Retrospective analysis of high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure synchronized with radiofrequency energy for visceral fat reduction

Abstract

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), present in the abdominal cavity, oftentimes contributes to an unpleasant aesthetic appearance and can be correlated with serious health issues. High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) technology with synchronized radiofrequency (RF) was recently used for abdominal body shaping through subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle growth. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of HIFEM + RF technology on VAT tissue. Methods: Data of 16 men and 24 women (22–62 years, 21.2–34.3 kg/cm2) from the original study were retrospectively reviewed. All subjects received three 30-min HIFEM + RF abdominal treatments once weekly for three consecutive weeks. The VAT area was measured in the axial plane of MRI scans at two levels: L4–L5 vertebrae and 5 cm above this level. The VAT was identified, segmented, and calculated, yielding total area in square centimeters per scan at both specified levels. Results: By thoughtful review of the subject's post-treatment MRI scans, no other changes in the abdominal cavity were found except for VAT. The evaluation showed a VAT reduction of 17.8% (p < 0.001) on average at 3-month follow-up, maintaining the results up to 6 months (−17.3%). Averaging the values obtained from both measured levels, the VAT, occupied an area of 100.2 ± 73.3 cm2 at the baseline. At the 3-month follow-up, the subjects achieved an average reduction of 17.9 cm2, preserving the results at 6 months (−17.6 ± 17.3 cm). Conclusion: This retrospective analysis of MRI images objectively documented the effect of HIFEM + RF abdominal therapy on VAT. The data indicates considerable VAT reduction without serious adverse events following the HIFEM + RF procedure.