurements, digital and 3D photography, the laxity score as well as patient satisfaction index.

RESULTS

The overall mean circumferences reduction was 3.6 ± 1.2 cm. Significant improvement in skin laxity and tightening was noted by physicians and patients as well as a reduction of striae distensae. Interestingly, as a result of skin remodeling, repositioning of the umbilicus was also demonstrated. Treatments were well tolerated with no side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed a sustainable reduction in circumference and improvement in appearance of abdomen in postpartum women, without compromising patients' safety.

Histological examination of skin tissue in the porcine animal model after simultaneous and consecutive application of monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy

BACKGROUND

The cosmetic appearance of skin is substantially influenced by the organization of connective fibers and underlying subcutaneous tissue. It has been previously documented that radiofrequency and pressure energies alone are able to improve skin appearance; however, detailed histological evaluation should be done to determine their synergistic effect.

AIMS

This histological study investigates the difference between simultaneous and consecutive application of monopolar radiofrequency with targeted pressure energy on porcine skin.

METHODS

In a total of four weekly abdominal treatments, simultaneous emission of the energies was applied to two pigs (12 minutes per session); additionally, two pigs were treated consecutively (12 + 12 minutes per session). The 5th pig served as a control subject. Biopsies were obtained at baseline, after the 4th treatment, and at 1-month follow-up. Primary outcomes were to document changes of dermal and hypodermal tissues.

RESULTS

In the treated subjects, the amount of collagen and elastin fibers increased significantly (P < .001). At follow-up, simultaneous application showed a significantly higher increase in collagen and elastin fibers (by 59% and 64%, respectively), when compared to consecutive. Thickness of the dermis increased more in the pigs treated simultaneously (+848.8 µm/50.17%; P < .001). Treated tissue also showed the upper part of dermis to be rich in blood vessels and better organized interlobular septa in hypodermis. No significant change was observed in the control subject.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous application produces significantly more profound changes, when compared to consecutive treatment. Further research is needed but our findings represent a new potential treatment of various skin conditions like cellulite or laxity.