Impact of Contactless Apoptosis-Inducing RF on Temperature of Human Skin Surface and Subcutaneous Layer as well as Porcine Histology: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesRadiofrequency (RF) technology has been developed as a noninvasive method to reduce subcutaneous abdominal fat. The aim of this study was to measure the changes of human skin surface temperature and human subcutaneous fat layer temperature, as well as to evaluate the histologic change in porcine adipocytes during and after treatment with contactless apoptosis-inducing RF device. Materials and MethodsA single pig was treated with RF device for 30 minutes at maximum power of 200 Watts. The skin was biopsied and evaluated immediately after the therapy. A female human volunteer was also treated with RF device for 45 minutes. The temperatures of the skin surface and subcutaneous fat layer were measured during the therapy. ResultsSkin biopsy specimens from the pig revealed changes in the adipocyte shape and size. Many of the adipocytes had shrunken, with a few showing consensed chromatin and fragmented nuclei, reflecting signs of adipocyte apoptosis. In the human volunteer, subcutaneous fat layer maintained a temperature of [43][44][45] o C, while the skin surface temperature did not reach 43 o C during the treatment. ConclusionThe contactless selective RF device achieved the ideal temperature for fat reduction in subcutaneous fat layer during the treatment, while maintaining skin surface temperate below the threshold of heat-induced pain for humans. Apoptosis of subcutaneous adipocytes was confirmed in porcine skin. Further clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety. Key words

Improvement in abdominal and flank contouring by a novel adipocyte‐selective non‐contact radiofrequency device

“…The frequency of RF field devices is much higher at 27.12 MHz. At this frequency, Joule heating does not occur but dipole heating does; it is not tissue resistivity that is important, but tissue permittivity . Tissues with poor permittivity are selectively targeted by an RF field at 27.12 MHz.…”

“…The minimally invasive nature of a non‐contact RF field is associated with little to no patient downtime. Katerina et al reported that contactless RF treatment is painless and tolerable with possible side effects including mild redness and temporary edema .…”

“…The minimally invasive nature of a non-contact RF field is associated with little to no patient downtime. Katerina et al reported that contactless RF treatment is painless and tolerable with possible side effects including mild redness and temporary edema [3,7]. The adipocyte-selective non-contact RF field device differs from previously marketed conventional RF devices: it emits a much higher frequency of 27.12 MHz and has a maximum power of 300 W [6].…”

“…A paradigm shift toward non‐invasive body contouring is emerging and has driven the industry to explore other methods and devices such as cryolipolysis, high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and radiofrequency (RF) and laser devices. These destroy adipose tissue via various mechanisms including apoptosis or necrosis .…”

Abdominal Perimeter Reduction with a Non-Contact Transdermal Radiofrequency Device at 27.12 Mhz and 300 Watts of Power: Retrospective Results Study

“…This electromagnetic field causes vibratory changes within the adipocyte, generating kinetic energy and thus causing an increase in its temperature between 42 to 45 ° C. At this temperature level, increased for a period greater than 15 minutes, it will be obtained adipocyte proteins' denaturation, apoptosis, or programmed cell death. [13].…”