Diane Irvine Duncan1. 1. Dr. Duncan is with Plastic Surgical Associates in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Abstract
Background: High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF) are established stand-alone techniques used in body contouring. However, data on the simultaneous combination and effects of these modalities for inner thigh treatment is lacking. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the HIFEM+RF procedure for non-invasive fat reduction in the inner thigh, as well as toning and strengthening of the inner thigh muscles. Methods: Sixteen women with an average age of 47.31±12.51 years were recruited. Each patient received four 30-minute bilateral treatments on the inner thighs once a week. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the treated area were evaluated at baseline, one-, and three-month follow-up visits for subcutaneous fat and muscle thickness changes. Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. Results: The results peaked at three months, showing significant changes in both treated tissues. On average, the fat thickness was reduced by 27.4 percent (p<0.001), while muscle tissue showed an average increase of 23.2 percent. Thigh circumference was reduced on average by 1.52cm, with a maximum change of -1.8cm, observed at 5cm below the gluteal crease. The treatment was considered comfortable with high patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Analysis of magnetic resonance images and thigh circumference showed that therapy combining HIFEM and RF is highly effective for subcutaneous fat reduction and increased muscle thickness in inner thighs.
Background: High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF) are established stand-alone techniques used in body contouring. However, data on the simultaneous combination and effects of these modalities for inner thigh treatment is lacking. Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the HIFEM+RF procedure for non-invasive fat reduction in the inner thigh, as well as toning and strengthening of the inner thigh muscles. Methods: Sixteen women with an average age of 47.31±12.51 years were recruited. Each patient received four 30-minute bilateral treatments on the inner thighs once a week. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the treated area were evaluated at baseline, one-, and three-month follow-up visits for subcutaneous fat and muscle thickness changes. Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. Results: The results peaked at three months, showing significant changes in both treated tissues. On average, the fat thickness was reduced by 27.4 percent (p<0.001), while muscle tissue showed an average increase of 23.2 percent. Thigh circumference was reduced on average by 1.52cm, with a maximum change of -1.8cm, observed at 5cm below the gluteal crease. The treatment was considered comfortable with high patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Analysis of magnetic resonance images and thigh circumference showed that therapy combining HIFEM and RF is highly effective for subcutaneous fat reduction and increased muscle thickness in inner thighs.
Authors: Martin Hudelmaier; Wolfgang Wirth; Maria Himmer; Susanne Ring-Dimitriou; Alexandra Sänger; Felix Eckstein Journal: Magn Reson Med Date: 2010-07-27 Impact factor: 4.668