Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluation of Changes in Rectus Abdominis Muscles after High-Intensity Focused...

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology on rectus abdominis muscles (RAMs) in Asian individuals, hypothesizing that HIFEM is safe and effective for body contouring in this population and that volumetric assessment provides more accurate results than thickness measurements alone. Methods: In this prospective, single-center pilot study, six Asian participants (3 males, 3 females; mean age 45.5 years) underwent HIFEM training. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed before treatment and at 2- and 3-months post-treatment to assess RAM volume and thickness. The DIXON VIBE sequence was used for high-resolution imaging, and 3D segmentation tools were employed for precise measurements. Results: All participants showed increased RAM volume after 3-months treatment, with percentage increases ranging from 4.0% to 21.1%. Thickness measurements were inconsistent, with some participants experiencing decreases. No adverse events were reported during the study period. Conclusion: This pioneering study establishes the safety and effectiveness of HIFEM technology for RAM training in Asian individuals. The discrepancy between volume and thickness changes highlights the importance of volumetric assessment in evaluating muscle remodeling. While limited by small sample size and short follow-up, this research provides a foundation for further investigation of HIFEM technology in diverse populations and underscores its potential as a non-invasive approach in aesthetic medicine.