Abstract
BACKGROUND: Application of helium-based plasma radiofrequency (RF; Renuvion, Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL) in the subcutaneous plane results in tissue coagulation and contraction. Although, traditionally, the impact of thermal devices on skin laxity is assessed by measuring changes in skin surface area, this indirect measure does not permit intraoperative assessment or differentiation of effects from various treatments. OBJECTIVES: To determine the amount of soft tissue contraction achieved by multiple passes of helium plasma RF energy to the subcutaneous connective tissues following power-assisted liposuction (PAL). METHODS: In this single-center study, 4 patients were assessed using real-time ultrasound measurements at baseline and following both PAL and each pass with helium plasma RF. RESULTS: Based on changes in the distance from the skin (dermal basement membrane) to Scarpa's fascia, PAL produced an average reduction of 36.7% (standard deviation [SD] 14.6; range, 24.7%-58.6%) because of the fat removal. Contraction observed with helium plasma RF was greatest for the first pass, with a mean decrease of 27.0% (SD 19.6; range, 4.5%-52.1%) in distance relative to distance measured following liposuction. Subsequent passes resulted in additional incremental contraction relative to previous treatment pass: 17.0% (5.1) for Pass 2, 7.7% (17.5) for Pass 3, and 7.1% (5.5) for Pass 4. Overall, helium plasma RF resulted in an average contraction of 44.0% (SD 17.2; range, 27.1%-59.4%) in the skin-to-Scarpa-fascia measurement. CONCLUSIONS: Helium plasma RF improved tissue contraction following PAL by an average of 44%, and data suggest that the greatest increase in tissue contraction is obtained by the first treatment pass.