Non-invasive methods of body contouring, combined protocols

Introduction

Currently, the number of women who want to improve their appearance is increasing rapidly. The need for non-invasive methods of body contouring is increasing at a very quick rate ^1,2. The appearance as a factor of social and psychological adaptation is of great importance in society ^3,4. The perception of one’s appearance is an important component of the self-image and extends to the self-esteem of the individual as a whole. A positive attitude towards oneself is an important factor in self-acceptance and inherent value ^5,6. Better looks can provide for further improvement of the quality of life. Modern trends seek to find new procedures and their combination with already-known methods to obtain more pronounced results in a short time without rehabilitation ^7-10.

Selection of a method of correction

RSL sculpting procedure using the Beautylizer device is an effective method for body contour correction and gynoid lipodystrophy control. The procedure combines the effects of vibrocompression with spheres and of 600–650 nm red light (LED therapy) on all skin layers, hypodermis, and muscles, resulting in the following effects:

• Vasodilating effect: Compression and subsequent restoration of tissue volume due to its elastic properties provide vasodilation and a significant increase in microcirculation;
• Draining effect: Rhythmic pulsation stimulates lymph flow, facilitating the removal of excess fluid ¹¹;
• Reduction in the size of adipocytes due to cyclic mechanical stimulation of the skin ¹²;
• Improvement of skin mechanical properties: LED therapy can optimize the tissue healing process and stimulate cell turnover; it stimulates production of TGF-β by fibroblasts, which leads to the increased density of collagen and elastin fibers ^13-16.

RSL sculpting is a highly effective procedure when used alone ¹⁷. It can also be combined with other body contouring procedures such as shockwave therapy (SWT).

SWT is a method of extracorporeal exposure to body tissues by acoustic impulses of significant amplitude ¹³. The biological effects of SWT at the skin and tissue levels are diverse and mediated by converting mechanical impulses into biochemical reactions ^19-22. It results in:

• Stimulation of microcirculation and vasomotor activity;
• Increased lipolysis and decreased lipogenesis;
• Destruction of fat cell clusters;
• Improved elasticity and other mechanical properties of the skin;
• Mobilization of fat, which is indicated by an increase in free fatty acids, triglycerides, and glycerol in the blood;
• Reduction of oxidative stress and rapid mobilization of oxidation lipid products.

Based on the mechanisms of action of both procedures, we can conclude that they increase each other’s impact. The simultaneous use of SWT and RSL sculpting allows achieving more pronounced results in a shorter time without rehabilitation.

Clinical Event

Patient G, female, age 35. Symptoms: abdominal local fat deposits, cellulite on buttocks and thighs, buttocks deformation.
The patient is somatically healthy. There are no contraindications to the combined technique of sequential SWT and RSL sculpting used in one procedure.

Procedure Protocol

During the course of therapy, each procedure was performed first with sequential abdominal, buttocks, and thighs treatment using SWT, and then RSL sculpting. The intervals between procedures are 2–3 days, and the course of therapy is 10 procedures. The patient did not undergo other types of hardware or injection treatments in these areas. The patient was recommended to adhere to her usual lifestyle and diet.

Stage 1‍

Abdominal, buttocks, and thighs treatment using SWT with EWATage SC device (fig. 1).

FIG. 1. First stage - SWT.

The patient was placed on the couch so the sound waves were applied perpendicular to the skin in the treatment area. The coupling gel was applied to the treatment area and applicator. Then the applicator was firmly placed on the treatment area, after which the procedure was performed with parameters of 2000 blows per area equal to the patient’s palm, with a pressure force of 3.4 bar and a treatment speed of 12 Hz.

Stage 2‍

RSL sculpting procedure immediately after SWT (fig. 2).

FIG. 2. Second stage - RSL sculpting.

The specialist started the procedure from a regular and steady lymphatic drainage technique focused on normalization of lymph outflow, decongestion, removing swelling, and restoration of the whole organism. Next, a sequential and deep treatment of the entire body was performed at increased rotational power, with additional focus on local deposits and problem areas.

Treatment at this stage was performed at a speed of 120 Hz in high sensitivity mode of the handpiece to the force on the patient’s body, reverse rotation mode of the roller is 20 s, rotation speed 450 rpm. Throughout the procedure, the light therapy function with a wavelength of 640–650 nm was turned on to improve skin quality, with a procedure time of 1 hour.

Results of the Correction‍

Fig. 3-6 show the results of the combined protocol. After the series of procedures, the quality of the patient’s skin in the treatment area has greatly improved; fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs, and cellulite in the thighs and buttocks have decreased; and the tone of the gluteal muscle has increased. No adverse events were observed during the therapy. The patient noted that now her clothes fit better.

FIG. 3. A - before the procedures, waist measurement was 83 cm. B - after 10 procedures, waist measurement decreased to 81 cm.

FIG. 4. A - before the procedures, left hip measurement was 61 cm. B - after 10 procedures, right hip measurement decreased to 60 cm.

FIG. 5. A - before the procedures. B - after 10 procedures.

FIG. 6. A - before the procedures. B - after 10 procedures.