Use of Stationary Ultrasound Device In Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Tissue: Analysis of Clinical Effects

Patrícia Froes Meyer; Rafaella Rêgo Maia; Eneida de Morais Carreiro; Rodrigo Marcel Valentim da Silva; Lorena Beatriz Ramos Bezerra; Stephany Luanna Queiroga Farias; Fábio Dos Santos Borges

Use of Stationary Ultrasound Device In Subcutaneous Abdominal Fat Tissue: Analysis of Clinical Effects

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2023 Feb;16(2):19-23.

Authors

Patrícia Froes Meyer¹, Rafaella Rêgo Maia^{1

2}, Eneida de Morais Carreiro², Rodrigo Marcel Valentim da Silva^{1

3}, Lorena Beatriz Ramos Bezerra⁴, Stephany Luanna Queiroga Farias⁴, Fábio Dos Santos Borges⁵

Affiliations

¹ Drs. Meyer, Da Silva, and Mr. Maia are with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Natal, Brazil.
² Drs. Meyer and Carreiroa are with Rio Grande do Norte University Centre (UNIRN) in Natal, Brazil.
³ Dr. Da Silva is additionally with Estácio de Sá University in Natal, Brazil.
⁴ Drs. Bezerra and Farias are with Potiguar University in Natal, Brazil.
⁵ Dr. Borges is with Estácio de Sá University in São Paulo, Brazil.

PMID: 36909872
PMCID: PMC10005805

Abstract

Background: High-intensity stationary therapeutic ultrasound (HITU) technology is gaining popularity as an attractive modality for treating different conditions, but little is known about its application in aesthetics.

Objective: To analyze the effects of stationary unfocused ultrasound (HITU technology) in treating localized fat in women's abdominal region.

Methods: The sample consisted of 43 women with localized abdominal adiposity, assessed pre and post-treatment by assessment protocols, adversity analysis questionnaires, ultrasound exams, and serum level exams. The volunteers were randomly divided into three subgroups: G-1, who used the device off, G-2 received therapy with the device once a week for two months (Parameters: Pulsed - 100Hz - 50% - 4.0 W/cm² - 20 minutes) and the G-3 who used the device on twice a week for a month (Parameters: Pulsed - 100Hz - 50% - 3.2W/cm² - 30 minutes). All groups received eight sessions in total.

Results: There was a significant reduction for G-3 in the plicometry of the lower right region (p=0.01) in the comparison between the final and initial moments. In the comparison among the three research groups, there was a significant reduction in plicometry in the lower right (p=0.03) and left (p=0.02) regions in G3. Via ultrasound, a reduction in the fat layers average was observed in all groups. In G-3, there were significant differences in the left infraumbilical region (p=0.02) and right (p=0.04). In the group comparison, the right infraumbilical region showed significant differences (p=0.04) for the G-3. No differences were found for weight, BMI, body fat percentage and supra, infra and umbilical perimetry (p>0.05). The adverse reactions reported were: Mild hyperaemia (75%) and sensation of shock (21%), there were also reports of improvement in fluid retention in 93.7 percent of the volunteers, and most were satisfied with the result.

Conclusion: Both treatment protocols for the reduction of localized adiposity were effective compared to the placebo group, with a significant reduction in the use of ultrasound and plicometry in the concentration of fat in the lower abdominal region.

Keywords: HITU; Ultrasound; localized fat.