A Retrospective Evaluation of the Safety of Combining Helium-Based Plasma Radiofrequency Technology With Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoabdominoplasty.

Background: Helium plasma radiofrequency (RF; Renuvion; Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL) is cleared for use in the coagulation/contraction of subcutaneous soft tissue, in body contouring, and to address loose skin in the neck and submental region. The device instantly heats target tissue to >85 °C, causing rapid protein coagulation within 0.04 s, resulting in tissue contraction. The use of multiple energy-based devices in lipoabdominoplasty is controversial.

Objectives: To assess the safety of helium plasma RF as an adjunct to lipoabdominoplasty utilizing ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL; VASER, Solta Medical, Bothell, WA).

Methods: In this retrospective, single-center study, medical records for patients who underwent UAL and abdominoplasty with or without helium-based plasma RF as an adjunct for subdermal coagulation between October 2017 and March 2023 were reviewed. Primary outcomes included significant and nonsignificant adverse events (AEs). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify any risk factors for AEs.

Results: A total of 40 patients treated with lipoabdominoplasty and helium plasma RF and 37 patients treated with lipoabdominoplasty alone were included in the analysis. Overall, no significant difference between groups was detected for the occurrence of significant AEs (P = .628).

Conclusions: In this study, it is indicated that the helium plasma RF device may be a safe adjunct for UAL lipoabdominoplasty. When used for subdermal coagulation in the abdominal area, the device does not appear to increase the incidence of serious AEs or introduce risk to the flap.

Level of evidence 3 therapeutic: