Background: Unwanted lateral fat most prominently affects the female population and may cause self-esteem issues.
Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of synchronized high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) + radiofrequency (RF) for the treatment of lateral thigh adipose tissue.
Materials and methods: Ninety-three subjects (21-70 year old) received 4, 30-minute HIFEM + RF treatments of the lateral thighs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the treated area was obtained at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment to document the changes in fat layer thickness. Furthermore, digital photographs, circumference measurements of the lateral thighs, subjects' satisfaction questionnaires, and therapy safety and comfort were documented.
Results: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a significant reduction of fat tissue in the saddlebag region peaking at 3 months (-18 ± 5.5 mm; N = 51). The thigh circumference measured at 3 predefined levels decreased on average by 2.3 cm, with the greatest change at the level of 10 cm below the infragluteal fold (-3.5 cm, 3-month follow-up). Results were maintained at 6 months. No adverse events were recorded. The therapy was found comfortable with a high satisfaction rate.
Conclusion: High-intensity focused electromagnetic + RF treatment to the lateral thigh area demonstrated effectiveness in long-term fat thickness reduction by MRI imaging. Secondary endpoint showed simultaneous effectiveness and safety.
Copyright © 2022 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.