Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40716011›Full record

ArticleDermatology and therapy2025

High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging for Stage III Cellulite: A Three-Subtype Structural Classification from an Observational Cohort Study.

Dora Intagliata, Massimiliano Priolo, Paola Molinari

Abstract read
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Article in Dermatology and therapy, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Dora IntagliataPoliambulatorio ID Future, Via Alcide De Gasperi, 66, Siracusa, Italy. idmedicalsrl@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0006-0693-1318
Massimiliano PrioloAesthetic Medicine, Acqui Terme, Italy.
Paola MolinariStudio Medicina Estetica, Modena, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionStage III cellulite is traditionally assessed through clinical inspection; however, visual scales often fail to capture the structural complexity of subcutaneous tissue. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) provides an objective, non-invasive method for visualizing the architecture of adipose tissue. This study aimed to develop and validate an ultrasound-based subclassification of stage III cellulite to improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate personalized treatment strategies.

methodsThis observational cohort study included 150 female patients (ages 20-55 years, BMI 18-32 kg/m

resultsHFUS identified 50 patients in each subtype. The mean superficial fat thickness was 4.8 ± 1.1 mm in 3A, 11.3 ± 2.4 mm in 3B, and 8.6 ± 3.4 mm in mixed subtype. Severe fibrosis occurred in 100.0% of patients with type 3B, was absent in type 3A, and was variable in the mixed type. Edema was mild in all patients with type 3A (100.0%), severe in 44.0% of those with type 3B, and variable in the mixed group. Discrepancies between clinical and ultrasound classifications appeared in 33.3% of cases. Agreement between classifications was moderate (Gwet's AC1 = 0.444; p < 0.001).

conclusionHFUS provides a valid and reproducible method for structurally assessing advanced cellulite. It enables the identification of a third, clinically unrecognized mixed phenotype, which has significant therapeutic implications by supporting more accurate treatment selection and improving treatment personalization.

Indexed as

CelluliteDiagnostic imagingEdemaFibrosisSubcutaneous fatUltrasonography

Identifiers

PMID40716011
PMCPMC12454704

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