Non-invasive Body Contouring Technologies: An Updated Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, a lot of body contouring devices and methods are introduced all over the world. The object of the present narrative review was to update and classify existing evidence on these methods and devices.

Methods: We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar for 11 essential keywords, including cryolipolysis, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), shock wave, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), radiofrequency (RF), capacitive resistive electrical transfer (TECAR), high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM), electromyostimulation (EMS), carboxytherapy, mesotherapy, and acupuncture and their abbreviations, in addition to obesity, overweight, cellulite, subcutaneous fat, and body contouring.

Results: Totally 193 references were used in 11 main topics.

Conclusion: In order to help physicians with finding the best evidence in different methods, the data were summarised in 11 topics. Furthermore, FDA-approved devices, side effects and common protocols were described in each section.

Level of evidence i: This journal requires that authors 39 assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full 40 description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, 41 please refer to the Table of Contents or the online 42 Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Keywords: Acupuncture; Body contouring; Capacitive resistive electrical transfer (TECAR); Carboxytherapy; Cellulite; Cryolipolysis; Electromyostimulation (EMS); High-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM); High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); Low-level laser therapy (LLLT); Mesotherapy; Obesity; Overweight; Radiofrequency (RF); Shock wave; Subcutaneous fat.