Ultrasound Evaluation of a Single Treatment With a Temperature Controlled Multi-Frequency Monopolar Radio Frequency Device for the Improvement of Localized Adiposity on the Abdomen and Flanks.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Energy modalities used for fat reduction include cryotherapy, focused and unfocused ultrasound, radiofrequency, and laser. Two devices have been proven to reduce fat layer thickness using ultrasound as measurement after a single treatment. We hypothesized that a novel, high frequency monopolar radiofrequency device could increase the fat temperature enough to reduce its thickness as measured by ultrasound, without excessively increasing the temperature of the skin, leading to a safe, tolerable, and clinically relevant reduction of fat. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A high frequency monopolar radiofrequency platform was used to treat twelve patients on the abdomen or flanks (truSculpt® 3D, Cutera, Brisbane, CA). Each patient received one treatment session, consisting of 15-minute increments for four areas (60 minutes total). Each area (approximately 144 cm2) was treated with a gliding handpiece technique to a skin temperature of 44-45˚C, correlating to in vivo measurements of the subcutaneous layer of >45˚C. Patients were evaluated at eight- and twelve-weeks following treatment. Clinical efficacy was measured using 360˚ positioned clinical photography. Fat layer reduction was measured with ultrasound. Safety was assessed by the treating physician; patient comfort was assessed during treatment via a 10-point pain scale.

RESULTS

All patients responded to treatment. Ultrasound measurements indicated mean fat layer reduction of 4.6 mm, which correlated with a 24% reduction in fat layer thickness at 12 weeks. A significant improvement was noted between the 8-week and the 12-week follow up. A high level of inter-patient consistency was achieved with most patients (10/12= 83%) having an average fat thickness reduction of >20%. No adverse events were observed, and pain scores during the treatment session ranged from 2 to 4 out of 10.

CONCLUSION

High frequency monopolar radiofrequency device produced consistent and statistically significant fat thickness reduction from a single 60-minute treatment session, with minimal discomfort and no demonstrated side effects. Results are comparable to other hypo- and hyper-thermic fat treatment technologies. KEY WORDS: fat reduction, radiofrequency, monopolar RF, fat thickness reduction, body sculpting J Drugs Dermatol. 2020;19(1):28-34. doi:10.36849/JDD.2020.4568