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. 2023 Feb;16(2):19-23.

Use of Stationary Ultrasound Device In Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Tissue: Analysis of Clinical Effects

Patrícia Froes Meyer  1 , Rafaella Rêgo Maia  1   2 , Eneida de Morais Carreiro  2 , Rodrigo Marcel Valentim da Silva  1   3 , Lorena Beatriz Ramos Bezerra  4 , Stephany Luanna Queiroga Farias  4 , Fábio Dos Santos Borges  5
Affiliations

Use of Stationary Ultrasound Device In Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Tissue: Analysis of Clinical Effects

Patrícia Froes Meyer et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Background: High-intensity stationary therapeutic ultrasound (HITU) technology is gaining popularity as an attractive modality for treating different conditions, but little is known about its application in aesthetics.

Objective: To analyze the effects of stationary unfocused ultrasound (HITU technology) in treating localized fat in women's abdominal region.

Methods: The sample consisted of 43 women with localized abdominal adiposity, assessed pre and post-treatment by assessment protocols, adversity analysis questionnaires, ultrasound exams, and serum level exams. The volunteers were randomly divided into three subgroups: G-1, who used the device off, G-2 received therapy with the device once a week for two months (Parameters: Pulsed - 100Hz - 50% - 4.0 W/cm2 - 20 minutes) and the G-3 who used the device on twice a week for a month (Parameters: Pulsed - 100Hz - 50% - 3.2W/cm2 - 30 minutes). All groups received eight sessions in total.

Results: There was a significant reduction for G-3 in the plicometry of the lower right region (p=0.01) in the comparison between the final and initial moments. In the comparison among the three research groups, there was a significant reduction in plicometry in the lower right (p=0.03) and left (p=0.02) regions in G3. Via ultrasound, a reduction in the fat layers average was observed in all groups. In G-3, there were significant differences in the left infraumbilical region (p=0.02) and right (p=0.04). In the group comparison, the right infraumbilical region showed significant differences (p=0.04) for the G-3. No differences were found for weight, BMI, body fat percentage and supra, infra and umbilical perimetry (p>0.05). The adverse reactions reported were: Mild hyperaemia (75%) and sensation of shock (21%), there were also reports of improvement in fluid retention in 93.7 percent of the volunteers, and most were satisfied with the result.

Conclusion: Both treatment protocols for the reduction of localized adiposity were effective compared to the placebo group, with a significant reduction in the use of ultrasound and plicometry in the concentration of fat in the lower abdominal region.

Keywords: HITU; Ultrasound; localized fat.

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Conflict of interest statement

DISCLOSURES: The authors report no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Average ultrasound values of the A) left and B) right infraumbilical region.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
A) Initial and B) final photographic analysis of the volunteers in the G-1 group. Note that there was no decrease in the “treated” region with the equipment turned off.
FIGURE 3.
FIGURE 3.
A) Initial and B) final photographic analysis of the volunteers in the G-2 group. One weekly application, intensity of 4.0 W/cm2, for 20 minutes.
FIGURE 4.
FIGURE 4.
A) Initial and B) final photographic analysis of the volunteers in the G-3 group. Two weekly applications, intensity of 3.2W/cm2, for 30 minutes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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