Evaluating, Purchasing, and Incorporating High-Tech Equipment into a Facial Plastic Surgery Practice.

In this article the authors discuss and analyze technological devices also known as energy-based devices and their use in skin rejuvenation, facial contouring, skin tightening, and other applications in facial plastic surgery. Energy has been applied in some form to tissue since the beginning of recorded history. The practice of applying heat to tissue with the use of cauters was used for thousands of years as an invaluable method of controlling hemorrhage. Continuous improvement of methods for using the beneficial effects of heat on tissue eventually led to the development of the basic concepts of electrosurgery we know today.

Liposuction-Augmentation Mammaplasty.

BACKGROUND: The female breast loses superior fullness and becomes more ptotic over time. Women often present to their plastic surgeon requesting reversal of this evolution. While liposuction alone has been proven to lift the breast, no solution combining augmentation and liposuction has been reported. OBJECTIVES: Herein, we introduce a technique called liposuction-augmentation mammaplasty (LAM) that can achieve "scarless" lifting or simply volume equalization prior to inserting same-sized implants. We then compare its safety and efficacy to two gold-standard techniques with similar aims, mastopexy-augmentation mammaplasty (MAM) and reduction-augmentation mammaplasty (RAM). METHODS: A retrospective 3-year chart review was conducted on 359 patients (652 breasts) undergoing LAM (n = 125), MAM (n = 188), and RAM (n = 46). Patient demographics, operative details, and revisions were documented. Degree of lift was measured on pre- and postoperative photographs using sternal notch-to-nipple distances (SN-N). Statistical differences were assessed between the groups. RESULTS: The LAM group's mean age and OR time (37 years, 46 minutes) were significantly lower than those of MAM (43 years, 90 minutes) and RAM (42 years, 106 minutes). Mean BMIs and revision rates were uniform between the LAM and MAM groups (24, 2.5%), but significantly higher for RAM (28, 4.6%). Aspirate volumes and resection weights averaged 151 cc and 307 g (left breast) and 173 cc and 298 g (right breast). Minimum follow up was 12 months. The LAM group's mean SN-N reduction (~6%) was statistically significant, albeit much lower than MAM (~16%) and RAM (~22%). CONCLUSIONS: LAM is a safe, facile, reliable solution for the ptotic, fatty breast. Patients can direct their volumetric outcome and enjoy lower costs and shorter downtime.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Cryolipolysis on Saddlebags: A Prospective Study of 53 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive subcutaneous fat removal technique. Its efficacy has been demonstrated on various fatty areas but not yet on saddlebags. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy, patient tolerance, and safety of cryolipolysis on the saddlebags. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 53 patients with saddlebags. Patients with a history of liposuction or other surgical procedure on the saddlebag area and those on diet pills were excluded. The primary endpoint was a decrease in fat thickness at 3 and 6 months, as assessed by thigh circumference measurement and by ultrasound evaluation of subcutaneous fat. Pain associated with cryolipolysis was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Body mass index at the different time points and adverse events were recorded. All patients completed a satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. RESULTS: At 6 months, there was a mean decrease of 5.63 cm in thigh circumference; the mean decrease in fat layer thickness measured by ultrasound was 1.31 cm. The satisfaction questionnaire showed that 93.75 percent of patients were satisfied with the results. The mean visual analogue scale score was 1.66 of 10 after the session. Reversible skin changes such as postprocedure postinflammatory hyperpigmentation were observed in 8.33 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cryolipolysis is an effective technique for reducing saddlebag fat and is well tolerated by patients. A substantial risk of skin lesions, including postinflammatory hyperpigmentation that resolved after a few months, was observed. Cryolipolysis is a good alternative to liposuction in women with moderate, well-localized saddlebags. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Three-dimensional volumetric assessment of body sculpting using a uniform heating radio frequency device in Asians.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A uniform heating radio frequency (RF) device induces thermal damage to adipose tissue by a controlled electric field that heats up fat preferentially. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of RF treatments on body sculpting, as assessed by objective volumetric assessments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty Japanese patients were treated on requested body areas. A monopolar 1-MHz RF device with uniform heating and perpendicular internal electric fields was used to achieve greater heating within the fat. Two treatments were performed 6 weeks apart using a stamp method with 0-20% overlap. Depending on patient comfort, the temperatures were set between 44 and 46°C. No topical anesthetics or any adjunctive treatment were administered before, during, or after the treatment. Super-imposable three-dimensional (3D) photographs were taken at baseline and 12 weeks post-second treatment. Patients rated their satisfaction using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: Objective assessments with super-imposable 3D color images showed statistically significant median volume reduction of 52.9 mL after treatments. Eighty percent of the patients were either "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the results. No epidermal burns, sensory changes, and muscle contractions were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The uniform heating RF treatment is safe and effective for non-invasive body sculpting.

Assessment of effects of physical or chemical factors on fat particle viability by glucose transport test.

