Non-invasive Body Contouring Technologies: An Updated Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Nowadays, a lot of body contouring devices and methods are introduced all over the world. The object of the present narrative review was to update and classify existing evidence on these methods and devices. METHODS: We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for 11 essential keywords, including cryolipolysis, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), shock wave, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), radiofrequency (RF), capacitive resistive electrical transfer (TECAR), high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM), electromyostimulation (EMS), carboxytherapy, mesotherapy, and acupuncture and their abbreviations, in addition to obesity, overweight, cellulite, subcutaneous fat, and body contouring. RESULTS: Totally 193 references were used in 11 main topics. CONCLUSION: In order to help physicians with finding the best evidence in different methods, the data were summarised in 11 topics. Furthermore, FDA-approved devices, side effects and common protocols were described in each section. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: This journal requires that authors 39 assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full 40 description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, 41 please refer to the Table of Contents or the online 42 Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A National Analysis of Socioeconomic Variables of Access to Inpatient Body Contouring Procedures After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss following bariatric surgery often results in excess skin, which has led to a population of patients seeking body contouring surgery (BCS). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of patients who underwent BCS following bariatric surgery using the national inpatient sample (NIS) database and to assess the demographic and socioeconomic variables of this cohort. METHODS: NIS database was queried from 2016 to 2019 using ICD-10 codes to identify patients that underwent bariatric surgery procedures. Patients who subsequently underwent BCS were compared to those who did not. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with receipt of BCS. RESULTS: A total of 263,481 patients that underwent bariatric surgery were identified. Of those, 1777 (0.76%) patients underwent subsequent inpatient BCS. Being female was associated with greater odds of undergoing body contouring (OR 1.28 95% CI 1.13-1.46, p = 0.0001). Patients who underwent BCS were more likely to have their procedure performed in large and government-controlled hospitals than bariatric surgery-only patients (55% vs. 50%, p < 0.0001, and 11% vs. 9.4%, respectively). Higher-income did not impose higher odds of receiving BCS compared to lowest income quartile (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.86-1.16, p = 0.99066). Lastly, compared to Medicare holders, self-payers (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.83-4.30, p < 0.0001) or private insurance (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09-1.40, p = 0.001) had greater odds of undergoing BCS. CONCLUSIONS: There is a gap in access to BCS procedures, with cost and insurance coverage being the principal barriers. Developing policies that allow for holistic evaluation of patients is crucial to improve access to these procedures.

Muscle Stimulation for Aesthetic Body Shaping: A Comprehensive and Critical Review.

BACKGROUND: Aesthetic muscle stimulation (AMS) using high-intensity electromagnetic field (HIFEM) targets skeletal muscle neurons, causing muscle hypertrophy and loss of adipose tissue, thereby cultivating a sculpted physique. Many studies have evaluated AMS for noninvasive body contouring; however, the efficacy, safety, and long-term data remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the current literature on the use of electromagnetic muscle stimulation for body contouring and provide a consensus on patient selection and long-term efficacy of AMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and Embase were searched using the terms: "HIFEM," "Electromagnetic therapy," and "muscle" or "Electrical stimulation muscle treatments" and "aesthetics." Studies involving the use of muscle stimulation for nonaesthetic/dermatologic, in vitro studies or studies involving animals were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty studies in total were included [9 moderate-quality, 8 low-quality, and 3 very low‒quality studies] based on the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation scale, representing 521 patients. Body sites evaluated included the abdomen (378 patients), buttock (156 patients), arms (22 patients), and calves (15 patients). CONCLUSION: Electromagnetic muscle stimulation represents an effective therapeutic intervention for abdominal contouring that yields increased muscle thickness, and reduced abdominal fat thickness, for up to 1 year after treatment. Larger, controlled studies are needed to determine the efficacy of electromagnetic muscle stimulation alone for contouring of buttocks, thighs, arms, and calves.

Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency-based and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM)-based devices have proved effective and safe for abdominal body shaping. Radiofrequency is known to reduce adipose tissue, whereas HIFEM treatment is effective for muscle definition. The authors investigated the efficacy of a novel device delivering synchronized radiofrequency and HIFEM treatment simultaneously for abdominal toning and fat reduction. METHODS: Seventy-two patients were enrolled and randomly divided into active (n = 48; age, 45.5 ± 13.0 years) and sham groups (n = 24; age, 44.6 ± 12.3 years). Both groups received three treatments on the abdomen once a week. The intensity in the active group was set to maximum tolerable level; in the sham group, the intensities were set to 5 percent. Ultrasound images were taken before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment to examine changes in subcutaneous fat and rectus abdominis muscle thickness. Digital photographs were taken, and satisfaction and therapy comfort were assessed. RESULTS: Ultrasound images of the active group at 1 month showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in adipose tissue thickness by 20.5 percent (4.8 ± 2.6 mm), whereas rectus abdominis muscle thickness increased by 21.5 percent (2.0 ± 0.8 mm). Results at 3 months improved to 28.3 percent (7.6 ± 3.7 mm) and 24.2 percent (2.3 ± 0.9 mm), respectively. Improvements were maintained at 6 months after treatment in the active group, whereas the sham group showed no significant changes. Treatments were found to be comfortable. The active group showed higher satisfaction with outcomes. CONCLUSION: Active treatment utilizing simultaneous application of radiofrequency and HIFEM therapy resulted in a significant increase in rectus abdominis thickness and subcutaneous fat reduction, exceeding previously published results for separate HIFEM and radiofrequency treatments. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

Breaking the Binary: The Approach to Chest Masculinizing Gender-Affirming Surgery in Trangender Men.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of mastectomy for the transgender patient is to produce a masculine appearance of the chest. A number of algorithms have been proposed for selecting the surgical technique. A holistic and surgical approach to transgender men includes our experience-based classification system for selecting the correct surgical technique. OBJECTIVES: To present and discuss the Transgender Standard of Care and our personal experience. METHODS: Data were collected from the files of female-to-male transgender persons who underwent surgery during 2003-2019. Pictures of the patients were also analyzed. RESULTS: Until May 2021, 342 mastectomies were performed by the senior author on 171 patients. The 220 mastectomies performed on 110 patients until November 2019 were included in our cohort. Patient age was 13.5 to 50 years (mean 22.5 ± 6.1). The excision averaged 443 grams per breast (range 85-2550). A periareolar approach was performed in 14 (12.7%), omega-shaped resection (nipple-areola complex on scar) in 2 (1.8%), spindle-shaped mastectomy with a dermal nipple-areola complex flap approach in 38 (34.5%), and a complete mastectomy with a free nipple-areola complex graft in 56 (50.9%). Complications included two hypertrophic scars, six hematomas requiring revision surgery, three wound dehiscences, and three cases of partial nipple necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: A holistic approach to transgender healthcare is presented based on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health standard of care. Analysis of the data led to Wolf's classification for female-to-male transgender mastectomy based on skin excess and the distance between the original and the planned position of the nipple-areola complex.

Nutritional Support for Bariatric Surgery Patients: The Skin beyond the Fat.

Body contouring surgery after the massive weight loss due to bariatric surgery deals with different kinds of complications. The aim of this review is to analyze the role that some nutrients may play in tissue healing after surgery, thus helping plastic surgeons to improve the aesthetic and health outcomes in massive weight loss patients under a multidisciplinary approach. As a matter of fact, preoperative nutritional deficiencies have been shown for vitamins and minerals in a large percentage of post-bariatric patients. Preoperative deficiencies mainly concern iron, zinc, selenium, and vitamins (both fat-soluble and water-soluble), but also total protein. During the postoperative period, these problems may increase because of the patients' very low intake of vitamins and minerals after bariatric surgery (below 50% of the recommended dietary allowance) and the patients' low compliance with the suggested multivitamin supplementation (approximately 60%). In the postoperative period, more attention should be given to nutritional aspects in regard to the length of absorptive area and the percentage of weight loss.

