Non-invasive tumescent cryolipolysis using a new 4D handpiece: a comparative study with a porcine model.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The growing demand for a youthful appearance, including a favorable body shape, has motivated recent developments in noninvasive body contouring techniques. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of a new version of a 4D handpiece-mounted cooling device for cryolipolysis with or without tumescent injections. METHODS: We conducted a side-by-side comparative study using two female porcine models. Two areas of each pig's left abdomen were treated using a conventional device and the new cooling device, and two areas of the right abdomen were also treated using the conventional and new cooling device, but both were combined with tumescent-solution injections. RESULTS: The conventional method alone yielded a 75.25% reduction in skin thickness, while the new cooling device alone yielded a 81.63% reduction. When paired with tumescent injections, the conventional device yielded a 86.3% reduction in skin thickness and the cooling device yielded a 85.9% reduction. Using histological analysis with H&E, oil red O, and toluidine blue stain, we confirmed that selective cryolipolysis was able to induce selective apoptosis of fat cells. CONCLUSION: This in vivo study presents a new 4D handpiece-assisted cooling device with tumescent anesthesia that is safe and effective for fat reduction.