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The role and clinical benefits of high‐intensity focused electromagnetic devices for non‐invasive lipolysis and beyond: A narrative review and position paper
Author(s) -
Goldberg David J.,
Enright Kaitlyn M.,
Goldfarb Richard,
Katz Bruce,
Gold Michael
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of cosmetic dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.626
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1473-2165
pISSN - 1473-2130
DOI - 10.1111/jocd.14203
Subject(s) - medicine , advisory committee , narrative review , medical physics , intensive care medicine , management , economics
Background In 2018, the first device to use high‐intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to non‐invasively build muscle was brought to market. Even more recently, the first HIFEM and radiofrequency combination device designed to both build muscle and eliminate fat cells came into use (HIFEM+). In view of the increase in recently published original data pertaining to HIFEM, an advisory board recently convened to discuss the group's clinical experiences with this technology. Aim Communicate an advisory group's recommendations for the current use of HIFEM+ technology for aesthetic indications. Methods An advisory board meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities for HIFEM devices in aesthetic medicine took place in November 2020, via remote conference. The expert advisory board consisted of a group of senior aesthetic physicians regularly treating patients with non‐invasive body contouring devices. A narrative review of the literature and key recommendations from the meeting are presented herein. Results To date, the combined results of several clinical studies (including over 500 patients and 30 investigators) support that patients treated with HIFEM+ experience on average, 30% less fat, 25% more muscle, 19% reduction in abdominal separation and up to 5.9 cm reduction in waist circumference. Moreover, HIFEM+ induces a 30% increase in satellite cell content, which is similar to the 36% increase observed following twelve weeks of exercise. Conclusions The advisory board unanimously agreed on several messages related to HIFEM technology, including that the pairing of HIFEM and radiofrequency (HIFEM+) enables a higher intensity of muscle stimulation and lipolysis, compared to HIFEM alone.