Cellulite Effectively Reduced With Concurrent Radiofrequency, Pressure Energy Treatment

Simultaneous emission of radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy is more effective for improving cellulite compared with the stand-alone application of each modality, according to a report published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 

The efficacy of each modality applied alone or consecutively for cellulite treatment has been shown in previous studies. The objective of the current study was to assess whether both methods can be administered safely and effectively at the same time for additional benefits.  

The clinical sample was comprised of 30 women with cellulite (fibrous, adipose, or aqueous). Each patient received a total of 4 weekly treatments of simultaneous RF and targeted pressure energy, each session lasting approximately 24 minutes and covering ~1000 cm² of gluteofemoral skin. 

Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and at 3 months posttreatment. A pentile grading scale, patient satisfaction questionnaires, hip and thigh circumference, ultrasonography, and thermography were used for the assessments. 

RF and targeted pressure energy resulted in significant improvement across all measures. Pentile grading revealed clinical improvement of 54%±24%, with reductions in cellulite in 93% of patients and “good,” “very good,” or “excellent” improvement documented by investigators in 73% patients, particularly those with moderately severe cellulite. Patient satisfaction averaged 4.47±0.57 points on a 1- to 5-point scale. 

Hip circumference decreased by 2.31 cm and thigh circumference decreased by 2.13 cm (both P <.001). Ultrasonography, used to evaluate dermal and subcutaneous tissue composition, showed dermal thickening (0.28±0.15 mm) and fat thinning (1.96±1.60 mm; both P <.05). Thermography showed improved homogeneity in thermal profiles of patients with significant clinical improvement. 

Self-resolving erythema was noted by every patient after the procedure. Otherwise, patients did not report any adverse effects. 

Per the investigators, these results demonstrate that the simultaneous application of RF and targeted pressure energy is a safe and effective treatment option for cellulite, and in fact, 4 sessions of combined treatment generated comparable results to 6 to 20 sessions of each individual intervention. However, further research on this technology is recommended. 

Reference

Fritz K, Salavastru C, Gyurova M.  Clinical evaluation of simultaneously applied monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy as a new method for noninvasive treatment of cellulite in postpubertal women [published online March 9, 2018]. J Cosmet Dermatol. doi:10.1111/jocd.12525