Results on reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue using a novel body contouring system based on microwave technology

Background: Over the past decade, the body shaping market has seen steady growth. In order to improve procedures to reduce localized fat deposits, a novel method specifically targeting subcutaneous adipose tissue was developed. Objective: The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a novel microwave device with a frequency of 2.45 GHz achieves visible results with greater safety and consistency in reducing adipose tissue. Materials and methods: In all, 19 healthy patients (10 women and 9 men; age 24-55 years, average age 39 years) and visible abdominal fat received three microwave treatment sessions (each 4 weeks apart) using the new Onda Plus Body Shaping System (DEKA, Italy). The device uses a handpiece that generates microwaves with a frequency of 2.45GHz and integrated cooling for optimal patient comfort during treatment. An appropriate treatment protocol was established and applied for approximately 10 min in each treatment area. Before the start of treatment, informed consent and photo release forms were signed by all patients. Before each treatment session, the following were collected: body weight, height, waist circumference, and photographs of the area to be treated. All areas to be treated were premarked with a white skin marker pen while standing. Obese patients and those in whom fat deposits were distributed over the entire body or whose skin was in a state of irreversible flaccidity were excluded. A blood test was performed for each patient, both before the start of treatment (T0) and at the end of the entire treatment protocol (T3). Results: All patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the study and signed an informed consent form. The 19 healthy adults were divided into three groups according to the size of the abdominal fold (pinch): group 1 comprised 4 patients with a pinch greater than 4.5 cm, group 2 had 10 patients with a pinch of 2.5-4.5 cm, and group 3 had 5 patients with a pinch less than 2.5 cm. At the 3-month follow-up, the clinically measurable reduction in abdominal circumference was 3.80 +/- 1.21 cm in all patients. Conclusion: The microwave-based body contouring system was shown to be safe and effective to reduce abdominal circumference. No severe pain or noticeable discomfort was reported during any of the treatment sessions