Effect of Capacitive Radiofrequency on the Fibrosis of Patients with Cellulite

Abstract

Background. Cellulite is a type of lipodystrophy that develops primarily from an alteration in blood circulation or of the lymphatic system that causes structural changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, collagen, and adjacent proteoglycans. The radiofrequency devices used for cutaneous applications have shown different physiological treatment effects, but there is controversy about the suitable parameters for this type of treatment. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-temperature radiofrequency to confirm the thinning of the collagen tissue and interlobular septa and consequent improvement of cellulite. Methods. A sample of eight women was used to collect ultrasonographic data with a 12 MHz probe that measured collagen fiber thickness. The Vip Electromedicina (Argentina) device, frequency of 0.55 MHz and active electrode 3.5 cm in diameter (area = 9.61 cm2), was applied to a 10 cm2 region of the gluteal region for 2 minutes per area of active electrode, during 10 biweekly sessions. Results. The Wilcoxon matched paired test was applied using GraphPad InStat 3.01 for Win95-NT software. Pre- and posttreatment mean collagen fiber thickness showed a 24.66% reduction from 1.01 to 0.67 mm. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon matched paired test obtained a significant two-tailed P value of 0.0391. Conclusion. It was concluded that the use of more comfortable temperatures favored a reduction in fibrous septum thickness and consequent cellulite improvement, evidenced by the lower degree of severity and decrease in interlobular septal thickness.

Investigation of oxygen saturation in regions of skin by near infrared spectroscopy

“…In recent years, obesity studies have reported that a decrease in oxygen saturation at the tissue level, termed hypoxia , is one of the factors in tissue fibrosis, 4 and hypoxia has attracted attention as a factor that promotes fibrosis. It is considered that the enlargement of fat cells leads to blood vessel compression, which in turn leads to the deterioration of oxygen supply to the tissues, resulting in tissue fibrosis and cellulite 5 . Therefore, it is also important to understand the relationship between oxygen saturation and body conditions such as obesity and musculature.…”

Cellulite treatment: a comprehensive literature review

“…Radiofrequency energy can be applied to body skin to create tightening without surgical incisions and recovery time . Immediate abdominal skin tightening and fat reduction were clinically observed in several studies, with a high satisfaction rate. The benefit of RF in terms of reduction of abdomen and cellulite appearance is today well established .…”

Comparison between shock wave therapy and mechanical massage for the treatment of cellulite in women

“…At the beginning and end of the study, an ultrasound examination was performed in the gluteal region, delimited by a mold in a 10 cm 2 area, which allowed to evaluate the transformation of the fibrous septa and fat layer in the area with cellulite before and after the proposed treatment. Ultrasonography is considered an efficient diagnostic method to assess fibrous septa integrity and to identify treatment effects on cellulite and on localized fat [18].…”