Three-dimensional volumetric assessment of body sculpting using a uniform heating radio frequency device in Asians

Abstract

Background and objectives: A uniform heating radio frequency (RF) device induces thermal damage to adipose tissue by a controlled electric field that heats up fat preferentially. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of RF treatments on body sculpting, as assessed by objective volumetric assessments. Materials and methods: Twenty Japanese patients were treated on requested body areas. A monopolar 1-MHz RF device with uniform heating and perpendicular internal electric fields was used to achieve greater heating within the fat. Two treatments were performed 6 weeks apart using a stamp method with 0–20% overlap. Depending on patient comfort, the temperatures were set between 44 and 46°C. No topical anesthetics or any adjunctive treatment were administered before, during, or after the treatment. Super-imposable three-dimensional (3D) photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks post-second treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5-point scale. Results: Objective assessments with super-imposable 3D color images showed statistically significant median volume reduction of 52.9 mL after treatments. Eighty percent of the patients were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the results. No epidermal burns, sensory changes, and muscle contractions were observed. Conclusions: The uniform heating RF treatment is safe and effective for non-invasive body sculpting.

Key Words::

• objective assessment
• quantitative volumetric measurement
• subcutaneous fat
• three-dimensional imaging

Acknowledgements

I thank Mr. Amogh Kothare and Mr. Chris West (Cutera, Inc.) for providing precise data and the file for Figure 1.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no declarations of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This study was conducted without financial support from a third party. I have no relevant financial activities outside the submitted work.