Simultaneous Application of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Fat Disruption: Histological and Electron Microscopy Porcine Model Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technologies are used for noninvasive body shaping as standalone modalities. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of novel synchronized RF and HIFEM on subcutaneous adipose tissue in a porcine animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven large white pigs aged 6 months received 3 abdominal treatments of simultaneous application of synchronized RF and HIFEM (30 minutes, once per week). Punch biopsies of treated and control subcutaneous tissue were collected at the baseline, 4 days, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months. Specimens were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Adipocyte volume was analyzed. Fat tissue temperature was measured in situ (fiber optic probes) and superficially (thermal imager). RESULTS: Fat layer was heated to temperatures of 42 to 45°C. Signs of fat apoptosis (shape alternations and pyknotic nuclei) appeared at day 4 and peaked between 2 weeks and 1 month. Adipocyte volume decreased significantly (p < .001) by 31.1% at 2 weeks, 1 month (-23.6%), and 2 months (-22.0%). Control samples showed healthy adipocytes. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs corroborated histology findings, showing flattened, volume-depleted and disrupted adipocytes. CONCLUSION: Synchronized RF with HIFEM procedure resulted in a significant and sustained fat reduction with no adverse events.

Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency and high-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field procedure are well-known, stand-alone, body-shaping modalities, yet their simultaneous application has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel device simultaneously delivering HIFEM and radiofrequency for subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle toning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-one subjects with an average age of 39.7 ± 11.5 years were recruited. The subjects received 3 abdominal treatments (one per week). Magnetic resonance imaging images of the treated area were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits for changes in subcutaneous fat, muscle thickness, and abdominal separation (AS). Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. RESULTS: The muscle mass increase peaked at 3 months, showing 26.1% thickening. The fat thickness reduction was most prominent at 3 months, showing a 30.8% reduction. The AS decreased by 18.8% at 3 months after treatment. The waist circumference reduced by 5.87 ± 3.64 cm at a 3-month follow-up. Six-month data showed maintenance of these outcomes. The treatment was considered as comfortable with high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging images and waist measurements showed that the therapy combining HIFEM and radiofrequency is highly effective in reducing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickening.

A Prospective Study Determining Patient Satisfaction with Combined Cryolipolysis and Shockwave Therapy Treatment for Noninvasive Body Contouring.

BACKGROUND: With an increased interest in nonsurgical and minimally invasive body fat reduction and body contouring procedures with limited side effects and downtime, cryolipolysis has emerged as a compelling and safe alternative to surgical fat removal methods. A massage of the treated areas generally follows cryolipolysis treatment to improve blood circulation and increase apoptotic fat cells' removal. In this study, following cryolipolysis, we used shockwave therapy instead of massage to enhance the results of the body contouring treatment and improve the patient's comfort. We then assessed patients' comfort and satisfaction using the combination of cryolipolysis and shockwave therapy in reducing fat volume. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 30 patients who underwent at least one cryolipolysis therapy cycle followed by shockwave treatment. Subjects were given a posttreatment questionnaire to assess the patient's comfort and satisfaction degree with the combination of cryolipolysis and shockwave therapy for fat reduction. Answers were recorded on a five-point Likert-style scale, entered into a database and were analyzed. RESULTS: We found an overall high satisfaction rate for most patients when treated with shockwave therapy after cryolipolysis treatment. The majority of patients described the discomfort associated with treatment as minimal or tolerable (76.7%) and were prepared to recommend cryolipolysis treatment followed by shockwave therapy to friends (68.9%). Overall, 76.7% of patients found the combination therapy comfortable, 68.3% were satisfied with the results, 57.7% said the results met their expectations. CONCLUSION: The most important aspects of body contouring methods is a patient's safety, comfort, satisfaction and self-image improvement. In this study, we report a high level of patient satisfaction when using a combination of fat reduction procedures of cryolipolysis followed by shockwave therapy. The majority of cases report being satisfied or extremely satisfied with the treatment and found this body contouring combination method comfortable. Cryolipolysis combined with shockwave treatment appears to be a safe and efficient way of reducing the size of localized and stubborn fat deposits for subjects who desire nonsurgical localized fat reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

