SUMMARY
Summary: This prospective, single-arm pilot study evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) using the TONE device for noninvasive gluteal contouring. Twenty participants dissatisfied with their gluteal contour underwent 10 weekly 30-minute EMS treatments.
Participants experienced a significant increase in gluteus maximus thickness, with an average gain of 2.01 ± 0.83 mm maintained at the 1-month follow-up, representing an estimated 8–10% increase in muscle thickness. Waist-to-hip ratio improved significantly, decreasing from 0.70 to 0.67 (P < 0.001). Progressive aesthetic improvement was reported throughout the study. Treatments were well tolerated, with no serious adverse events; the most common side effect was mild, transient muscle soreness (20%), which resolved within 48 hours.
Conclusion: Low-frequency EMS with the TONE device produced measurable increases in gluteus maximus muscle thickness, improved waist-to-hip ratio, and high patient satisfaction.
TOPICS COVERED
- Study Objective: Evaluates the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for noninvasive gluteal contouring.
- Objective Measurements: Uses ultrasound to measure gluteus maximus muscle thickness, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and aesthetic improvements following 10 weekly EMS treatments.
- Clinical Outcomes: Reports significant increases in gluteal muscle thickness, improved body contour, reduced WHR, and high patient and investigator satisfaction.
- Safety Profile: Demonstrates that treatments were well tolerated, with only mild, transient muscle soreness and no serious adverse events.
- Future Applications: Discusses EMS as a complementary, muscle-targeted approach to body contouring and the need for larger controlled studies to confirm long-term efficacy and durability.
