Use of Minimally Invasive Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis as a Novel Treatment of Grade 2 and Grade 3 Cellulite

Summary: Cellulite is a common condition, and laxity in the superficial fascial system contributes significantly to its appearance in the thigh and buttock areas. Components of the superficial fascial system such as the fibrous septae and adipose tissue are targets for an effective treatment to improve the appearance of cellulite. This preliminary report demonstrates the use of radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis as a novel treatment approach to improve the appearance of cellulite by tightening the superficial fascial system. Ten female patients with grade 2 and grade 3 cellulite of the thighs or buttocks were included in this study. Minimally invasive application of bipolar radiofrequency energy to the affected areas was performed. Predetermined internal thermal endpoints at multiple tissue levels and different directions were reached in the treated tissues. Aspiration of the coagulated adipose tissue was performed using a small-diameter cannula to minimize damage to the connective tissues. Pretreatment and 6-month postoperative photographs of 70 different body areas were randomized and scored by five blinded evaluators. Using the Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale, scoring of preoperative and postoperative photographs revealed statistically significant differences in all body area comparisons. The magnitudes of the differences in all scored body areas were considered large, and mean differences were all positive, indicating an improvement across time. Grade 2 and grade 3 cellulite of the thighs and buttocks can be effectively treated using radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis technology to decrease the laxity of the superficial fascial system.