title: Three-dimensional volumetric assessment of body sculpting using a uniform heating radio frequency device in Asians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A uniform heating radio frequency (RF) device induces thermal damage to adipose tissue by a controlled electric field that heats up fat preferentially. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of RF treatments on body sculpting, as assessed by objective volumetric assessments.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty Japanese patients were treated on requested body areas. A monopolar 1-MHz RF device with uniform heating and perpendicular internal electric fields was used to achieve greater heating within the fat. Two treatments were performed 6 weeks apart using a stamp method with 0-20% overlap. Depending on patient comfort, the temperatures were set between 44 and 46°C. No topical anesthetics or any adjunctive treatment were administered before, during, or after the treatment. Super-imposable three-dimensional (3D) photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks post-second treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5-point scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Objective assessments with super-imposable 3D color images showed statistically significant median volume reduction of 52.9 mL after treatments. Eighty percent of the patients were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the results. No epidermal burns, sensory changes, and muscle contractions were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The uniform heating RF treatment is safe and effective for non-invasive body sculpting.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Tanaka Plastic, Reconstructive Surgery and Anti-aging Center , Matsumoto, Nagano , Japan.
authors.forename: Yohei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tanaka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy
keywords: objective assessment; quantitative volumetric measurement; subcutaneous fat; three-dimensional imaging