Effectiveness of combined use of targeted pressure energy, radiofrequency, and high-intensity focused electromagnetic fields to improve skin quality and appearance of fat and muscle tissue in different body parts

Abstract

Background: Inevitable signs of aging are especially noticeable in middle to elder age when stretch marks, loose skin, cellulite, and body-contour changes naturally appear.

Aims: To verify efficacy of high-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM), radiofrequency (RF), and Targeted Pressure Energy (TPE) combination treatment to address unfavorable changes in skin, fat, and muscle tissue.

Methods: The device simultaneously emitting monopolar RF and TPE energies was consecutively combined with simultaneous HIFEM+RF procedure in 32 subjects (21-64 years, 17.4-33.5 kg/m² ) for treatment of thighs (N = 15; back, inner, or front), buttocks/saddlebags (N = 7), abdomen (N = 8), and upper arms (N = 2). All patients underwent four weekly, combined treatments of 30-min HIFEM+RF procedure followed by 15-30 min RF+TPE, depending on treatment area. Circumferential measurements, digital photographs, subject satisfaction, and comfort questionnaires were assessed up to 3-months post-treatment.

Results: Majority of participants found treatments comfortable, no adverse events occurred. Subjects showed substantial improvement in all treated areas from 1-month follow-up. Combination of HIFEM+RF, monopolar RF, and TPE resulted in significant circumference decrease. Generally, more pronounced results were seen at 3 months when subjects showed -5.2 cm on abdomen, -3.0 cm on thighs, and -5.5 cm on saddlebags, respectively. Ninety-four percent of subjects were satisfied with treatment results, most noticed improvement in cellulite, skin laxity, and muscle definition.

Conclusions: Results showed high patient satisfaction and efficacy in improving body contour and skin quality. Combining simultaneous HIFEM+RF procedure with simultaneous monopolar RF+TPE treatments considerably enhanced body contour and skin tissue. The procedure proved versatile and may effectively treat multiple body parts.

Keywords: HIFEM; abdominal remodeling; body contour; buttock; radiofrequency.

FIGURE 1

Female abdomen before (left) and 1 month after (right) combined treatment with RF, HIFEM, and TPE. The subject achieved considerable fat reduction accompanied by core muscle enhancement. The umbilical area appears tighter suggesting possible shortening of diastasis (abdominal muscle separation)

FIGURE 2

Male abdomen before (left) and 3 months after (right) combined treatment with RF, HIFEM, and TPE. After the treatments, there is a better abdominal muscle definition. Skin texture appears smoother, the fine lines have reduced, and skin looks more tight

FIGURE 3

Female outer thigh before (left) and 1 month after (right) combined treatment with RF, HIFEM, and TPE. The fat pocket is not bulging out/protruding after the treatments. The outer thigh appears/is more toned and shapely

FIGURE 4

Female lateral thigh and buttock area before (left) and 1 month after (right) combined treatment with RF, HIFEM, and TPE. The contour of the buttock is rounder and lifted. The skin condition improved remarkably, as the cellulite bumps and dimples evened out