Abstract
Background Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction involves the delivery of a controlled amount of energy to treated tissue resulting in fat liquefaction, accompanying hemostasis, and skin tightening. The purpose of this study is to report experience with a larger sample size using the BodyTiteTM radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) platform, and its first use with local tumescent anesthesia. The BodyTiteTM device is currently awaiting FDA approval.
Excerpt:
“Linear contraction observed at 3 months follow-up were much more significant than reported with any other technology and varied from 12.7% up to 47% depending on patient and treatment variables.”
Abstract: The use of radiofrequency energy to produce collagen matrix contraction is presented. Controlling the depth of energy delivery, the power applied, the target skin temperature, and the duration of application of energy at various soft tissue levels produces soft tissue contraction, which is measurable. This technology allows precise soft tissue modelling at multiple levels to enhance the result achieved over traditional suction-assisted lipectomy as well as other forms of energy such as ultrasonic and laser-generated lipolysis.
Conclusion: We believe the study results confirm the hypothesis of Kenkel [17], i.e., skin tightening and elasticity changes following thermal lipoplasty are mostly a result of subdermal tissue contraction but not dermal, which experiences lower heating during the treatment. It is clear that 40–42°C on the skin surface cannot result in an immediate contraction effect. Deep dermal remodeling may account for some horizontal contraction over time. It is possible that the dermal-fat junction experiences higher temperatures, but this process requires future investigation. We believe that the mechanism of subcutaneous collagen contraction during RF-assisted liposuction is similar to that witnessed in other types of collagen in that the contraction process has thermal contraction thresholds in the range of 60–70°C.
It is likely more accurate to talk about tissue contraction rather than skin tightening because significant area contraction is a result of the strong contribution of deeper adipose fascial layers. Further studies with accurate 3D area measurements will tell us more about the RF-mediated area contraction in this RFAL technology. This RFAL thermal process and contraction can be effectively applied during a liposuction treatment in selected cases, improving patient satisfaction and extending liposuction procedures to higher-weight patients and patients with compromised skin conditions.
Excerpt:
“Body contour improvement was observed postoperatively in all patients and there were no severe systemic or local complications, although postoperative pain was minimal in all patients. Weight and circumference reductions were significant at both 6-week and 3-month follow-up. Skin tightening was judged optimal by the surgeon in all patients. “
Abstract:
Background: The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a novel radiofrequency device for radiofrequency-assisted liposuction were evaluated in various body areas.
Methods: From July to December of 2008, 23 subjects underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction using the BodyTite system. Information regarding aesthetic results and local and systemic complications was collected immediately after the procedure and at 6- and 12-week follow-up.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.8 ± 12.4 years, and 87 percent were women. Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction was performed successfully in all cases; volume aspirated per patient was 2404 ± 1290 ml, whereas operative time was 158 ± 44 minutes. All patients underwent liposuction at the hip and low abdominal areas, laterally. Body contour improvement was observed postoperatively in all patients and there were no severe systemic or local complications, although postoperative pain was minimal in all
patients. Weight and circumference reductions were significant at both 6-week and 3-month follow-up. Skin tightening was judged optimal by the surgeon in all patients.
Conclusions: The authors’ study suggests that the removal of moderate volumes of fat with concurrent subdermal tissue contraction can be performed safely and effectively with radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. Additional benefits of this technique are excellent patient tolerance and fast recovery time. Nonetheless, a larger sample is required to confirm the authors’ results and guarantee the efficacy and safety of the procedure. Direct comparison with traditional liposuction or energy-assisted liposuction techniques may provide some insights to tailor future indications of this novel technique.
Excerpt:
“Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction is a promising technology for body contouring with the following apparent advantages:
Abstract:
A new liposuction technology for adipocyte lipolysis and uniform three-dimensional tissue heating and contraction is presented. The technology is based on bipolar radiofrequency energy applied to the subcutaneous adipose tissue and subdermal skin surface. Preliminary clinical results, thermal monitoring, and histologic biopsies of the treated tissue demonstrate rapid preaspiration liquefaction of adipose tissue, coagulation of subcutaneous blood vessels, and uniform sustained heating of tissue.
