New non-invasive method for fat reduction

Maintaining a youthful appearance has been a goal for centuries. Thanks to technical advances, the range of possibilities is becoming ever wider. A new microwave device and advanced_{CO2 lasers} are yielding promising results.

Prof. Dr. Paolo Bonan from the private clinic Villa Donatella in Florence reported, among other things, on an innovative technique in the field of body shaping. Data from a recent study show that a newly developed 2.45 GHz microwave device (“Onda Body shaping system”) is an effective and safe method for reducing abdominal girth [1]. The active principle of this technology is to induce macrophage-based adipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Microwaves are applied directly to the cutaneous surface of the body, and the risk of side effects is low. The subjects were divided into three groups depending on the result in the pinch test (>4.5 cm; 2.5-4.5 cm; <2.5 cm) and three treatment sessions were performed, each with a four-week interval [1]. At the follow-up time point after three months, all patients (n=19, mean age=39) showed a clinically relevant change in pinch test (4.5 cm; 4.0 cm; 2.6 cm) [1].

_{CO2 laser systems} have also evolved over the past decades. With today’s methods, very precise removal of light-aged skin layers is possible, with thermal necrosis occurring only in a narrowly defined area. Especially in the smoothing of fine skin folds around the eyes and mouth, very good results can be achieved with current_{CO2 lasers}[2]. However, laser therapy is also an effective noninvasive treatment option for xanthelasma as shown in a metastudy presented at the 2017 American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Annual Meeting (database: 21 studies since 1987; 9 with_{CO2 laser}; n=1-50) [3]. Keratosis and acne scars are other indications for which current evidence-based efficacy trials are available [4]. The most common side effects include hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, which can be minimized by optimal adjustment of laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, etc.) [2].

Source: SGML Lasers&Procedures, Zurich, January 17, 2019.

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