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Stam R. New developments in cosmetic applications of electromagnetic fields: Client and occupational hazard assessment. Bioelectromagnetics 2024. [PMID: 38533721 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Energy-based devices are used to improve features of appearance for aesthetic reasons while avoiding more invasive methods. Examples of treatment targets are the reduction of wrinkles, sagging, unwanted skin lesions, body hair and excess fatty tissue, and the enhancement of muscle tissue. One treatment modality is the use of electromagnetic fields (EMF, 0‒300 GHz). The present work aims to give an up-to-date survey of cosmetic applications of EMF for professional use with an assessment of client and worker exposure and possible adverse effects. A systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles (2007-2022), patents, premarket notifications, manufacturer data, and adverse effects reports. Five categories of cosmetic EMF device with increasing frequency were identified: sinusoid low frequency magnetic fields for lipolysis; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for skin rejuvenation; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for muscle building; radiofrequency EMF for lipolysis or skin rejuvenation; microwaves for hair removal or hyperhidrosis. In the vicinity of the last four device categories, there is a potential for exceeding the occupational exposure limits in the European Union EMF Directive, which could lead to nerve or muscle stimulation, burns or overheating. There are also potential hazards for clients or workers wearing active or passive medical devices. The severity of reported adverse effects increases with EMF frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Stam
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Wigley CH, Janssen TJ, Mosahebi A. Shock Wave Therapy in Plastic Surgery: A Review of the Current Indications. Aesthet Surg J 2023; 43:370-386. [PMID: 36226364 DOI: 10.1093/asj/sjac262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) represents a promising, non-invasive management strategy supporting the treatment of a variety of conditions related to plastic surgery. OBJECTIVES This literature review aimed to give a systematic overview of current applications, its mechanism of action, and its potential to provide tangible therapies in plastic surgery. METHODS The databases PubMed (National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD), Embase (via Ovid [Elsevier, Amsterdam, the Netherlands]), and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane, London, UK) were searched for articles published up to June 1, 2021. Clinical studies of any design including ESWT in the context of plastic surgery were included. Two reviewers extracted data, and 46 articles were analyzed after application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS Forty-six included studies (n = 1496) were categorized into the following broad themes: cellulite/body contouring/skin rejuvenation, burns/scar treatment, diabetic foot ulcers/chronic wound, and future perspectives of ESWT. Overall, applications of ESWT were heterogenous, and the majority of studies reported effectiveness of ESWT as an alternative treatment technique. Flawed methodology and differences in technical standards limit the outcome and conclusion of this review. CONCLUSIONS There is yet insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of any specific intervention included in this review; however, all included studies reported improvements in key outcomes. Where reported, ESWT displayed a good safety profile with no serious adverse events. Further research is needed to provide more evidence to delineate the indications of ESWT in plastic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catrin H Wigley
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim J Janssen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, University College London, London, UK
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Fontes AR, Martins ASDM, Costa BSPD, Noites A, Marques L. Comparison of the effects of shock waves versus radiofrequency on abdominal lipolysis: A randomized clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol 2022; 21:3821-3831. [PMID: 35255184 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.14690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High levels of abdominal adiposity mean higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Aerobic exercise per si reduces the risk of developing this type of diseases. Radiofrequency and shockwave therapy showed to be effective in the reduction of localized abdominal fat. AIM (S) To compare the effects of prescribed moderate aerobic exercise associated with 6 sessions of shockwave therapy or radiofrequency, in the subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, in overweight female individuals in fertile age. METHODS Randomized clinical trial, with 30 volunteers in fertile age with overweight and/or obese, randomly and equitably allocated in two experimental groups (1-shockwave therapy and 2-radiofrequency) and one control group. Aerobic physical exercise was prescribed to all groups. The values of anthropometric measurements were measured in two moments. The intervention protocol was performed in a clinic for six weeks, with