Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Application of HIFEM and Synchronized Radiofrequency for Abdominal Fat Reduction and Muscle Toning: A Multicenter Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Radiofrequency and high-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) field procedure are well-known, stand-alone, body-shaping modalities, yet their simultaneous application has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of a novel device simultaneously delivering HIFEM and radiofrequency for subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle toning. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-one subjects with an average age of 39.7 ± 11.5 years were recruited. The subjects received 3 abdominal treatments (one per week). Magnetic resonance imaging images of the treated area were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month visits for changes in subcutaneous fat, muscle thickness, and abdominal separation (AS). Anthropometric data and digital photographs were collected. Subject satisfaction and therapy comfort were evaluated. RESULTS The muscle mass increase peaked at 3 months, showing 26.1% thickening. The fat thickness reduction was most prominent at 3 months, showing a 30.8% reduction. The AS decreased by 18.8% at 3 months after treatment. The waist circumference reduced by 5.87 ± 3.64 cm at a 3-month follow-up. Six-month data showed maintenance of these outcomes. The treatment was considered as comfortable with high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION The analysis of magnetic resonance imaging images and waist measurements showed that the therapy combining HIFEM and radiofrequency is highly effective in reducing subcutaneous fat and muscle thickening.

Muscle Stimulation for Aesthetic Body Shaping: A Comprehensive and Critical Review

“…Rectus abdominis thickness increased by 23.5% and 26.1% at 1 and 3 months, respectively ( p < .05). 25 Of the 20 subjects who completed a 6-month follow-up, increase in muscle thickness was maintained at 25.3% thickening. Reduction of adipose was 24.4%, 30.8%, and 28.8% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively ( p < .05).…”

Clinical responses of subcutaneous abdominal fat and rectus abdominis muscle thicknesses following treatment with a high-intensity focused electromagnetic field device

“…As for sculpturing both the muscle and SF, synchronized RF and HIFEM have also been demonstrated to be successful [18]. It was demonstrated in some preliminary data that using combined RF and HIFEM treatment, three sessions of 30-minute treatments on the abdomen can reduce 30.8% of SF and increase 26.1% muscle thickness as detected on MRI at 3 months by Jacob et al [19], compared to 34.0% and 26.2%, respectively, in this study with a protocol of six sessions of 60-minute HIFEM treatment alone. The results showed that the improvements in both SF and muscles were similar, but the number and length of treatments were lower.…”

The role and clinical benefits of high‐intensity focused electromagnetic devices for non‐invasive lipolysis and beyond: A narrative review and position paper

“…23 A multi-center magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation study evaluated the simultaneous application of HIFEM and RF energies in 40 subjects (16 males, 24 females). 24 All subjects received three, 30 min treatments to the abdomen, once a week. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6 months post-treatment.…”

“…Moreover, all of the patients were satisfied with the treatment results; with 90.0% of the patients stating that "their abdominal appearance has been improved," and 97.5% of the patients "felt their abdomen is more toned." 24 A histological and electron microscopy porcine model study evaluated HIFEM+ technology for fat reduction in seven Large White pigs. 25 All animals received the active treatment procedure, consisting of three, 30 min treatment sessions on the abdomen, once a week.…”

“…Treatments were perceived as comfortable (score 2.6 ± 1.8 on a 10‐point visual analogue scale). Moreover, all of the patients were satisfied with the treatment results; with 90.0% of the patients stating that “their abdominal appearance has been improved,” and 97.5% of the patients “felt their abdomen is more toned.” 24 …”