Clinical evaluation of simultaneously applied monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy as a new method for noninvasive treatment of cellulite in postpubertal women

Summary Introduction This study investigates noninvasive cellulite treatments based on simultaneous application of monopolar radiofrequency ( RF ) and targeted pressure energy to evaluate efficacy and safety and to see whether simultaneous application has any benefits in noninvasive cellulite treatments. Methods Thirty women with cellulite (fibrous/adipose/aqueous types) received 4 gluteofemoral treatments (~24 minutes; ~1000 cm 2 ) using a simultaneous application of RF and targeted pressure energy. Clinical improvement was assessed using a pentile grading scale and satisfaction questionnaires. Hip/thigh circumference was measured. Ultrasonography and thermography observed changes in dermal/subcutaneous tissue composition and in gluteofemoral thermal profile. Evaluation at 3 months posttreatment was compared against the baseline. Results The clinical improvement averaged 2.17 ± 0.95 (54% improvement). Cellulite was reduced in 93% of cases, while 73% of patients showed good/very good/excellent improvement, with most significant improvement seen in patients with moderately severe cellulite. Hips and thigh circumference decreased on average by 2.31 cm and 2.13 cm, respectively ( P < .001). Patient satisfaction was very high, averaging 4.47 ± 0.57 points (1‐5 scale). Ultrasonography revealed smoothing and thickening (+0.28 ± 0.15 mm) of the dermis and an average reduction of 1.96 ± 1.60 mm in fat thickness ( P < .05). Subjects with significant cellulite reduction had a more homogenous thermal profile at follow‐up as a result of therapy‐induced diminution of topographic skin defects. No adverse events were recorded. Conclusion The application is effective and safe for treating cellulite. The level of clinical improvement after 4 sessions is comparable to results reported after 6‐20 sessions in studies on stand‐alone RF /laser/targeted pressure energy devices. The technology is promising and deserves further attention and research.