EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH-INTENSITY MICROFOCUSED ULTRASOUND AS A NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR REDUCING FAT LOCATED IN THE ABDOMINAL REGION: PILOT STUDY

Abstract

The search for non-invasive techniques to reduce localized fat in the abdominal region has become increasingly popular in contemporary societies. Among these techniques is High Intensity Microfocused Ultrasound (HIFU), which, by delivering high intensities of energy in a focused manner, promotes the rupture of adipocyte membranes, destroying them. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HIFU as a non-invasive intervention for reducing localized fat in the abdominal region. The research was based on an experimental, qualitative and quantitative pilot study with 7 volunteers who had localized adiposity, who underwent a HIFU session. The analysis took place using dermal ultrasound scans of the thickness of subcutaneous fat, carried out before the treatment, immediately after the session and also during a 4-week follow-up period. In order to assess the accuracy and consistency of the dermal ultrasound measurements, the mean and standard deviation of each set of data were calculated. The ultrasound analyses confirmed the reduction in adipose tissue, providing an objective assessment of the results. HIFU proved to be a promising non-invasive approach for reducing abdominal adipose tissue, regardless of whether it is malleable or more compact adipose tissue.