A newly published, peer-reviewed study in Nature Scientific Reports presents compelling clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of non-invasive energy-based technology for reducing abdominal fat.
The study demonstrated statistically significant decreases in abdominal fat layer thickness in nine Korean women with abdominal obesity, following a series of ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments using Alma's Accent Prime platform.
Conducted at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital by Dr Yeo Ju Sohn and Dr Hyejin Chun, the research confirmed measurable fat layer reduction through ultrasound imaging and waist circumference assessments, with patients reporting high satisfaction and consistently strong tolerance throughout the treatment protocol with no adverse events observed.
"This study highlights the evolving role of non-invasive modalities in body shaping and reinforces their potential significance in the broader context of health and wellness," said Lior Dayan, CEO of Alma. "This new publication strengthens the scientific foundation supporting Alma's technologies and showcases our commitment to advancing innovation that prioritises patient safety, enhances the treatment experience, and keeps pace with the evolving needs of modern patients."
How these technologies work
The researchers used the Accent Prime’s UltraSpeed handpiece, which utilises non-focused ultrasound technology delivered through a large plate-type sonotrode that generates acoustic-guided vibration waves to disrupt subcutaneous adipose tissue, facilitating body contouring. The UniForm handpiece uses radiofrequency energy to improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen remodelling by generating heat in the dermal layers.
The thermal disruption of adipose tissue by ultrasound and radiofrequency technologies involves a number of mechanisms. Ultrasound induces mechanical vibrations that disrupt adipocyte membranes, leading to triglyceride release and subsequent cellular apoptosis or necrosis.
Meanwhile, radiofrequency generates heat through electromagnetic waves, which accelerates adipocyte metabolism via lipase-mediated triglyceride degradation and promotes apoptosis.
Both technologies improve local blood circulation by inducing vasodilation, enhancing oxygen supply, and stimulating fibroblast activity for collagen remodelling. The researchers say these combined effects contribute to reductions in subcutaneous fat volume and improvements in skin elasticity in the study participants.
The results
The average reduction in maximum waist circumference was − 3.91 cm with reductions varying from 1.00 cm to -7.70 cm.
While the results demonstrated statistically significant changes in waist circumference, maximum waist circumference, superficial fat area, and total fat area after the treatments, visceral fat area did not show a statistically significant difference, providing important insights into the selective targeting of these technologies and highlights the need for more research to understand the differential effects of the treatments on various fat compartments.
