Combined Monopolar Radiofrequency and Targeted Pressure Energy for the Treatment and Improvement of Cellulite Appearance on Multiple Body Parts

Abstract

Background: With many treatments available for managing cellulite, non-invasive procedures are increasingly sought after. Radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy (TPE) are new techniques developed to counter aesthetic signs of aging. The combination of RF and TPE for cellulite thus requires a more robust investigation.

Objective: We sought to determine the effectiveness and safety of combined/simultaneous RF and TPE for skin tightening and reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Methods: Thirty subjects aged 46.5±9.0 (31-74) years, BMI 19.8-36kg/m2 were enrolled and treated for cellulite on the hips, thighs, abdomen and arms. Each subject received four treatments, over 2 to 4 consecutive weeks. The circumference of the treated areas was measured at baseline, after the final treatment session, and at follow-up visits one month, three months and six months following treatment. The efficacy of the therapy was evaluated based on the Cellulite Severity Scale, Global Aesthetic Index Scale, and the Subject Satisfaction Questionnaire. Occurrence of side effects and adverse events was monitored, therapy comfort was analyzed.

Results: Cellulite severity improved from moderate to mild cellulite (p<0.001) in 95 percent of patients. Blinded, independent, evaluators reported aesthetic improvement in 90 percent of subjects. Significant circumference decrease in the abdomen, hips, and thighs was observed six months after treatment (p<0.01). Eighty-six percent of subjects were satisfied with improved cellulite appearance, and 82 percent of patients reported improved skin laxity. No severe side effects or adverse events occurred.

Conclusion: The simultaneous TPE+RF procedure was able to non-invasively improve cellulite appearance in the majority of subjects and may be recommended for skin tightening on various body parts.

Keywords: RF; TPE; Targeted pressure energy; cellulite; non-invasive; radiofrequency; skin laxity; skin rejuvenation; skin tightening.

FIGURE 1.

Changes in thigh (N=13) circumference following treatments with combined radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy. The left, right and average circumference of both thighs decreased significantly compared to the baseline up to six months after treatment.

FIGURE 2.

Changes in abdomen (N=5) and hip (N=7) circumference following treatments with combined radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy. Significant reduction of the hips and abdomen occurred up to six months after the final treatment.

FIGURE 3.

55-year-old female patient’s skin is visibly tighter following treatmenbt (B) showing a reduction of striated marks caused by cellulite that were present before treatment (A). The average CSS score decreased from 9.3 to 6.

FIGURE 4.

49-year-old female subject with obvious skin indentations on the buttocks at baseline (A) had improved skin which was smoother at follow-up (B). The average CSS score decreased from 7.6 to 4.3 (moderate to mild).

FIGURE 5.

55-year-old female patient with lumpy skin at pre-treatment (A). The patient had visibly tighter and smoother skin that was more even with less rippled effect post-treatment (B). The average CSS decreased from 10 to 5 (moderate to mild).

FIGURE 6.

41-year-old female showing spot reduction of some stretch marks. CSS score improved from moderate (9) to mild posttreatment (4). The average CSS score decreased from 9 (moderate) to 4 (mild).

FIGURE 7.

31-year-old female that had uneven skin texture. After treatment, the distorted texture became even and smoother. The average CSS score decreased from 8 to 4.3 (moderate to mild).