ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The appearance of striae gravidarum (SG) during pregnancy is a common problem. The most common SG are abdominal striae, which can cause the greatest sequelae after pregnancy, and in the long term. There are several solutions to prevent and treat these striae, but not all are completely effective, and not without side effects. AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a treatment that applies an electromagnetic field under vacuum (V-EMF therapy) on the abdominal SG. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 26 women affected by abdominal SG and treated with V-EMF therapy. The results were evaluated using two different 5-point Likert Scales: one administered to the treated subjects to evaluate their satisfaction, and one to the doctors who performed the treatment, to evaluate the improvement of the striae. The presence of side effects, and the effects of sun exposure after treatment were also considered. RESULTS: Only two treated subjects rated their level of satisfaction with a Score III on the Liker Scale. Everyone else expressed higher levels of satisfaction. Only one doctor rated the improvement of the striae with a Liker scale score of III. All the others reported greater improvements. No discomfort or side effects were noted either during the individual treatment sessions, or at the end of the treatment. The striae showed a newfound ability to tan. CONCLUSIONS: V-EMF therapy proves to be a valid, safe, and effective treatment modality for SG.
Subject(s)
Patient Satisfaction , Pregnancy Complications , Striae Distensae , Humans , Female , Pregnancy , Retrospective Studies , Adult , Striae Distensae/therapy , Pregnancy Complications/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Magnetic Field Therapy/methods , Magnetic Field Therapy/instrumentation , Magnetic Field Therapy/adverse effects , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There are many aesthetic treatments aimed at combating aging. In the most common and frequently used ones there are often side effects, albeit minor ones. However, sometimes it is necessary to use medications before or after treatments. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-aging efficacy and application safety of a therapy based on the combination of vacuum and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the aesthetic effects of the treatment on 217 subjects. Before treatment (T0) and after the last session (T1), skin hydration levels, the amount of sebum present and the pH were measured. The presence of discomfort during the sessions and side effects at T1 was verified. At T1, the levels of satisfaction of the patients and of the doctors who performed the treatment were assessed. At 3 and 6 months of follow-up the aesthetic results were re-evaluated. RESULTS: For all treated subjects, an evident qualitative improvement was observed in the quality of the skin of the neck and face, with an increase in tone and a reduction in wrinkles. The instrumental tests highlighted a normalization of skin hydration, pH, and sebum values. High levels of satisfaction at T0 and good stability of results up to 6 months of follow-up were reported. No discomfort was referred during the treatment sessions, nor any side effects after the entire treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment that exploits the synergy between vacuum and EMFs is very promising given the effectiveness and safety of the technique.
