Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Prospective Pilot Study on Low-Frequency Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Noninvasive Gluteal Contouring
Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA
- 1 Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 2 Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 3 Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 4 Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 5 Department of Plastic Surgery, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 6 Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 7 Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Central Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- 8 Department of Dermatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, USA
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications·Volume 16 (2026)·Pages 148–160·Published 1 September 2026·DOI10.4236/jcdsa.2026.163011
Copy link · social · email
Abstract
Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary clinical effectiveness of low-frequency electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for noninvasive gluteal contouring. Methods: Twenty adult participants (25 - 55 years) dissatisfied with their gluteal contour were enrolled in a prospective single-arm pilot study. Each participant received 10 weekly EMS sessions using the TONE-PRO device. Objective outcomes included changes in gluteus maximus thickness measured by standardized ultrasonography and changes in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Subjective outcomes were assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Safety was evaluated through structured adverse event monitoring. Results: Mean gluteus maximus thickness increased progressively during treatment, reaching +2.01 ± 0.83 mm after 10 sessions (P Conclusion: In this exploratory pilot cohort, low-frequency EMS was associated with measurable increases in gluteal muscle thickness and favorable aesthetic outcomes with a reassuring safety profile. Controlled studies are required to confirm durability and comparative efficacy.
KeywordsElectrical Muscle StimulationGluteus MaximusBody ContouringWaist-to-Hip RatioNoninvasive Aesthetics
- Kloth, L.C. (2005) Electrical Stimulation for Wound Healing: A Review of Evidence from in Vitro Studies, Animal Experiments, and Clinical Trials. The International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds , 4, 23-44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534734605275733
- Haufs, M.G. and Zöllner, Y.F. (2020) Waist-Hip Ratio More Appropriate than Body Mass Index. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International , 117, Article No. 659. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2020.0659a
- Harris, E. (2023) Study: Waist-to-Hip Ratio Might Predict Mortality Better than BMI. JAMA , 330, 1515-1516. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.19205
- Widjaja, N.A., Arifani, R. and Irawan, R. (2023) Value of Waist-to-Hip Ratio as a Predictor of Metabolic Syndrome in Adolescents with Obesity. Acta Biomedica , 94, e2023076.
- Cao, Q., Yu, S., Xiong, W., Li, Y., Li, H., Li, J., et al . (2018) Waist-Hip Ratio as a Predictor of Myocardial Infarction Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicine ( Baltimore ), 97, e11639. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000011639
- Gao, F., Wan, J., Xu, B., Wang, X., Lin, X. and Wang, P. (2020) Trajectories of Waist-To-Hip Ratio and Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure with Mid-Range Ejection Fraction. Obesity Facts , 13, 344-357. https://doi.org/10.1159/000507708
- Kinney, B.M. and Lozanova, P. (2019) High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy Evaluated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Safety and Efficacy Study of a Dual Tissue Effect Based Non-Invasive Abdominal Body Shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine , 51, 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23024
- Kavanagh, S., Newell, J., Hennessy, M. and Sadick, N. (2012) Use of a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Device for Facial Muscle Toning: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology , 11, 261-266. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12007
- Frank, K., Kaye, K.O., Casabona, G., Glaue, E., Zeng, R., Moellhoff, N., et al . (2025) Effect of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High-Intensity Facial Electrical Stimulation (HIFES) of the Upper Face. Aesthetic Surgery Journal , 45, 525-530. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjaf009
- Hwang, U.J., Kwon, O.Y., Jung, S.H., Ahn, S.H. and Gwak, G.T. (2018) Effect of a Facial Muscle Exercise Device on Facial Rejuvenation. Aesthetic Surgery Journal , 38, 463-476. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjx238
- Abe, T., Loenneke, J.P., Thiebaud, R.S. and Loftin, M. (2014) Morphological and Functional Relationships with Ultrasound Measured Muscle Thickness of the Upper Extremity and Trunk. Ultrasound , 22, 229-235. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742271X14554678