Microwave Therapy for Cellulite: An Effective Non-Invasive Treatment

Abstract

Background: Cellulite represents a common cosmetic problem that affects nearly all women. This study aimed to evaluate microwave therapy’s effectiveness for cellulite treatment. Methods: In this study, 26 women showing severe or moderate cellulite underwent four sessions of microwave therapy on the buttocks and posterior thighs. The following assessments were performed at baseline and the three-month follow-up after the last treatment: the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS), Nürnberger–Müller classification scale, photographic evaluation, and buttocks/posterior thighs circumference measurements. A Likert scale questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction at the 3-month follow-up. Results: The treatment positively affected the cellulite severity as confirmed by the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) and Nürnberger–Müller classification scale results. CSS showed a significant amelioration in cellulite severity between the initial assessment and the 3-month follow-up for the buttocks and posterior thighs, with total average scores that ranged from 10.7 ± 3.1 to 4.5 ± 1.8 (p < 0.01). The treatment also resulted in a remarkable improvement in comfort/satisfaction and a buttocks and posterior thighs circumference reduction. No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Microwave therapy has proven to be a safe treatment for improving cellulite appearance and reducing body circumferences.

Non‐invasive system delivering microwaves energy for unwanted fat reduction and submental skin tightening: Clinical evidence

“…24 Indeed, microwaves seem to create irreversible cytoplasmic and membrane damage in adipocytes. 17 A lower frequency means higher resistance of the skin, higher resistance of the skin corresponds to higher energy absorption and higher energy absorption means heat generated at the absorption site. This is the reason why these microwaves (2.45 GHz = very high frequency = microwaves) are able to pass through the skin without generating substantial heat and can directly affect the subcutaneous adipose tissue.…”

“…Indeed, microwaves seem to create irreversible cytoplasmic and membrane damage in adipocytes 17 . A lower frequency means higher resistance of the skin, higher resistance of the skin corresponds to higher energy absorption and higher energy absorption means heat generated at the absorption site.…”

“…It has been extensively used in many medicine fields, including Oncology 16 . Furthermore, several clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of microwaves on body contouring 17–19 …”

“…16 Furthermore, several clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of microwaves on body contouring. [17][18][19] In view of these scientific findings, a new microwave technology has recently been created for the management of localized adiposities, including those in the submental area.…”

Cellulite Pathophysiology and Psychosocial Implications

“…33,34 The anatomy of the underlying adipose tissues can also be targeted and altered by radiofrequency (RF) and microwave treatment, which penetrates the deeper fat tissue, leading to apoptosis and degradation of fat cells and results in a reduction in circumference. 22,35 Denaturation of collagen, neocollagenesis, and skin tightening result from the electrothermal effects of RF treatment. 19,36 Radiofrequency and shockwave devices are suggested to alter skin anatomy or adipose tissue structure, or both, depending on the frequency of energy, the focus of release, pulse width, and the depth of effect at that frequency.…”