A safety and feasibility study of a novel radiofrequency-assisted liposuction technique.

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, bilaterally. 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.