Triple-Frequency Ultrasound Proven to Be Effective in Reducing Cellulite

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Triple-frequency, local dynamic micro-massage technology (TF-LDM) is a potential long-term treatment for cellulite, according to a recent study.¹ At frequencies of 1/3/10 MHz and 3/10/19 MHz, the ultrasound waves provided sustainable results with high patient satisfaction and no adverse effects.

The single-center, retrospective, longitudinal clinical study took place in St. Petersburg, Russia. All 20 participants were female and Caucasian, with a scope of ages between 27 and 53. Patients had mild-to-severe gynoid lipodystrophy, as evaluated by the 5-grade Clinician-Reported Photonumeric Cellulite Severity Scale (CR-PCSS).

TF-LDM treatments occurred 1 to 2 times a week for 8 to 10 total sessions. Patient satisfaction was measured with a 10-grade Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) along with pre- and post-treatment photographs. Clinicians evaluated the skin at baseline, on the last treatment day, and at the final follow-up session. Depending on the patient, the final follow-up ranged between 3 and 18 months after the last treatment.

The average CR-PCSS scores were 2.22±0.82 at baseline, 1.18±0.77 at the last treatment, and 0.84±0.77 at the final follow-up, with improvements in all 20 patients. This equates to a skin improvement of 0.93±0.27 between baseline and the last treatment and an improvement of 0.33±0.38 between the final treatment session and the follow-up period. Most notably, researchers saw an improvement of 1.38±0.47 between baseline and the last follow-up session. Only 1 patient, who was diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, saw a decrease in treatment compared to the total outcome after a delayed follow-up at 18 months.

Ultrasonographic investigation and visualization allowed investigators to further measure the results of TF-LDM on the tissue. After the 8 to 10 treatments, the dermal-hypodermal interface was reinforced and was no longer an irregular structure. Additionally, the superficial fascia was thicker, and the soft tissue was stiffer, compared to baseline. The mean values for elastic scores of the dermis before and after treatment were 2.96±0.54 vs 4.08±0.48, showing significant statistical improvement (p < 0.001).

“This confirms our previous assumption that the main targets in cellulite must be the reinforcement of the epidermis, dermis, skin-associated adipose tissue (SAAT), and dermal-hypodermal interface,” the authors wrote.“Such reinforcement causes a reduction in the protrusions of SAAT into the dermis, thus reducing the internal pressure on the skin surface and simultaneously increasing the resistance of the skin to deformations caused by residual protrusions.”

More than half of the patients provided a satisfaction score of 10 on the GAIS scale, resulting in an average satisfaction of 8.95 ± 1.49. The treatment was well-tolerated, with no adverse effects or pain, according to participants. Almost all noted an improvement in their self-confidence and psychosocial state.

The relatively small sample size could be considered a possible limitation of the clinical study, along with the lack of analysis for additional parameters, such as demographic data. Additionally, the range of follow-up times between 3 and 18 months made it difficult for investigators to make a precise conclusion about the longevity of treatment outcomes.

Cellulite is a skin condition that affects more than 85% of females over the age of 20. There are currently no effective therapies with long-lasting treatment outcomes, as results usually disappear relatively quickly without regular maintenance.² Further research can evaluate even more improvement in treatment outcomes, especially to consider if any additional TF-LDM courses can be utilized.

References

1. Chervinskaya I, Kuprina NI, Kruglikov I. A Retrospective Pragmatic Longitudinal Case-Series Clinical Study to Evaluate the Clinical Outcome of Triple-Frequency Ultrasound in Treatment of Cellulite. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:2779-2794. Published 2024 Dec 6. doi:10.2147/CCID.S488977

2.Lucassen GW, van der Sluys WL, van Herk JJ, et al. The effectiveness of massage treatment on cellulite as monitored by ultrasound imaging. Skin Res Technol. 1997;3(3):154-160. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0846.1997.tb00180.x