one session per week. The ANOVA test, paired samples t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the results, for a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS Of 28 participants completed the study. There were significant differences in waist circumference reduction between the experimental group 1 and 2 when compared to the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.014, respectively). There was a statistically significant reduction in navel level circumference in experimental group 1 when compared to experimental group 2 (p = 0.024) and with the control group (p = 0.016). CONCLUSION Both resources were effective in reducing abdominal measurements when compared to the control group. However, SWT was superior in reducing the navel level circumference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andreia Noites
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Center for Rehabilitation Research (CIR)- Human Movement System (Re) habilitation, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leila Marques
- Manager of Aesthetics Division, BTL, Porto, Portugal
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Qin J, Guo ME, Xu XG, Zhang C, Yu CQ, Li YH, Chen HD. A clinical evaluation of noninvasive and contactless radiofrequency technique in the treatment of abdominal fat. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020; 20:2765-2768. [PMID: 33356001 DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing demand for fat reduction and body contouring procedures. Noninvasive radiofrequency devices have been used to tighten skin and treat cellulite, but there are few studies confirming their efficacy for abdominal fat reduction. OBJECTIVE This study explored the effects of four noninvasive radiofrequency (RF) treatments on abdominal fat in Asian subjects, evaluating body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. METHODS In this study, 16 patients with abdominal obesity were treated four times with a noninvasive and contactless selective RF device (VANQUISH ME™, BTL Aesthetics). Treatments were 7 days apart and lasted 45 min each. The BMI and circumference of the upper, middle, and lower abdomen were measured at baseline and after each treatment. RESULTS There were statistically significant reductions in BMI and abdominal circumference in all 16 patients (P < .05). Most patients only experienced a slight abdominal heat sensation and minimal body sweating during the treatment, and no adverse reactions were observed after the treatment. CONCLUSION The noninvasive and contactless selective RF technique was effective and safe in reducing fat, BMI, and abdominal circumference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Qin
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng-Er Guo
- The Seventh Hospital of Zhongshan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Gang Xu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Cheng-Qian Yu
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuan-Hong Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong-Duo Chen
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Choi SY, Kim YJ, Kim SY, Lee WJ, Chang SE, Lee MW, Choi JH, Won C. Improvement in abdominal and flank contouring by a novel adipocyte-selective non-contact radiofrequency device. Lasers Surg Med 2018; 50:738-744. [PMID: 29733103 DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demand for undergoing subcutaneous fat reduction has been gradually increasing, and there are many methods and devices for performing non-surgical and non-invasive fat reduction, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound, cryolipolysis, radiofrequency (RF) devices, and lasers. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel adipocyte-selective non-contact RF device for improving abdominal contouring in Asian subjects. METHODS Twenty-four Asian subjects with abundant subcutaneous abdominal and love handle fat tissues were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. They received six 45-min weekly treatments with an RF field device over the abdominal and love handle regions. The body mass index and abdominal circumference were measured at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks post the last treatment. The thickness of the abdomen and depth of subcutaneous abdominal fat tissue were respectively assessed using calipers and abdominal ultrasonography. A subset of 15 subjects was selected by randomization for fat volume measurement via abdominal CT. For safety evaluation, serum lipid, and liver-related blood tests were performed at baseline and at the sixth treatment session. Subjects rated their heat perception level using a four point scale and their pain score using an 11-point visual analog scale during RF treatment. RESULTS Twenty-four subjects (21 females and 3 males) completed this study with an 8-week follow-up. The average decreases in abdominal circumference at 4 and 8 weeks post treatment were 3.48 ± 2.11 cm (P < 0.001) and 5.12 ± 0.47 cm (P < 0.001), respectively. The average decreases in abdominal fat thickness at 4 and 8 weeks treatment were 0.27 ± 0.61 cm (P = 0.041) and 0.47 ± 0.60 cm (P = 0.001), respectively. The average decreases in subcutaneous fat tissue depth at 4 and 8 weeks post treatment were 0.16 ± 0.43 cm (P = 0.091) and 0.34 ± 0.39 cm (P < 0.001), respectively. However, there was no significant change in the subcutaneous fat tissue volume. The mean heat perception level was 2.24, and the mean pain score was 0.74. No serious adverse effects were observed during treatment and the follow-up periods, and there were no clinically significant changes in lipid or liver-related levels. CONCLUSIONS The adipocyte-selective non-contact RF field device appears to be effective and safe for improving abdominal contouring. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Young Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Jae Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Radiology and the Research Institute of Radiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo Jin Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Eun Chang
