A randomized, controlled multicenter study evaluating focused ultrasound treatment for fat reduction in the flanks.

INTRODUCTION: Energy-based cosmetic devices offer an in-office treatment option, with minimal downtime, to non-invasively remove unwanted fat. We evaluated focused, pulsed ultrasound treatment to randomized flanks, compared to corresponding non-treated contralateral flanks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects were enrolled at three sites for a series of focused ultrasound treatments to a single flank, with the contralateral flank remaining untreated throughout the study. Success criteria included measureable fat thickness reduction on ultrasound imaging in the treated areas at 16 weeks after the final treatment session, and correct identification of the post-treatment photo and treated flank in at least 80% of evaluated images, as assessed by two blinded evaluators. RESULTS: The post-treatment flank photo and treated flank side were correctly identified in 82% and 93% of cases, respectively. All study subjects demonstrated significant fat reduction in their treated area, as measured by ultrasound and skin caliper. Subjects expressed a high satisfaction from treatment outcomes. There were no complications with treatment. CONCLUSION: A series of three ultrasound treatments resulted in significant fat reduction in treated flanks. Although treatment results are more modest than with liposuction, non-invasive ultrasound treatment may provide an attractive alternative for patients seeking an in-office, nonsurgical procedure for fat reduction.

Multicenter pivotal study of vacuum-assisted precise tissue release for the treatment of cellulite.

BACKGROUND: Cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of skin occurring where the dermis is tethered by subcutaneous fibrous septa arranged perpendicularly to the skin surface. OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a new system for vacuum-assisted precise tissue release for the treatment of cellulite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult women with moderate to severe cellulite (N = 55) underwent a single treatment. Post-treatment assessments were performed after 3 and 14 days; 1, 3, and 6 months; and at 1 year. Outcome measures included blinded assessments of subject photographs, a validated Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS), and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Subject satisfaction and pain ratings were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean baseline CSS score of 3.4 decreased to 1.3 at 3 months (p < .0001) and 1.4 at 1 year (p < .0001), with 47 subjects (93%) having ≥1-point improvements. Subject satisfaction was 85% at 3 months and 94% at 1 year. Transient treatment-related adverse events were mild in severity. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the safety, efficacy, and subject satisfaction with vacuum-assisted precise tissue release in the treatment of cellulite. There was no reduction in treatment benefits for up to 1 year. These results supported the Food and Drug Administration clearance of the device for the long-term reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

Principles of liposuction.

There has been a dramatic increase in liposuction procedures during the last decade by both dermatologic and plastic surgeons. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Since its inception in 1976, numerous major advances have made the procedure more successful for both the surgeon and patient alike. This article reviews the current principles of liposuction and serves as a comprehensive overview of recent innovations in this field.