Efficacy of Radiofrequency Diathermy versus Focused Ultrasound Therapy, Both Combined with Intermittent Pneumatic Compression, for Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy Treatment: A Randomized Intrasubject Assessor-Blind Trial

Abstract

Background. Edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), commonly known as cellulite, is a cosmetic concern affecting a large percentage of women. Radiofrequency diathermy (RFD) and focused ultrasound (FUS) are noninvasive treatments proposed for the reduction of EFP. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RFD versus FUS, both combined with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) for the treatment of EFP in female thighs. Methods. A randomized intrasubject assessor-blind trial was conducted (NCT03474523) on 40 lower limbs of 20 women with EFP grades I, II, or III according to the Nürnberger & Müller scale. Each lower limb was randomly assigned to receive either seven RFD sessions or seven FUS sessions, both combined with IPC. Measurements were collected at baseline and post-treatment, including lower limb circumferences at different levels, weight, grade of EFP, and physical activity level. Results. Both RFD and FUS treatments, both combined with IPC, showed significant intragroup reduction in thigh circumference measurements for RFD at 15 cm (p=0.001), 20 cm (p=0.024), and midpoint (p=0.008) and for FUS at 15 cm (p=0.001), 20 cm (p=0.010), midpoint (p=0.008), 30 cm (p=0.020), and 40 cm (p=0.048). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two treatments. Weight did not change with treatment, and physical activity levels did not significantly affect EFP improvement. Conclusion. Both RFD and FUS, combined with IPC, were effective noninvasive methods for treating EFP. This study found that there was no significant difference between RFD and FUS in terms of efficacy in reducing EFP in the thighs. Therefore, both techniques can be used to treat EFP from a clinical perspective. Further studies with objective measurements are required to confirm these results and to guide clinical decision-making. This trial is registered with NCT03474523.