Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency-based and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM)-based devices have proved effective and safe for abdominal body shaping. Radiofrequency is known to reduce adipose tissue, whereas HIFEM treatment is effective for muscle definition. The authors investigated the efficacy of a novel device delivering synchronized radiofrequency and HIFEM treatment simultaneously for abdominal toning and fat reduction. Methods: Seventy-two patients were enrolled and randomly divided into active ( n = 48; age, 45.5 ± 13.0 years) and sham groups ( n = 24; age, 44.6 ± 12.3 years). Both groups received three treatments on the abdomen once a week. The intensity in the active group was set to maximum tolerable level; in the sham group, the intensities were set to 5 percent. Ultrasound images were taken before treatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment to examine changes in subcutaneous fat and rectus abdominis muscle thickness. Digital photographs were taken, and satisfaction and therapy comfort were assessed. Results: Ultrasound images of the active group at 1 month showed significant ( p < 0.05) reduction in adipose tissue thickness by 20.5 percent (4.8 ± 2.6 mm), whereas rectus abdominis muscle thickness increased by 21.5 percent (2.0 ± 0.8 mm). Results at 3 months improved to 28.3 percent (7.6 ± 3.7 mm) and 24.2 percent (2.3 ± 0.9 mm), respectively. Improvements were maintained at 6 months after treatment in the active group, whereas the sham group showed no significant changes. Treatments were found to be comfortable. The active group showed higher satisfaction with outcomes. Conclusion: Active treatment utilizing simultaneous application of radiofrequency and HIFEM therapy resulted in a significant increase in rectus abdominis thickness and subcutaneous fat reduction, exceeding previously published results for separate HIFEM and radiofrequency treatments. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, II.

A Systematic Review of Electromagnetic Treatments for Body Contouring

“…All studies with surveys reported high patient satisfaction. 5,6,10,[12][13][14]20,22,26 Photographs typically depicted modest results (Fig. 1).…”

“…1). 5,10,11,[14][15][16]20,22 By contrast, the sham-controlled study by Samuels et al 6 showed a dramatic reduction in the abdominal profile (Fig. 2).…”

“…Recent investigators hypothesize that a combination of electromagnetic treatments and radiofrequency produces a synergistic reduction in abdominal fat thickness and an increase in abdominal muscle thickness. 6,13 Typically, electromagnetic treatment and radiofrequency (electric current) are not compatible energy sources. 8 The combined treatment reportedly overcomes the interference between the 2 modalities by using proprietary synchronized radiofrequency electrodes that prevent eddy currents.…”

“…8 The combined treatment reportedly overcomes the interference between the 2 modalities by using proprietary synchronized radiofrequency electrodes that prevent eddy currents. 6,13 Goldberg et al 8 believe that the enhanced blood supply provided by radiofrequency heating prepares the muscles for exposure to electromagnetic-induced stress, similar to a warmup before a workout. Samuels et al 6 believe that surface warming contributes to muscle hypertrophy under the fat layer.…”

Is It Possible to Reshape the Body and Tone It at the Same Time? Schwarzy: The New Technology for Body Sculpting

“…Electromagnetic field devices, particularly the High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field (HIFEM), include the latest generation of dermatological technologies. The FDA permission for these technologies includes intended uses such as “stimulating neuromuscular tissue for muscle mass excitation in the legs or arms” and improving and strengthening abdominal tone [ 19 , 20 ].…”