Getting to the Bare Bones: A Comprehensive Update of Non-Invasive Treatments for Body Sculpting

Abstract

Liposuction is currently the "gold standard" for fat reduction offered by physicians. The growing demand for less invasive procedures has led to a sudden growth of noninvasive alternatives during the past 5 years. Despite being readily available, many of these noninvasive technologies have not been thoroughly evaluated for their short-term and long-term efficacy. To review the varying mechanisms and literature of the commercially available noninvasive body sculpting technologies, specifically radiofrequency, ultrasound, lasers and light, and cryolipolysis. A literature search was performed and evaluated for relevant studies regarding radiofrequency, ultrasound, laser and light, and cryolipolysis technologies for the treatment of body shaping. Patients treated with radiofrequency usually receive 2 months of treatments, with improvements decreasing after 6 months. Multiple studies using ultrasound treatments showed a statistical significant decrease in waist circumference. However, these improvements diminished after 6-month follow-up. Previous studies analyzing laser treatment show mixed results. Studies involving cryolipolysis are limited but show decrease in fat thickness. Noninvasive body sculpting technologies are still early in their commercial development. Additional research is needed to assess efficacy and safety. Early results thus far are encouraging for some of these technologies, but their commercial acceptance appears to have outpaced their scientific scrutiny. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.