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Woo Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Ho Choi
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chonghyun Won
- Department of Dermatology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Kwon TR, Kim JH, Joon S, Mun SK, Kim CW, Kim BJ. Assessment of equivalence of adipose tissue treatment with a noncontact field RF system delivering 200 W for 30 min and 300 W for 20 min: An in vivo porcine study. Laser Ther 2017; 26:39-52. [PMID: 28740328 DOI: 10.5978/islsm.17-or-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Abdominal circumferential reduction with noncontact high frequency apoptosis-inducing field RF (AiRF) is becoming very popular. The present study compared the treatment results from two different sets of parameters giving the same dose from the same system in an in vivo porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two 10 cm × 10 cm areas were symmetrically marked on both sides of the midline (total of 4 areas) over the rectus abdominis muscle of two anesthetized female micropigs. In Animal A (G1), 27.12 MHz AiRF treatment was given at 200 W for 30 min, and 300 W for 20 min in Animal B (G2). Four sessions were performed at weekly intervals. Gross observation by a veterinary specialist was performed on a daily basis. Temperature measurements (fat and skin), clinical photography and ultrasound imaging were carried out at each session. In addition, blood chemistry was performed before each session to check lipid levels, any adverse changes in markers for liver damage in addition to an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for raised levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. Biopsies were taken and routinely processed for hematoxylin and eosin, Toluidine blue and oil red O stains to examine for tissue damage at baseline and after each treatment. TUNEL assays were performed to check of apoptotic-related DNA damage. Follow-up assessments included photography, ultrasound, ELISA tests and biopsies which were taken regularly up to 90 days after the final treatment. RESULTS The maximum adipose tissue temperatures at and over the apoptotic threshold of 43°C were reached and maintained in both G1 and G2. The skin surface temperature was slightly higher in G2 after 20 min than in G1 after 30 min, but was still below 43°C. Gross and magnified observation revealed no appreciable differences or thermally-mediated damage between the skin of either of the two groups after the treatments or during the 90-day follow-up period. No lasting erythema or any other adverse event was seen in either group. The liver enzyme markers showed very similar patterns over the 4 weeks of treatment compared with baseline with no levels outside of the normal range. Triglycerides were all within normal rage with no significant differences between the groups. Remarkably similar patterns were noted for the ELISAs in both groups performed over the 4 weeks of treatment and at periods during the 90-day follow-up with no notable abnormal changes in levels. Staining patterns for both G1 and G2 specimens were similar for all stain types during treatment and the 90-day follow-up, showing decreased numbers of adipocytes by the 90-day point. The ultrasound findings revealed a 44.8% and 55.6% decrease in the adipose layer for G1 and G2, respectively, at the 90-day assessment. CONCLUSIONS The 200 W AiRF treatment for 30 min (G1) and the 300 W AiRF treatment for 20 min (G2) produced very similar results in the porcine model for all assessments and at all assessment points during and up to 90 days after treatment, with slightly better findings suggested for G2. Based on the above findings, the two different settings, delivering the same dose, produced good results with no skin damage and no adverse events. This has implications in busy clinics for AiRF treatment, where the shorter treatment time could represent time saving for the clinic and the patient without compromising safety and giving equal if not better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jong Hwan Kim
- Department of Dermatology.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School
| | - Seok Joon
- Department of Dermatology.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School
| | - Seok Kyun Mun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery; and
| | - Chan Woong Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Beom Joon Kim
- Department of Dermatology.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School
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