[POST MASSIVE WEIGHT LOSS BODY CONTOURING SURGERIES CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO OBESITY TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has become one of the most challenging diseases in the modern world due to its high prevalence, its metabolic pathways and its medical impacts. Although bariatric surgeries have become the main treatment for obesity, a new issue is being created - loose skin. Massive weight loss patients undergo body contouring plastic surgery (BCPS) to remove the excess skin and improve their quality of life. Patients' age, physical and medical status, amount of redundant skin and patients' personal preferences dictate the number of anatomical areas contoured at every surgical stage. Recent studies have shown that BCPS are a significant protective factor against long-term weight regain following bariatric surgery. Specifically, the number of operated areas have a direct influence on weight control: BCPS in three or more anatomical areas following massive weight loss (MWL) is associated with a higher chance of long-term weight loss following body-contouring surgery in comparison to surgery in one area alone. In summary, BCPS have become a fundamental part of the holistic treatment recommended for patients suffering from obesity.

Unconventional use of ablative fractional photothermolysis in arm contouring.

Brachioplasty, in addition to several nonsurgical interventions (e.g. cryolipolysis, noninvasive radiofrequency, and intense-focused ultrasound) have been described as efficacious in the elimination of excess skin laxity from the upper arms. Recently, fractional CO2 ablation has gained attention for its ability to reduce rhytids and improve skin texture on the face, neck, and hands. In this article, we report the first successful case of fractional CO2 ablation for upper arm contouring.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation Combined with Electrical Passive Exercise for Fast Removal of Body Fat.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) lipolysis still lacks treatment efficacy. The authors hypothesized that electrical stimulation of muscular groups can enhance the metabolism of free lipids released from HIFU-ablated adipocytes. METHODS: Five-month-old, male Landrace swine, with an average initial weight of 95 kg, were divided randomly into sham, HIFU only, HIFU plus electrical stimulation I, and HIFU plus electrical stimulation II groups. Subcutaneous adipose tissue of the porcine abdomen was treated once by HIFU on days 1 of weeks 1, 3, and 5, and electrical stimulation of the quadriceps was performed once on the day 1 of weeks 1 through 6. The numbers of ultrasonic sonications were 70 per treatment for the HIFU-only and HIFU plus electrical stimulation I groups and 400 for the HIFU plus electrical stimulation II group. The measured data are expressed as medians (ranges). RESULTS: The body weights of all pigs increased gradually with time. The waist circumferences below the sheath decreased from 97.7 ± 6.0 cm in week 1 and 97.9 ± 5.3 cm in week 3 to 96.4 ± 10.0 cm in week 6, and from 105.3 ± 5.1 cm and 101.2 ± 7.4 cm to 100.5 ± 6.1 cm for the HIFU plus electrical stimulation I and II groups, respectively, whereas they increased for the sham and HIFU-only groups. The reductions in the adipose tissue thickness were 0.59, 1.46, and 2.18 mm for the HIFU-only, HIFU plus electrical stimulation I, and HIFU plus electrical stimulation II groups, respectively, when the sham group increased by 1.42 mm. Follow-up blood analyses demonstrated no significant changes in lipid panel parameters from baseline values. CONCLUSION: HIFU plus electrical stimulation can induce a substantial reduction in the waist circumference of pigs.

Mechanism of nonthermal induction of apoptosis by high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure: Biochemical investigation in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have reported adipose tissue reduction after the application of the High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field technology, yet cellular level evidence of the mechanisms has remained scarce. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to verify or refute previous single-study histological evidence and further investigates the proposed mechanism of apoptotic induction. METHODS: The thigh of two Large White pigs was treated with HIFEM for 30 minutes. Fat punch biopsies were collected from the application area before, immediately after, and 8 hours post-treatment. Control samples were taken from the abdomen immediately after and 8 hours post-treatment. Samples were analyzed for pro-apoptotic DNA markers (BAX, BCL-2, TXNIP, MMP9, TNF-α), the levels of free fatty acids (FFA), and the pH levels of the adipose tissue. RESULTS: The levels of FFA in the treated adipose tissue increased on average by 127.1% immediately post-treatment and by 134.1% 8 hours post-treatment, indicating a rapid breakdown of lipids. The average recorded adipose pH changed from 7.30 ± 0.12 at baseline to 6.60 ± 0.07 immediately post-treatment (P = .001) and to 7.19 ± 0.12 8 hours post-treatment. The levels of BAX, TXNIP, MMP9, and TNF-α increased post-treatment while BCL-2 decreased. Control samples showed constant levels of pH and pro-apoptotic markers. The FFAs in the control samples were increased by 41.6%-51.4%. CONCLUSION: The changes in the levels of the pro-apoptotic markers conformed to the previously reported elevated fat apoptosis post-HIFEM treatments. These effects were accompanied by an increase in FFA levels, and by reduced pH levels, due to the increased acidity in the adipose tissue. Further research is required to explore the potential of nonthermal induction of apoptosis.

Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia after noninvasive radiofrequency treatment: A novel report and review.

The past decade has experienced a surge in the frequency of nonsurgical procedures, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, and nonsurgical fat reduction. Nonsurgical fat reduction methods include cryolipolysis (Coolsculpting), ultrasound (Vaser Shape), laser (Liposonix), and radiofrequency (Vanquish). These methods generally produce good results, with cryolipolysis gaining much popularity over the past few years. Multiple reports of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia have been reported with Coolsculpting, with an incidence of 0.025% to 1%. This entity has never been reported with other methods of nonsurgical fat reduction, including noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish). We present a case of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a 57-year-old male following treatment with noninvasive radiofrequency (Vanquish) to the abdomen. He was treated with power-assisted liposuction to the abdomen and flanks. This is the first case in the literature of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia in a patient treated with this form of noninvasive fat reduction.

Recuperação clínica e laboratorial dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia combinada de lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia / Clinical and laboratory recovery of patients undergoing body liposuction associated with lipoabdominoplasty

Introdução: A lipoaspiração corporal e abdominoplastia são cirurgias muitas vezes realizadas em conjunto para obter melhores resultados na modelagem corporal. Cirurgias associadas sempre aumentam a espoliação, por isto conhecer o comportamento da hemoglobina (Hb) no pós-operatório e a recuperação do paciente submetido a estas cirurgias combinadas é importante para sua segurança. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a queda da Hb e a recuperação clínica e laboratorial dos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia combinada de lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo em pacientes submetidos à lipoaspiração corporal e lipoabdominoplastia, coletando-se hemogramas antes da indução anestésica, ao final da cirurgia, antes da alta hospitalar, após a 1ª, 2ª e 4ª semanas de pós-operatórios e também acompanhando suas evoluções clínicas. Resultados: A média da Hb ao final da cirurgia e na alta hospitalar foi de 10,4g/dl (desvio padrão (DP) 0,76) e 8,92g/dl (DP 0,86), respectivamente. A recuperação em média da Hb após 1ª, 2ª e 4ª semanas foi de 2,4% (DP 18,07), 41,6% (DP 18,4) e 74% (DP 15,2), respectivamente, em relação a redução que ocorreu entre a Hb inicial e a da alta hospitalar. Queixas de fraqueza e lipotimia foram frequentes até o segundo dia. Conclusão: A melhora clínica ocorreu até o segundo dia de pós-operatório (DPO) e a hemoglobina levou aproximadamente 1 mês para normalizar na maioria dos pacientes tratados apenas com reposição oral de ferro, sem necessidade de hemotransfusão.

Introduction: Body liposuction and abdominoplasty are surgeries often performed together to obtain superior results in body modeling. Since associated surgeries often increase spoliation, being aware of the evolution of hemoglobin (Hb) in the postoperative period and during the recovery of the patients undergoing these associated surgeries is important for their safety. This study aimed to analyze the decrease in Hb and the clinical and laboratory results throughout the recovery of patients undergoing body liposuction associated with lipoabdominoplasty. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with patients undergoing body liposuction and lipoabdominoplasty. CBCs were collected before anesthetic induction, at the end of the surgery, before hospital discharge, after the 1st, 2nd, and 4th postoperative weeks, and during their clinical follow-up period. Results: The average Hb values at the end of surgery and hospital discharge were 10.4 g/dL (standard deviation (SD) 0.76) and 8.92 g/dL (SD 0.86), respectively. The average values during the recovery of Hb after the 1st, 2nd, and 4th weeks were 2.4% (SD 18.07), 41.6% (SD 18.4), and 74% (SD 15.2), respectively. This is in relation to the reduction between the initial Hb and at hospital discharge. Complaints of weakness and lipothymia were frequent until the second day. Conclusion: Clinical improvement was observed until the second postoperative day (PO day). Hemoglobin required approximately 1 month to normalize in most patients. These patients were treated only with oral iron replacement and did not require blood transfusions.

