TITLE:
Prospective Pilot Study on Low-Frequency Electrical Muscle Stimulation for Noninvasive Gluteal Contouring
AUTHORS:
Yao Liu, He Gao, Shuang Ren, Jiayao Wang, Lin Wang, Yueqing Xiong, Duihong Li, Judith Hellman
KEYWORDS:
Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Gluteus Maximus, Body Contouring, Waist-to-Hip Ratio, Noninvasive Aesthetics
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications,
Vol.16 No.3,
July
15,
2026
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.