WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2023 -- High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) technology with synchronized radiofrequency (RF) reduces visceral adipose tissue (VAT), according to a study published online May 8 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.

David E. Kent, M.D., from Skin Care Physicians of Georgia in Macon, and colleagues examined the effect of HIFEM + RF technology on VAT among 16 men and 24 women who were retrospectively reviewed. Participants received three 30-minute HIFEM + RF abdominal treatments once a week over three consecutive weeks. The VAT area was measured in the axial plane of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at L4 to L5 vertebrae and 5 cm above this level. At both specified levels, VAT was identified, segmented, and calculated.

The researchers found that on review of posttreatment MRI scans, apart from VAT, there were no other changes in the abdominal cavity. At three-month follow-up, there was a VAT reduction of 17.8 percent, and this reduction was maintained at six months (–17.3 percent). The VAT occupied an area of 100.2 ± 73.3 cm2 at baseline when averaging the values obtained from both measured levels; an average reduction of 17.9 cm2 was achieved at three-month follow-up, and the results were maintained at six months (–17.6 cm2).

"This retrospective study documented the effectiveness and safety of the HIFEM + RF procedure to reduce VAT," the authors write. "The significant VAT reduction was maintained up to six months posttreatment."

The study was funded by BTL Industries.