Premium
The efficacy of a combination non‐thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device for noninvasive body contouring in Asians
Author(s) -
Shek Samantha Y.N.,
Yeung Chi K.,
Chan Johnny C.Y.,
Chan Henry H.L.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.22406
Subject(s) - calipers , medicine , ultrasound , visual analogue scale , contouring , circumference , body contouring , tape measure , physical therapy , nuclear medicine , surgery , radiology , mathematics , geometry , engineering drawing , weight loss , engineering , obesity
Background and Objective Several studies have been published on the first generation non‐thermal focused ultrasound with an average improvement of 0–3.95 cm reported [1,2]. We aim to investigate the efficacy of the second‐generation non‐thermal focused ultrasound device with a combined radiofrequency hand piece. With the addition of radiofrequency energy, the temperature of the adipose tissue is raised before focused ultrasound is applied. This facilitates the mechanical disruption of fat cells by focused ultrasound. Study Design and Methods Twenty subjects were recruited and underwent three treatments biweekly. Caliper reading, abdominal circumference, and standardized photographs were taken with the Vectra ® system at all visits. We aim to have the subjects stand and hold the same position and the photograph taken after exhalation. Caliper and circumference measurements carry uncertainty. It is impossible to eliminate all uncertainties but can be improved by having the same trained physician assistant perform the measurement at the same site and taking an average of three readings. Pain score and satisfaction were recorded by means of the visual analogue scale. The efficacy is defined by a statistically significant improvement in circumferential improvement based on intention‐to‐treat analysis. Results Seventeen subjects completed the treatment schedule. Abdominal circumference showed statistically significant improvement at 2 weeks post‐second treatment ( P = 0.023) and almost all subsequent follow‐ups. Caliper readings were statistically significant at 2 weeks post‐second treatment ( P = 0.013) and almost all follow‐ups. The mean pain score reported was 2.3 on the visual analog scale and 6% were unsatisfied with the overall treatments. Six incidents of wheal formation appeared immediately after treatment all of which subsided spontaneously within several hours. Conclusion The combination non‐thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device is effective for improving body contour in Asians. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:203–207, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.