The efficacy of a combination non-thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device for noninvasive body contouring in Asians.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies have been published on the first generation non-thermal focused ultrasound with an average improvement of 0-3.95 cm reported. We aim to investigate the efficacy of the second-generation non-thermal focused ultrasound device with a combined radiofrequency hand piece. With the addition of radiofrequency energy, the temperature of the adipose tissue is raised before focused ultrasound is applied. This facilitates the mechanical disruption of fat cells by focused ultrasound.


METHODS
Twenty subjects were recruited and underwent three treatments biweekly. Caliper reading, abdominal circumference, and standardized photographs were taken with the Vectra(®) system at all visits. We aim to have the subjects stand and hold the same position and the photograph taken after exhalation. Caliper and circumference measurements carry uncertainty. It is impossible to eliminate all uncertainties but can be improved by having the same trained physician assistant perform the measurement at the same site and taking an average of three readings. Pain score and satisfaction were recorded by means of the visual analogue scale. The efficacy is defined by a statistically significant improvement in circumferential improvement based on intention-to-treat analysis.


RESULTS
Seventeen subjects completed the treatment schedule. Abdominal circumference showed statistically significant improvement at 2 weeks post-second treatment (P = 0.023) and almost all subsequent follow-ups. Caliper readings were statistically significant at 2 weeks post-second treatment (P = 0.013) and almost all follow-ups. The mean pain score reported was 2.3 on the visual analog scale and 6% were unsatisfied with the overall treatments. Six incidents of wheal formation appeared immediately after treatment all of which subsided spontaneously within several hours.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination non-thermal focused ultrasound and radiofrequency device is effective for improving body contour in Asians.
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Samantha Y N
SY
Shek
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Chi K
CK
Yeung
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Johnny C Y
JC
Chan
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.|Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachussetts.
Henry H L
HH
Chan
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D002681:China; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D050507:Subcutaneous Fat, Abdominal; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
UltraShape®; adipose tissue; body contouring; fat; focused ultrasound; radiofrequency