A prospective study analyzing the application of radiofrequency energy and high-voltage, ultrashort pulse duration electrical fields on the quantitative reduction of adipose tissue

Abstract

Noninvasive fat reduction is claimed by many device manufacturers, but proof of efficacy has been difficult to establish. This prospective study was designed to measure the reduction of fat thickness and actual volume reduction in 20 female patients treated with an external radiofrequency (RF) device. This device combines RF heat, suction coupled vacuum, and oscillating electrical pulses that induce adipocyte death over time. Patients underwent pre- and post-treatment and intercurrent measurements of weight, body mass index, ultrasonic transcutaneous fat thickness, and 2D and 3D Vectra photography with independent calculation of circumferential and volumetric change. Mean transcutaneous ultrasound thickness at reproducible points was 2.78 cm; at 1-month post-treatment, the mean fat thickness was 1.71 cm. At 3-month post-treatment, the mean fat thickness reduction was 39.6%. Vectra circumference measurements were taken at 10-mm intervals, with postural and breathing cycle control. Independent analysis of serial measurements from + 60 to − 70 mm showed mean abdominal circumference measurement of 2.3 cm. Mean abdominal volume loss was 202.4 and 428.5 cc at 1- and 3-month post-treatment, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that permanent cell destruction was caused by irreversible electroporation. Pyroptosis appears to be the mechanism of action.

HSPA1A Protects Cells from Thermal Stress by Impeding ESCRT-0–Mediated Autophagic Flux in Epidermal Thermoresistance

“…Laser treatments have been used for skin rejuvenation and the destruction of solid tumors (Duncan et al, 2016;Sadick and Makino, 2004). Thermal-based interventions aim to precisely damage target tissue by inducing lethal thermal effects that lead to cell death.…”

A novel nonfocused pulsed ultrasound technology for noninvasive circumference reduction

“…RF is an additional technology for noninvasive fat reduction. A study on a radiofrequency device, incorporated with a vacuum feature, reported mean abdominal circumference reduction of 2.3 cm 3 months after the final treatment in 20 patients 29 . SEM on a several human biopsies confirmed structural damage to the cell membrane, suggesting that these pores allow lipid droplets to pass through and lead to cell volume loss 29 …”

Effect of an aerobic exercise session combined with abdominal radiofrequency on lipolytic activity in women: Randomized control trial

“…Pinto points out that RF applied at temperatures in the therapeutic range seems to fit into lipolytic intervention, that is, an intervention that leads to adipocyte hypotrophy without causing damage to the cell membrane or inflammation. However, other processes, such as the formation of transient pores in the cell membrane of the adipocyte . This is a process that allows the exit of lipid droplets, with consequent reduction in cellular volume .…”

“…However, other processes, such as the formation of transient pores in the cell membrane of the adipocyte . This is a process that allows the exit of lipid droplets, with consequent reduction in cellular volume . As triglyceride breaks down into three fatty acids and one glycerol, their concentration in the blood remains unchanged …”