Eficácia da massagem mecânica motorizada associada a cosmecêuticos no remodelamento corporal e aspecto da celulite / Efficacy of motorized mechanical massage associated with derma-cosmeceuticals in body remodeling and aspect of cellulite

Gordura localizada e celulite são as afecções estéticas que mais incomodam as mulheres nos dias atuais e as levam a busca de tratamentos estéticos. Por essa razão, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a associação da massagem mecânica motorizada com cosmecêuticos no tratamento da gordura localizada e celulite. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo clínico longitudinal prospectivo e comparativo. Trinta e duas mulheres foram incluídas no presente estudo seguindo os critérios de elegibilidade e inelegibilidade, todos foram avaliados e reavaliados após dez sessões do protocolo de tratamento. Para análise dos dados foram utilizados testes Lilliefor's, teste t-student bicaudal pareado, teste t-student bicaudal para amostras heterocedásticas. Resultados: Trinta mulheres finalizaram o protocolo de tratamento. Obteve-se redução das medidas, de abdome superior (p < 0,032) e abdome inferior (p < 0,004) na adipometria; medidas de cintura (p < 0,008) e abdome inferior (p < 0,022) avaliadas pela perimetria; na análise do ultrassom houve redução da medida de abdome superior (p < 0,004), flancos (p < 0,021), posterior de coxa região de prega glútea (p < 0,006) e posterior de coxa região inferior (p < 0,0001). Conclusão: Diante dos resultados, conclui-se que o protocolo de tratamento com a associação da massagem mecânica motorizada e cosmecêuticos foram eficazes para a melhora do contorno corporal e a aparência da celulite. (AU)

Localized fat and cellulite are the aesthetic conditions which disturb women the most, in current times, and therefore lead them to search esthetic treatments. For this reason, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of motorized mechanical massage with derma cosmeceuticals in the treatment of localized fat and cellulitis. Methods: This is a clinical prospective longitudinal study. Thirty-two women were included in the present study, following the criteria of eligibility and ineligibility, and they were all evaluated and re-evaluated after ten sessions of the treatment protocol. For data analysis, we used Lilliefors t-student tests, paired two-tailed test, for heteroscedastic samples. Results: Thirty women finalized the treatment protocol, and reduction of measures was obtained in the upper abdomen (p < 0.032) and lower abdomen (p < 0.004) in adipometry; waist measures (p < 0.008) and lower abdomen, (p < 0.022) evaluated by perimetry: in the ultrasound analysis, there was reduction of the upper abdomen measure (p < 0.004), flanks (p < 0.021), upper posterior thigh area (p < 0.006) and posterior thigh distal area (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: We concluded that the treatment protocol with the association of motorized mechanical massage was efficient in the improvement of the body contour and the aspect of cellulitis. (AU)

Review of non-invasive body contouring devices for fat reduction, skin tightening and muscle definition.

Non-invasive body contouring is a rapidly growing field in cosmetic dermatology. Non-invasive contouring devices improve the body's appearance through the removal of excess adipose tissue, particularly in areas in which fat persists despite optimal diet and exercise routine. The technology can also be used for skin tightening. This article reviews the five FDA-approved non-invasive body contouring modalities: cryolipolysis, laser, high-intensity focused electromagnetic field, radiofrequency and high-intensity focused ultrasound. These devices have emerged as a popular alternative to surgical body contouring due to their efficacy, favourable safety profile, minimal recovery time and reduced cost. Although they do not achieve the same results as liposuction, they are an attractive alternative for patients who do not want the risks or costs associated with surgery. When used appropriately and correctly, these devices have demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and safety.

