Electrolipolysis
Electrolipolysis is applied with a specific low-frequency microcurrent (around 25 Hz) that acts directly on the level of adipocytes and lipids, producing their destruction and favoring their elimination (SORIANO, PÉREZ AND BARQUÉS, 2000). According to Assumpção and collaborators (2006), studies were carried out with alternating currents with asymmetric biphasic pulse and the results obtained were the same physiological effects of galvanic current and intense reduction of localized adipose layer.
Physiological effects:
According to Soriano, Perez and Baques (2000) and Assumpção et al. (2006), the electric field generated between the electrodes, locally causes a series of physiological modifications responsible for the phenomenon of electrolipolysis:
1. Joule effect: Electric current produces an increase in temperature, causing vasodilation with increased local blood flow. This stimulates local cell metabolism, facilitates calorie burning and improves cell trophism.
2. Electrolytic effect: The cell membrane is semi-permeable, separating two different ion conduction media: the intracellular medium which is electronegative and the extracellular medium which is electropositive. The electric field induces ionic movement that brings about modifications in the polarity of the cell membrane. The cell tries to maintain its normal electric potential of the membrane, thus consuming energy at the cellular level.
3. Effect of circulatory stimulation: Activation of microcirculation occurs partly through stimulation of electric current in innervations. It has been reported that 25 Hz frequency proved effective in the treatment of circulatory and congestive disorders.
4. Neurohormonal effect: Stimulation of a low-frequency electric current produces artificial stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, releasing catecholamines, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP and increasing triglyceride hydrolysis.
5. Electromechanical effect: Microelectric stimulation causes stimulation of connective tissue fibers under the skin, favoring lymphatic and blood drainage, thus improving skin quality and appearance.
Contraindications:
Soriano, Perez, and Baques (2000) and Assumpcao et al. (2006) mention some contraindications for electrolipolysis treatment:
1. Alteration of the sensitive area in the treatment region.
2. Hypersensitivity to electric current.
3. Procedures such as harsh peeling, use of acids, skin disorders, or any other factor that may cause irritation in the application site due to the passage of electric current.
4. Individuals with metal implants in the treated area.
5. Treatment on neoplastic tissue.
6. Over a cardiac pacemaker.
7. Individuals with cardiac disorders.
8. Pregnant women.
9. Circulatory pathologies such as deep vein thrombosis.
10. Patients with chronic renal conditions.”
Adverse reactions:
1-Hematomas
2-Eczema and hives
3-Rashes in the needle insertion site, caused by electric current.
4-Superficial necrotic points
5-Reactions that occur when the technique is applied improperly, for example:
-Pain during needle insertion.
-Bruising due to the perforation of superficial veins or -insertion into muscle tissue.
Bleeding upon needle removal.
Mild muscle contractions during needle insertion, indicating that the needle may have reached muscle tissue.
Indications:
1. Edematofibrosclerotic panniculopathy.
2. Localized fat.
3. As a surgical complement for nodules and retractions after liposuction.
4. Decrease in thigh, buttocks, and abdomen circumference.
5. There may be a discrete weight loss, local circulatory improvement, and improvement in the trophicity of the skin in the treated area.
