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

Summary

Introduction

This study investigates noninvasive cellulite treatments based on simultaneous application of monopolar radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy to evaluate efficacy and safety and to see whether simultaneous application has any benefits in noninvasive cellulite treatments.

Methods

Thirty women with cellulite (fibrous/adipose/aqueous types) received 4 gluteofemoral treatments (~24 minutes; ~1000 cm²) using a simultaneous application of RF and targeted pressure energy. Clinical improvement was assessed using a pentile grading scale and satisfaction questionnaires. Hip/thigh circumference was measured. Ultrasonography and thermography observed changes in dermal/subcutaneous tissue composition and in gluteofemoral thermal profile. Evaluation at 3 months posttreatment was compared against the baseline.

Results

The clinical improvement averaged 2.17 ± 0.95 (54% improvement). Cellulite was reduced in 93% of cases, while 73% of patients showed good/very good/excellent improvement, with most significant improvement seen in patients with moderately severe cellulite. Hips and thigh circumference decreased on average by 2.31 cm and 2.13 cm, respectively (P < .001). Patient satisfaction was very high, averaging 4.47 ± 0.57 points (1-5 scale). Ultrasonography revealed smoothing and thickening (+0.28 ± 0.15 mm) of the dermis and an average reduction of 1.96 ± 1.60 mm in fat thickness (P < .05). Subjects with significant cellulite reduction had a more homogenous thermal profile at follow-up as a result of therapy-induced diminution of topographic skin defects. No adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion

The application is effective and safe for treating cellulite. The level of clinical improvement after 4 sessions is comparable to results reported after 6-20 sessions in studies on stand-alone RF/laser/targeted pressure energy devices. The technology is promising and deserves further attention and research.