NONINVASIVE MECHANICAL BODY CONTOURING - (ENDERMOLOGIE) A ONE-YEAR CLINICAL OUTCOME STUDY UPDATE

LPG Endermologie is a machine-assisted massage system that allows posi tive pressure rolling, in conjunction with applied negative pressure t o the skin and subcutaneous tissues (LPG Endermologie U.S.A. (800-222- 3911). Endermologie was originally developed in the late 1970s in Fran ce to soften scars and standardize physical therapy; however, patients treated with the LPG machine also showed improvement in body contour and skin texture. Since then, Endermologie machines have been used in France, the United States, and many other nations as an alternative me thod to altering fat distribution in the subcutaneous plane. The autho rs have continued their study of determining the safety and efficacy o f this machine. Since our last report in March 1997 (Ersek RA et al., Aesth. Plast. Surg. 21(2):61-67, 1997), we have compiled records of 85 additional patients. With this larger patient pool, we can expect mor e statistically accurate results. This study is composed of 85 women b etween the ages of 21 to 61. The study group exhibited a wide range of body habitus, initial weights, and final results. Out of 85 patients, 46 patients completed seven sessions of treatment and showed a mean i ndex reduction in body circumference of 1.34 cm, while 39 patients wh o completed 14 sessions of treatments showed a mean index reduction in body circumference of 1.83 cm. A decrease in mean body circumference index was seen regardless of loss or gain in patients' weight in most cases.