Spanish Study Shows Promise of IR/RF Combination Therapy
A new study published in the European Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy evaluated the efficacy of a system that combines bipolar radio frequency (RF) and intense infrared light (IR) together with mechanical massage and suction. The study had a small sample (only 10 patients), but all the patients were satisfied with the results.
Here is the method of the study:
Ten patients were enrolled for 12 sessions of 30 minutes each performed over one buttock, the other buttock serving as an untreated control. Sessions were conducted twice a week for a period of 12 weeks. Clinical photography and profilometry were carried out to assess textural changes before (baseline) and 2 months after the final treatment. Histopathology was performed at baseline, 2 hours after the first session, and just before the 12th session and 2 months thereafter.
The results saw improvement in all patients:
All patients noted improvement in the treated buttock before the final session, which was maintained at the 2-month assessment. Improved skin appearance was noticed after the first session and was maintained throughout the study. All patients were satisfied with the results and requested further treatment in order to balance the results in both buttocks. Random histological analyses suggested dermal firmness, fibre compaction and tightening of skin layers, including the subcutis, as possible reasons for the effects achieved. The authors recognize that the small number of participants limits the statistical power of the study.
The authors called for a larger study to be performed to better gauge the efficacy of this treatment, however as time passes we seem to be getting closer to some real treatment options for cellulite.