Ultrasound Assessment of Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Thickness After Treatments With a High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field Device: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: High-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology is intended for muscle toning, firming, and strengthening. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to quantify the effect of HIFEM treatments on subcutaneous fat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 patients participated in the study. Each subject underwent 4 treatments on the abdomen with the HIFEM device. Ultrasound images were obtained measuring the thickness of the subcutaneous fat from 4 standardized measurement points. Ultrasound images were taken before treatment and at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Photographs were captured using both 2D and 3D cameras. Weight measurements were taken, as well as surveys assessing both patient comfort, satisfaction, and adverse events. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the subcutaneous fat thickness across the abdomen was observed, averaging 19.0%/4.47 ± 3.23 mm (p < .01) at 1 month after treatment and 23.3%/5.78 ± 4.07 mm 3 months after treatment. At 1 month, the most significant reduction in subcutaneous fat was measured subumbilically (26.6%/6.25 ± 4.70 mm; p < .01) and epiumbilically (21.6%/5.08 ± 3.69 mm; p < .01). No discomfort was reported, and 91% of study participants were satisfied with their result. CONCLUSION: Based on the ultrasonographic and photographic observations, the authors conclude that the application of an HIFEM field is an effective option for the noninvasive treatment of subcutaneous fat.

A review of the FDA's 510(k) approvals process for electromagnetic devices used in body contouring.

Introduction: Greater demand for noninvasive techniques to reduce cellulite and contour the body has led to the growth of electromagnetic and radiofrequency devices. In this study, we aimed to characterize the evolution and safety of electromagnetic devices marketed in the U.S. over the last two decades. Methods: We examined records from a U.S. FDA database documenting premarket approval of electromagnetic devices between January 1, 2000 and October 31, 2018. Additionally, we searched the Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database for reports of adverse events. Results: Thirty-one devices were approved from 2012-2018. Initially marketed to temporarily reduce muscle pain and cellulite, indications for these devices have expanded. The MAUDE database revealed 61 reports of adverse events including acute skin damage, dyspigmentation, infection, hair growth, scarring, and others. Discussion: Although electromagnetic devices are gaining increasing public attention and marketed to be safe, the frequency and types of adverse events are not well-documented. Importantly, the MAUDE database has limitations including submission of incomplete, inaccurate, untimely, or unverified data make determining the true number of adverse events difficult. Further investigation is greatly needed to define appropriate parameters and outcomes for the use of electromagnetic devices in body contouring and skin enhancement.

High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping.

OBJECTIVES: This study introduces an initial evaluation of a novel High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. The primary goal is to quantify any effects the treatments may have on abdominal tissues, as well as to establish hypotheses for future research of this technology. METHODS: Twenty-two patients received four abdominal treatments using the EMSCULPT device (BTL Industries Inc., Boston, MA). Anthropometric evaluations were recorded and digital photographs were taken at baseline, at 2 months, and at 6 months post-treatments. The MRI without contrast determined by vertertebras T12 and S1 (FIESTA and FSPRG sequences) was used to measure dimensions in coronal cross-sectional images of abdominal muscle and fatty tissues, in order to assess any anatomical changes induced by the application. RESULTS: Analysis of the same MRI slices verified by tissue artefacts showed a statistically significant (all P < 0.0001) average 18.6% reduction of adipose tissue thickness, 15.4% increase in rectus abdominis muscle thickness, and 10.4% reduction in rectus abdominus separation (diastasis recti) as measured from the medial border of the muscle 2 months post-treatment. More significant improvements were observed in patients with BMI 18.5-24.9 (classified as "normal"). MRI data from 6-month follow-up suggest the changes can be preserved in longer term. Tape measurements showed on average 3.8 cm subumbilical circumference reduction. The weight of the subjects did not change significantly (average -0.5 lb; P > 0.05). No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: MRI, considered as a highly precise diagnostic method, revealed simultaneous muscle growth, fat reduction and reduced abdominal separation at 2 months and at 6 months post treatments, unrelated with dieting. Further research should investigate the exact physiological processes which stand behind the tissue changes observed in this study. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:40-46, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.