The effect of vacuum massage (Chinese cupping) on selected skin characteristics in young women with lipodystrophy - preliminary report.

Ten young women with grade 2 lipodystrophy were studied. All subjects participated in a series of anti-cellulite massage treatments using Chinese cupping. Eleven treatments were performed over a 3-week period. Before and after the series of treatments, selected skin characteristics were measured, and the degree of lipodystrophy was determined. Massage was performed only on the right lower limb (study limb) (it has always been the dominant limb), while the left lower limb was the control limb. The study showed a significant increase in skin hydration (F = 19.44; p = 0.00), elasticity (F = 9.08; p = 0.00) and smoothness (F = 34.01; p = 0.00), as well as a reduction in transepidermal water loss (F = 11.01; p = 0.00) in the study and control groups. In addition, a statistically significant reduction in lower limb circumference was observed in the study group (F = 3.29; p = 0.04; F = 1.75; p = 0.18; F = 3.07; p = 0.04), indicating a positive effect of anti-cellulite massage on skin parameters and circumference reduction in young women with lipodystrophy. The anti-cellulite massage using the Chinese cupping has a positive effect on skin hydration, smoothness and firmness, as well as on reducing transepidermal water loss. It also has a beneficial effect on reducing the circumference in the treatment area. Ethics approval and consent to participate: The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Bioethical Committee of the District Medical Chamber in Krakow: 64/KBL/OIL/2024 of 04/07/2024. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.