BACKGROUND: It is important to protect fat viability during grafting. This study aimed to clarify whether physical or chemical factors damage fat viability. METHODS: Fat was harvested under high and low tumescence pressure, using syringes and a liposuction machine; this fat was injected through different gauge needles and cultured with lidocaine or epinephrine. Samples were subjected to glucose transport test and observed histologically. RESULT: The viability and microstructure of fat harvested under high and low tumescence pressure, and by syringe and liposuction machine, were similar (P > 0.05). The viability and intactness of fat cells injected through needles decreased with decreasing needle diameter (P < 0.05). Lidocaine (P < 0.05) and epinephrine (P < 0.05) weakened fat viability. CONCLUSIONS: Fat used for grafting can be harvested by tumescent techniques and a liposuction machine. Fat cell viability during injection increases with increasing needle diameter. Fat should be purified to remove drugs.

Broad overview of a clinical and commercial experience with CoolSculpting.

BACKGROUND: Cryolipolysis has been shown to be a safe and effective noninvasive procedure for the reduction of localized subcutaneous fat. OBJECTIVES: The authors examine the safety, efficacy, and procedural growth of cryolipolysis (via the CoolSculpting device; Zeltiq, Pleasanton, California) in a single plastic surgery practice. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 528 consecutive patients who underwent cryolipolysis treatment from January 2010 to December 2012. The number of patients, the number of treatment cycles, the average number of cycles per patient, all treatment areas, and all procedural complications were recorded and analyzed. Overall practice growth with the device was also analyzed. RESULTS: Over the study period, 1785 anatomic sites were treated with 2729 cycles, primarily in the lower abdomen (28%, n = 490 cycles), upper abdomen (11%, n = 189), left flank (19%, n = 333), right flank (19%, n = 333), inner thigh (6%, n = 111), outer thigh (5%, n = 87), and back (6%, n = 99). The age distribution for men and women was similar (46.6 ± 12.8 years for women and 46.5 ± 12.3 years for men; overall range, 18-79 years). Only 3 cases of mild or moderate pain/neuralgia were reported and resolved in 4 or fewer days. No adverse events were reported. Procedure volume showed consistent growth, with treatment cycles increasing by 823% by 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results in this single plastic surgery practice, cryolipolysis is a safe and effective nonsurgical body contouring method associated with high patient satisfaction that can generate steady, significant business growth.

Laser lipolysis used to treat localized adiposis: a preliminary report on experience with Asian patients.

BACKGROUND: Localized deposits of fat (adiposis) located in the face, chin, neck, and arms usually are more compact and difficult to treat using conventional liposuction. It is necessary to find an effective approach for this type of localized adiposis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical application of laser lipolysis for the treatment of localized adiposis in Asian patients. METHODS: In this study, 35 patients with localized adiposis were treated by laser lipolysis. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser energy was transferred through an optic fiber into the adipose tissue. The optimal energy and frequency of the laser were controlled precisely to melt and destroy the adipose tissue without damage to the skin and deeper tissues. The histologic study of treated adiposis tissues, the postoperation reaction, and the clinical results were observed and studied. RESULTS: After laser lipolysis, the localized adipose tissues were liquefied effectively, and the compact fibrous tissues were broken down into a looser structure. Bleeding was noted to be less than with conventional liposuction due to the coagulation of capillary vessels and the thermal effect of the laser. Laser lipolysis caused less edema, petechiae, and other postoperative complications, producing rapid recovery and satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: The Nd:YAG laser has a definite lipolysis effect on compact adipose tissue and is a more effective approach for the treatment of localized adiposis than conventional liposuction.

Contouring the female buttocks. Liposculpting the buttocks.

Body sculpting has progressed during the past decade to a point where cosmetic units may be sculpted to improve contours which blend imperceptibly and appropriately with adjacent cosmetic units. The buttocks is ideally suited for sophisticated contouring as its frame is determined by the hips, thighs, and lower back and its proportions are balanced by the anterior projection of the breasts. In addition, ethnic differences in the shape and proportions of the buttocks create a variety of aesthetically pleasing variations in size and shape. The article attempts to elucidate these considerations combined with a logical surgical approach to achieve pleasing results in body sculpting.

Analysis and introduction of a technology: Ultrasound-assisted Lipoplasty Task Force.

This article provides an overview of the findings of the Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty Task Force and presents its original and updated reports on the safety and efficacy of the new lipoplasty procedures. The author reviews the equipment, techniques, complications, and postoperative care associated with the latest procedures. Ongoing research and recommendations to the practitioner are addressed.

Liposuction and the law.

Although liposuction surgery seems to have a very low risk for medical malpractice claims, it is important that each surgeon minimize his or her own potential risk for such claims. The surgeon should routinely undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the daily workings of the office and surgical facilities. This should include an objective critique of his or her own professional behavior and that of the employees. No one can make themselves totally immune to claims of malpractice; however, with some insight every physician can reduce lawsuit exposure.