Rotational radiofrequency-based technology leads to adipose tissue reduction and contouring effect in the thighs, abdomen, and flanks

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024 Oct;23(10):3263-3271. doi: 10.1111/jocd.16431. Epub 2024 Jul 1.

Abstract

Background: Excess body adiposity and skin irregularities represent a major problem in today's society. Currently, radiofrequency-based devices constitute an increasingly popular medical-aesthetic application and a powerful non-invasive method to combat this problem.

Objective: This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of the high-frequency device Zionic™ (Termosalud, Inc., Gijón, Spain) in reducing body contouring and improving skin appearance in the abdomen/flanks or thighs.

Materials and methods: Thirty nine individuals were treated with the Zionic™ device in the abdomen/flanks or thighs. A total of 8 sessions of 40-50 min each, 72/96 h apart were performed. At baseline, body measurements were taken including photographs, body contours, and ultrasound scans to assess dermal thickness, dermal echogenicity, and subcutaneous fat thickness. The measurements were repeated after the eight sessions for comparison and analysis. Quantitative data was complemented with a customized survey to evaluate participants satisfaction level.

Results: At the follow-up visit, a significant average reduction of 3% in abdomen/flanks circumferences and 2% in thighs contours was noticed. Abdomen/flanks and thighs subcutaneous fat layer thickness was significantly reduced by 8% and 6%, respectively. Dermal echogenicity changes, related to skin collagen content and organization, showed non-significant increasing tendencies of 7% for abdomen/flanks and 8% for thighs. Thighs dermal thickness was significantly increased by 6%. Results were associated to a high satisfaction level (80%) and no severe adverse events.

Conclusion: Zionic™ treatment is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated noninvasive procedure for body contouring and improvement of skin properties in abdomen, flanks, and thighs.

Keywords: dermal thickness; radiofrequency; skin structure; subcutaneous fat.

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen*
  • Adult
  • Body Contouring* / adverse effects
  • Body Contouring* / instrumentation
  • Body Contouring* / methods
  • Cosmetic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Satisfaction*
  • Radiofrequency Therapy* / instrumentation
  • Radiofrequency Therapy* / methods
  • Skin / diagnostic imaging
  • Skin / radiation effects
  • Subcutaneous Fat / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Fat / radiation effects
  • Thigh*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Young Adult