High-intensity focused ultrasound for the reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue using multiple treatment techniques

Abstract

Background: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive alternative to traditional invasive body sculpting procedures.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of HIFU treatment using high and low fluence settings with 2 treatment techniques, grid repeat (GR) and site repeat (SR).

Materials and methods: Two multicenter studies were conducted. Subjects underwent 1 HIFU treatment with 1 of 5 treatment protocols (total fluence, 150-180 J/cm). Primary end point was change from baseline in waist circumference (CBWC) at 12 weeks. Secondary end points included CBWC at 4 and 8 weeks and investigator- and subject-assessed clinical improvement. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Results: In the intent-to-treat (ITT) population, all subjects had a statistically significant mean circumferential reduction of -2.3 ± 2.9 cm (p < .0001) from baseline at 12 weeks, with no significant differences among the 5 treatment groups (ITT: p = .153). Analysis of secondary end points in the ITT population demonstrated a significant circumferential reduction starting as early as 4 weeks in all subjects (-1.1 ± 1.9 cm, p < .0001). Most subjects in all treatment groups showed improvements at 12 weeks as rated by the investigators and subjects.

Conclusion: High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment using either a low or high fluence setting in a GR or SR method is effective for circumferential waist reduction, resulting in statistically significant CBWC in all treatment groups.