Use of a microwave device for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity: a 1-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The body contour market has grown steadily over the last years, due to the persistent demand for non-invasive treatments for localized fat adiposities, cellulite, and skin laxity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new device delivering microwaves (MWs) energy for unwanted fat and cellulite reduction after a full cycle of treatments and 1 year later. A total of 45 patients with localized adiposity and/or cellulite in different body areas (inner thigh, upper arm, abdomen, culotte de cheval, buttocks), received four treatment sessions, 4 weeks apart. Photographic records and global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) score were performed. RESULTS: For the treatment of cellulite the average GAIS score passed from 3.65 ± 0.49 at 1-month follow-up (1MFU) to 2.7 ± 0.66 at 1-year follow-up (1YFU). For the treatment of localized adiposity, the average GAIS score passed from 3.52 ± 0.51 at 1MFU to 2.82 ± 0.88 at 1YFU. No particular red area was detected either during or after the treatment. There was no mention of assessment of pain or side effects. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings showed that MWs allow for the treatment of cellulite and localized fat adiposity in a safe and effective way, with results lasting over time up to 1 year after the end of the treatment.

[Results on reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue using a novel body contouring system based on microwave technology]. / Ergebnisse zur Reduzierung von subkutanem Fettgewebe mithilfe eines neuartigen, auf Mikrowellentechnologie basierenden Body-Contouring-Systems.

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, the body shaping market has seen steady growth. In order to improve procedures to reduce localized fat deposits, a novel method specifically targeting subcutaneous adipose tissue was developed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a novel microwave device with a frequency of 2.45 GHz achieves visible results with greater safety and consistency in reducing adipose tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In all, 19 healthy patients (10 women and 9 men; age 24-55 years, average age 39 years) and visible abdominal fat received three microwave treatment sessions (each 4 weeks apart) using the new Onda Plus Body Shaping System (DEKA, Italy). The device uses a handpiece that generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz and integrated cooling for optimal patient comfort during treatment. An appropriate treatment protocol was established and applied for approximately 10 min in each treatment area. Before the start of treatment, informed consent and photo release forms were signed by all patients. Before each treatment session, the following were collected: body weight, height, waist circumference, and photographs of the area to be treated. All areas to be treated were premarked with a white skin marker pen while standing. Obese patients and those in whom fat deposits were distributed over the entire body or whose skin was in a state of irreversible flaccidity were excluded. A blood test was performed for each patient, both before the start of treatment (T0) and at the end of the entire treatment protocol (T3). RESULTS: All patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study and signed an informed consent form. The 19 healthy adults were divided into three groups according to the size of the abdominal fold (pinch): group 1 comprised 4 patients with a pinch greater than 4.5 cm, group 2 had 10 patients with a pinch of 2.5-4.5 cm, and group 3 had 5 patients with a pinch less than 2.5 cm. At the 3­month follow-up, the clinically measurable reduction in abdominal circumference was 3.80 ± 1.21 cm in all patients. CONCLUSION: The microwave-based body contouring system was shown to be safe and effective to reduce abdominal circumference. No severe pain or noticeable discomfort was reported during any of the treatment sessions.

A New Protocol to Treat Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Combining Microwaves and Flat magnetic stimulation.

Background: A healthy lifestyle is not always able to improve the abdomen's appearance, especially in those patients who have undergone sudden weight changes. Objective: We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of combined microwaves and flat magnetic stimulation (FMS) to treat abdominal localized adiposity and laxity. Methods: Twenty-five patients were subjected to two treatment sessions per month on the abdominal area with microwaves. FMS was also performed twice per week, with a minimum of two days between each session for two months. The technology uses three types of different protocols: massage, muscle definition (shaping), and muscular strengthening. Measurements, including body mass index (BMI) and waist, and abdominal ultrasound were performed at baseline and three months after the last treatment session. Blood examinations were performed, and a 5-Likert scale questionnaire was used to assess patient satisfaction. Results: At follow-up, three months after the last treatment, the mean waist circumference (WC) was significantly reduced, and skin laxity improved in all patients (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in abdominal muscle tissue thickness was also shown in all abdominal areas, and the thickness of the adipose tissue evaluated by ultrasound was reduced. Conclusions: This study proves that the combination of microwaves and FMS treatment is secure and efficient for treating abdominal subcutaneous fat and skin laxity.