EFFECTS OF DERMATOFUNCTIONAL RADIOFREQUENCY THERAPY ON FIBROEDEMA GELOID: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cellulite, present in 90% of women, affects areas such as the thighs and buttocks, negatively impacting self-esteem. Although it poses no risk to health, current treatments have limited efficacy. Radiofrequency (RF) is a promising alternative, but there is a lack of studies proving its effectiveness in advanced cases. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency treatments in reducing cellulite, considering improvements in the skin, reduction of adipose tissue, patient satisfaction and methodological limitations of scientific studies. Methods: This systematic review analyzed the effects of RF on gelatoid fibroedema (GEF) considering skin appearance, patient satisfaction and changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue. The search followed the PRISMA⁵ guidelines and used PubMed, PEDro and the Cochrane Library. Six studies were included with 163 patients, a mean age of 38.97 years (19-74) and a mean follow-up of 3 months (1-6). Results: The six studies analyzed showed mean reductions in cellulite severity ranging from 1.12 ± 0.83 to 4.9 ± 1.9 and a decrease in the thickness of the adipose panicle of up to 2.31 cm. In addition, improvements were seen in skin elasticity with an increase in the R5 index from 0.45 to 0.55, reductions in abdominal circumference ranging from 83.88 cm to 81.96 cm in 12 weeks, while patient satisfaction was high, ranging from 60% to 97% between the studies. Conclusion: Radiofrequency treatments are effective in reducing cellulite, improving skin elasticity, texture and rippling, with high patient satisfaction. However, limitations such as small samples (average of 27 participants) and short follow-up (1 to 6 months) highlight the need for more robust, diverse and long-term studies to validate these findings in a generalizable way.

Keywords: Cellulite; Radiofrequency Therapy; Adipose Tissue.