Safety and efficacy of a non-contact radiofrequency device for body contouring in Asians

New developments in cosmetic applications of electromagnetic fields: Client and occupational hazard assessment

Energy-based devices are used to improve features of appearance for aesthetic reasons while avoiding more invasive methods. Examples of treatment targets are the reduction of wrinkles, sagging, unwanted skin lesions, body hair and excess fatty tissue, and the enhancement of muscle tissue. One treatment modality is the use of electromagnetic fields (EMF, 0‒300 GHz). The present work aims to give an up-to-date survey of cosmetic applications of EMF for professional use with an assessment of client and worker exposure and possible adverse effects. A systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles (2007-2022), patents, premarket notifications, manufacturer data, and adverse effects reports. Five categories of cosmetic EMF device with increasing frequency were identified: sinusoid low frequency magnetic fields for lipolysis; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for skin rejuvenation; pulsed low frequency magnetic fields for muscle building; radiofrequency EMF for lipolysis or skin rejuvenation; microwaves for hair removal or hyperhidrosis. In the vicinity of the last four device categories, there is a potential for exceeding the occupational exposure limits in the European Union EMF Directive, which could lead to nerve or muscle stimulation, burns or overheating. There are also potential hazards for clients or workers wearing active or passive medical devices. The severity of reported adverse effects increases with EMF frequency.

Loss of subcutaneous fat in 20 patients, both sexes, using a second-generation TECAR device of 1.240 Watts and results analyzed with magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND

Body contouring and abdominal fat loss without surgery are increasingly used technique. In a study in pigs, it is noted that both capacitive and resistive radiofrequency stimulation reduced subcutaneous fat. One human study demonstrated a loss of 2.90 cm in waist diameter. Second-generation TECAR (Acronym for Transfer Electric Capacitive and Resistive) device with 4 channels, 200 cm2 work area per channel, and high power (1240 W), regulates body energy input by measuring absorption in the body and adjusting the power for 80 min at 50°C.

AIMS

To evaluate the loss of subcutaneous fat, this magnitude was measured in grams and centimeters throughout the abdomen by MRI before and after each treatment.

SUBJECT AND METHODS

We have studied 25 patients, 13 women and 12 men with a mean age of 49 years. All patients had their waist diameter measured and an MRI performed before and after 10 continuous sessions except Saturday and Sunday, over 2 weeks. Additionally, a lipid profile was performed on the same day of the study and at the end of it. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

Waist diameter decreased by 5.5 cm, these differences being statistically significant (p = 0.000). Subcutaneous fat measured by MRI in cm decreased by 784 cm (p = 0.000). In grams, it decreased 808.7 g (p = 0.000). In the lipid profile, all the values decreased, but they were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of this second generation of TECAR equipment at 1 MHz decreases the waist diameter by more than 5 cm and leads to the loss of more than 800 grams of subcutaneous fat in 12 days. It is a method without risks or side effects, well tolerated, and an alternative for those patients who do not want to go to the operating room.

Effects of microwave technology on the subcutaneous abdominal fat and anthropometric indices of overweight adults: A clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Non-invasive body contouring devices have fewer side effects and are the new techniques for the treatment of obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of microwave technology on the abdominal obesity and anthropometric indices of overweight adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted on 53 overweight adults aged 18-65 years who referred to Behbood Clinic in Tehran, Iran. The participants were exposed to microwave technology (radiofrequency: 2.5 GHz) based on a standard treatment protocol at three intervals (0, 20, and 40 days). Abdominal obesity, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat mass, and fat thickness were measured at the beginning and 20, 40, and 60 days after the study. In addition, three-day dietary records were collected at intervals.

RESULTS

In total, 77.6% of the subjects were female and 22.4% were male. The mean calorie intake of the participants was 2245.14 ± 1981.16 kcal/day. Microwave shock significantly reduced fat thickness in four abdominal areas (p < 0.001). Moreover, waist circumference (p < 0.001) and total fat thickness of the abdomen decreased (p = 0.003 and p = 0.002, respectively).

CONCLUSION

According to the results, microwave technology and radiofrequency could effectively reduce anthropometric indices. In general, the reduction of these indicators and weight may be more significant in men compared to women.

Intended Human Exposure to Non-ionizing Radiation for Cosmetic Purposes

Cosmetic devices using non-ionizing radiation (NIR) are increasingly available for people who wish to modify their appearance for aesthetic purposes. There are a wide range of NIR modalities used for cosmetic procedures, including devices that use optical radiation (laser, intense pulsed light, and light-emitting diode), electromagnetic fields, and ultrasound. Common procedures involving the application of NIR include epilation, skin rejuvenation, body sculpting and contouring, treatment of vascular and skin lesions, tattoo removal, and scar reduction. The majority of research on the use of NIR cosmetic devices has focused on the efficacy of the treatment rather than adverse effects or complications. Studies that assessed safety consisted mostly of case reports and small case series. Common adverse effects on the skin reported include mild and transient pain, erythema, swelling, and changes in pigmentation. Less common, more severe side effects include burns, blisters, scarring, persisting erythema, altered pigmentation, and eye damage. Some of the latter may have resulted from treatment errors. Particular groups of people that may be at greater risk from optical radiation include people with dark skin, with high sun exposure, and taking photosensitizing medications or supplements. There is lack of evidence for the safety profile of cosmetic NIR procedures during pregnancy. Reports of injuries to workers administering treatments with cosmetic NIR devices are rare, but inadvertent damage to the eye from optical devices may occur. Randomized controlled trials are required to fully assess potential adverse effects from the use of NIR cosmetic devices. Regulation varies worldwide and some regions apply the same safety classification and guidance as for medical devices. In order to reduce harm associated with the use of cosmetic devices, ICNIRP considers it important that regulations that cover all types and frequencies of cosmetic NIR devices are adopted worldwide and that there is greater oversight regarding their use.

Effect of four sessions of aerobic exercise with abdominal radiofrequency in adipose tissue in healthy women: Randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Abdominal adiposity is a cardiovascular risk factor; it is assumed that the combination of radiofrequency and physical exercise may decrease this excess of adipose tissue.

PURPOSE

To analyze the effect of four intervention sessions on abdominal adipose tissue.

METHODOLOGY

The study analyzes the effect of four sessions of aerobic exercise combined with radiofrequency. Participants were 28 healthy female volunteers, aged 18-28 years, randomly assigned to an experimental group and a placebo group. They were characterized by a sociodemographic questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Food Frequency Questionnaire. The groups performed four sessions of abdominal radiofrequency followed by moderate aerobic exercise, assessing body mass, body mass index, fat mass, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, subcutaneous adipose thickness, and horizontal abdominal adipose fold at the first and fourth sessions. In the experimental group, a percentage of potency was used that allowed to maintain the temperature between 40°C and 42°C to the epidermis. In the placebo group, the power of the radiofrequency was 0 W. To compare results, Student's t test was used for a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant decrease in waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous adipose thickness, and horizontal abdominal fold in the experimental group compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Combined exercise intervention with radiofrequency has been shown to be effective in reducing abdominal adiposity.