New Study Demonstrates Efficacy of RF, Infrared, and Mechanical Manipulation

A new study published in June by Drs. Alster and Tanzi of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC, has demonstrated the efficacy of a novel combination approach to treating cellulite. Their method involved the combination of radiofrequency, infrared light, and mechanical tissue manipulation to improve cellulite.

According to the published work, the method involved “Twenty adult women (ages 25-57 years) of various skin phototypes (I-V), and with moderate bilateral thigh and buttock cellulite, received eight biweekly treatments to a randomly selected side (the contralateral side serving as a non-treated control). A combined bipolar radiofrequency, infrared light, and mechanical suction-based massage device was applied at 20 watts RF, 20 watts IR (700-1500 nm) light, and 200 millibar vacuum (750 mmHg negative pressure). Patients were evaluated using standardized digital photography and circumferential leg measurements at baseline, prior to each treatment session, and at one, three, and six months after the final treatment. Clinical improvement scores of comparable photographs using a quartile grading scale (0 = or < 25%, 1 = 25%-50%, 2 = 51%-75%, 3 = or >75% improvement) were made independently by two masked medical assessors after the series of treatments. Final post-treatment body weight and patients’ subjective evaluations were recorded.”

The results of the study indicated that 90% of the patients noticed improvement and 17 out of 18 saying they would pursue treatment on the contralateral thigh. The study said the conclusions were: “Cellulite can be significantly and safely reduced with the use of a noninvasive device that combines bipolar RF, infrared light, and mechanical massage. The effects of treatment appear to be prolonged, but maintenance treatments may be necessary to further enhance the clinical results achieved.”

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