Refining Liposuction Safety and Efficacy: Surgeon Learning-Curve Analysis With Helium-Based Plasma Integration.

Background: The introduction of medical advancements requires ongoing critical evaluation of clinical practice and patient outcomes to improve results and safety. Since the development of minimally invasive, energy-based devices, this process has been occurring throughout the field of aesthetic medicine.

Objectives: To collect retrospective procedure and safety data of liposuction procedures with or without adjunct utilization of a helium-based plasma device, compare 3 groups, and delineate the learning curve.

Methods: A retrospective chart review at a single site included healthy patients ≥18 years of age treated by the principal investigator (PI). A total of 50 patients had an ultrasonic-assisted liposuction procedure, 50 patients had a liposuction procedure with the utilization of the helium-based plasma device, and 50 of the PI's most recent patients had a liposuction procedure with the utilization of the helium-based plasma device. All patients had at least 6 months of documented postoperative follow-up care.

Results: Totally, 150 patients were enrolled in the study. Most patients had multiple body areas treated, primarily hips and abdomen. Treatment settings varied, with significant relationships found between pain and treatment groups (P = .013). No serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs) were reported, and all AE resolved before the final follow-up.

Conclusions: The data collected support that patient outcomes and safety improve with continued use of the helium-based plasma device by the PI. The data also support the use of a helium-based plasma device as safe when used in combination with liposuction procedures.

Level of evidence 4 therapeutic: