Abstract
Introduction:
Third-generation ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) or vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) combined with helium-based plasma technology (HPT) or Renuvion creates a sculpted aesthetic outcome, while optimizing skin tightening in body contouring.
Material & Methods:
A multicenter retrospective chart review assessed safety and efficacy combining UAL with HPT in body contouring of 160 consecutive adult patients presenting from 2018 to 2022 in 2 clinical cosmetic practices. A prospective study evaluated a subset of patients regarding the overall energy delivery measured with the device joule counter using the manufacturers recommended treatment parameters for different anatomical areas.
Results:
Patient satisfaction rate was 95% (152 of 160 patients) using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale with no patients noting no change or worse result. No patient experienced a serious adverse effect. The most common complication (14/160 or 8.8%) was a seroma with 9 (5.6%) experiencing minor contour irregularities. Five requested additional liposuction to treated areas. All areas of revision removed less than 10% of the volume removed during the initial liposuction. The overall surgical revision rate was 4.4% (7/160). Radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery for abdomen, flanks, and lower back was 13.8, 15.6, and 3.2 (kJ/cm2), respectively. Keeping treatment planes between 1.3 and 2.3 cm apart achieved 3D RF energy delivery of abdomen, flanks, and lower back of 31.7, 32.8, and 3.9 (kJ/cm3), respectively.
Conclusions:
Third-generation ultrasound-assisted body liposuction combined with internal RF helium-based plasma yields superior patient satisfaction and aesthetic results with no serious adverse effects. Manufacturer energy delivery guidelines appear both safe and effective. Surgeon subjective assessment revealed improved skin retraction over UAL alone by the addition of helium-based plasma.
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