Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of cellulite – A current metaanalysis

Abstract

This metanalysis identified eleven published clinical studies on ESWT in cellulite with five randomized-controlled trials among them. There is growing evidence that both, radial as well as focused ESWT and the combination of both are able to improve the degree of cellulite. Typically, six to eight treatments once or twice a week have been studied. Long-term follow-up data beyond one year are lacking as well as details on potential combination therapies in cellulite such as with low level laser therapy (LLLT), cryolipolysis and others.

Clinical evaluation of simultaneously applied monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy as a new method for noninvasive treatment of cellulite in postpubertal women

“…Other studies on noninvasive RF or laser treatments included 6‐20 treatment sessions (Harth et al, Lach et al, Mlosek et al, Manuskiatti et al, Wanitphakdeedecha et al). Targeted pressure energy studies for cellulite reduction included 6 sessions (Knobloch et al, Christ et al), 8 sessions (Schlaudraff et al Steinert et al Nassar et al), or 12 sessions (Hexsel et al). Suction‐based evidence then speaks about a minimum of 15 treatments (Kutlubay et al Gülec).…”

“…The application of intense mechanical waves of short duration (μs) and intensities of around 10 MPA improves blood and lymphatic microcirculations, causes neovascularization, promotes lipolysis, and increases collagen fiber density, as well as improves skin elasticity and activates fat‐splitting enzymes . Previous literature confirms the efficacy of RF and targeted pressure energy for cellulite reduction, yet the efficacy of their simultaneous application has not been described yet. This study evaluates this treatment approach and aims to investigate any incremental benefits to practitioners or to the concept of noninvasive cellulite treatments in general when the two energies are applied simultaneously.…”

Evidence‐based treatment for gynoid lipodystrophy: A review of the recent literature

“…The transmission of acoustic waves toward subcutaneous tissue seems to be a safe alternative in the GLD treatment . Evidence shows that shock waves of this technique—widely used in urology to fragment kidney stones—in GLD promote lipolysis when breaking the cellular wall of the adipocyte, improve local blood flow, and enable lymphatic drainage with the subsequent lymphedema decrease.…”

Effects of contrast cryolipolysis on flank region adiposity: Case study

“…Other methods that associate the cryolipolysis with radiofrequency or shock wave therapy have also promoted a response to reperfusion and modulation of the inflammatory response. However, contrast cryolipolysis promotes an immediate effect, which would accelerate the inflammatory response without the risk of cold caused by the cooling technique . Contrast cryolipolysis favors the lipolysis process through adipocyte crystallization, associated with a cellular lysis.…”