A multicenter study of cellulite treatment with a variable emission radio frequency system

Abstract

Radio frequency (RF) systems have been reported as producing electrothermally mediated and subcutaneous effects. The present study evaluates a new approach to treat cellulite with a bipolar RF device. The buttocks of 50 patients were treated, 10 from each of five multinational centers with a novel bipolar RF technology set at 6 J/cm(3), which changes its frequency between 0.6 and 2.4 MHz according to impedance of tissue. Twelve weekly sessions were given for 12 minutes on each buttock, with a treatment end point of 42 degrees C external skin temperature. Cellulite changes and tissue condition were assessed before and immediately after the first session, before the final 12th session, and 2 months thereafter. The patient Satisfaction Index was recorded. Objective evaluation involved clinical photography, three-dimensional optical skin surface measurement, and histological findings. Almost all patients noted improvement of cellulite and body silhouette at the final session, which slightly decreased at the 2-month assessment. Improved skin appearance was objectively detected. Histological findings following the first session showed reactive edema and lysis of adipocyte membranes, possibly implicated in the final effects achieved. The RF technology used in the present multicenter study improved the general aspect of skin and cellulite, with high patient Satisfaction Index. Maintenance sessions might lead to even better and longer-lasting results.

Review of the Mechanisms and Effects of Noninvasive Body Contouring Devices on Cellulite and Subcutaneous Fat

“…A variety of studies demonstrate smoothening of the cellulite exposure using RF and reduction of subcutaneous tissue, which leads to circumference reduction (16, 17, 33-36). Manuskiatti and colleagues evaluated the effects of a TriPollar RF technology on abdomen and thigh circumferences and cellulite appearance in 39 female subjects with cellulite grade ≥ 2 (Nurnberger-Muller scale).…”

“…Most of the patients were satisfied with the treatment. However, two months after the last session, slight return was seen in the favorable treatment results (17). …”

The High Frequency (HF) Ultrasound as a Useful Imaging Technique for the Efficacy Assessment of Different Anti-Cellulite Treatments

“…As these are fibrous structures, they appear hyperechogenic on an ultrasound scan. M. Gniadecka [15,16] conducted the study of skin echogenicity in the past, and other authors [4,17] confirm the increase in the number of collagen fibers within the dermis as a result of anti-cellulite treatment. The administered treatments significantly reduced the edemas within the dermis, which is potentially due to the improvement in microcirculation [12,14].…”

Radiofrequency Combinations

“…The pulsedmode RF has the ability to rapidly deposit a high-energy load, which increasingly raises the temperature of the subcutaneous tissue and skin. Van der Lugt et al [18] conducted a study using the device in 50 patients with cellulite. Results showed a clear overall improvement of the shape of the buttocks, and less dimpled appearance was seen.…”