Background: Radiofrequency (RF) is commonly recognized treatment option for fat reduction, utilizing heat-induced adipocyte deletion. HIFEM treatment has been proven to be an effective tool for body shaping.
Objectives: To document the structural changes in human subcutaneous tissue induced by the combination of RF treatment with the HIFEM procedure.
Methods: Four subjects (51.50 ± 6.35 years, 22.59 ± 3.21 kg/m2 ) received three 30-minute abdominal treatments consisting of RF therapy and HIFEM. One subject (57 years, 23.60 kg/m2 ) served as a control. Punch biopsies were collected at baseline, 1-week, and 1-month post-treatment. Samples were sliced and stained with H&E. Waist circumference, digital photographs, satisfaction, and therapy comfort were assessed. Subjects were monitored for any adverse event, and fat temperatures were measured.
Results: Baseline samples showed a healthy appearance of adipocytes, composed of round-shaped unilocular cells of uniform size. At follow-up, treated adipocytes demonstrated nuclear and shape changes with consequent fat reduction. Adipocytes were found to be flattened/shrunken and of smaller size (-33.5% at 1 week; -31.7% at 1-month) along with occasional ruptures of the cytoplasmic membrane. In contrast to baseline, pyknotic nuclei with condensed nuclear chromatin were seen at 1-week and 1-month post-treatment. The control samples showed no treatment-related changes. Waist circumference decreased by an average of 2.20 cm in the treated patients. No adverse events were observed. The fat temperature reached 42-45°C, during treatment; the therapy was comfortable with high patient satisfaction.
Conclusions: Results suggest the efficacy and safety of the therapy combining RF and HIFEM. The adipocyte deletion and shrinkage resulted in overall reduction of fat tissue.
Keywords: HIFEM; apoptosis; histology; radiofrequency.
© 2021 The Authors. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.