High intensity ultrasound being investigated for the treatment of women’s back fat, bra fat
OVERVIEW:
For many women, back fat that bulges along the bra lines is an
embarrassing reminder that even a healthy diet and regular exercise can
only go so far when it comes to one’s genetic predisposition to fat
pockets. While tumescent liposuction has long been the gold standard for
eliminating bothersome fat on many areas of the body, including the
back, many patients do not want to undergo an invasive surgical
procedure.
Now, dermatologists are testing a non-invasive technology
known as high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) – currently approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for abdominal fat – to target
and safely eliminate excess back/bra fat.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT
Information provided by Cheryl Karcher, MD, FAAD, a board-certified
dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at New
York University (NYU) Medical Center in New York, NY.
ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGY DELIVERS PRECISE ENERGY TO BACK FAT
Similar to how it is used to break up kidney stones, ultrasound
technology is now being harnessed as an innovative approach to breaking
up fat. By delivering focused, high-intensity sound waves at precise
depths within the fat, HIFU heats and destroys the fat cells. The fat
cells are then absorbed by the body and eliminated slowly eight to
twelve weeks following the procedure.
Dr. Karcher explained
that HIFU has been shown to reach deeper fat and only requires one
treatment session to produce measurable results. When HIFU has been used
on abdominal fat, most patients have experienced a waistline reduction
of more than 1 inch in circumference. Although not approved by the FDA
for the treatment of back fat, Dr. Karcher is finding similar results
during her study of HIFU.
ALL PATIENTS NEED NOT APPLY
Subcutaneous fat in the back and bra area tends to be very fibrous and
dense, making it very resistant to diet and exercise. Patients with
unsightly “back rolls” that form around the bra area may be good
candidates for HIFU. Dr. Karcher cautioned that the procedure is not for
everyone and candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Able to “pinch an inch” (2.5 cm of fat) in the treatment area
- Have a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 with isolated fat (procedure is not intended for obese patients)
- Have no large scars or wounds in treatment area
- Have good skin tightness in the area to be treated
- Have no redundant skin folds
IMPRESSIVE EARLY RESULTS
In an ongoing study at Dr. Karcher’s practice, she has treated more
than a dozen women who met the criteria for HIFU on back fat. While men
can be treated, Dr. Karcher only has treated women and noted that men
typically do not have fat in this particular area of the back. Dr.
Karcher noted the following early findings:
- Two
different frequencies are being studied – a lower energy that takes
slightly more time to treat (one hour), and a higher energy that takes
less time (45 minutes).
- The average circumference loss of fat has been 1.08 inches in the back/bra area.
- At this time, there have not been any significant safety concerns with this procedure.
- Pain medication can be administered before treatment to counter mild pain post-procedure.
- Some patients experience mild bruising following treatment.
- Best results were seen after eight to 12 weeks.
- Patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight and to exercise, as future weight gain could result in new back fat.
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY EXPERT ADVICE:
“Our early results using HIFU to treat back and bra fat have been
positive and well received by our patients, especially since this
non-invasive technology doesn’t pose the risks associated with surgery,”
said Dr. Karcher. “I think as we fine tune the technology, this
off-label procedure can become widely used by dermatologists to combat
this stubborn fat that affects countless women – many of whom may not
even be overweight. In the meantime, if you have concerns about back
fat, see your dermatologist for solutions that work with your
lifestyle.”
Courtesy of The American Academy of Dermatology. www.aad.org.
