Analysis of Changes in Cellulite after Unipolar Radiofrequency Treatment

Cellulite is seen in more than 80% of post-pubertal women. Most proposed therapeutic options produce either no results or short lived improvement.

Recent studies have documented the efficacy of a low-energy diode laser with associated contact cooling, suction and massage and an infrared light/bipolar RF device combined with mechanical manipulation.

Unipolar RF produces high-frequency electromagnetic radiation at 40 MHz. The resulting rapidly-alternating polarity of the electromagnetic field induces high-frequency rotational oscillations in water molecules. Such ultra-rapid oscillations produce heat, which penetrates into tissue to a depth of 15 to 20 mm.

The purpose of this study was to determine if deep tissue heating, produced by unipolar RF technology, could improve the appearance of cellulite. In addition, because of the potential concern that such deep heating might impact lipid metabolism, pre- and post-treatment lipid analysis and MRIs were also performed.

Thirty subjects, over the age of 30, with a clinical cellulite grade of 3-4 on the Nurnberger-Muller scale, were entered into the study.

Subjects were treated every other week for a total of 6 sessions with the AccentTM device (Alma Lasers Inc., Buffalo Grove, IL).

Three passes of 150-170 watts of energy were delivered over 30 seconds through a unipolar RF handpiece equipped with a chilled tip to maintain measured epidermal skin temperature at 40-42°C.

Photographs, circumference measurements, biopsies, serum lipid profiles, and MRI analyses were performed prior to and 6 months post-treatment.

• 27 of 30 subjects showed evidence of clinical improvement as measured by a non-treating evaluator, averaging 2.9 on a 1-4 scale.
• The mean decrease in leg circumference was 2.45 cm.
• Erythema was the only noted adverse effect; there was no blistering, scaring or dyschromia in any subjects.
• Histological evidence of post-treatment dermal fibrosis, with no gross changes in the subcuticular layer, was noted.
• No significant changes in post-treatment serum lipid levels were noted.
• MRI evaluations did not reveal any gross changes in the pannicular layer.

Unipolar RF therapy represents a new approach to the tightening of cellulitic thighs. Fewer treatments, and better results, were noted as compared to previous bipolar RF and low-energy laser approaches.

Histological evidence of fibrosis, together with no abnormalities in serum lipids or fat as determined by MRI, point to the safety and efficacy of this treatment modality.

Study was supported, in part, by a research grant from Alma Lasers, Inc.