Remodeling of facial soft tissue induced by simultaneous application of HIFES and synchronized radiofrequency provides nonsurgical lift of facial soft tissues.

Background: The application of radiofrequency (RF) and HIFES on the body provides improvement in skeletal muscle tissue, reduction in fatty tissue, reorganization of connective tissue, and skin texture improvement. However, overall facial appearance relies on both skin and underlying structures, specifically muscles and connective tissue which have to be treated as one unit to achieve proper care while preserving fatty layers that define youth facial appearance.

Aims: The aim of this study is to find whether the effect of novel RF + HIFES is safe and can induce the lifting of soft tissue and overall improvement in facial appearance.

Robotics in Plastic Surgery: It's Here.

Although robotic surgery has been routinely established in other surgical disciplines, robotic technologies have been less readily adopted in plastic surgery. Despite a strong demand for innovation and cutting-edge technology in plastic surgery, most reconstructive procedures, including microsurgery, have continued to necessitate an open approach. Recent advances in robotics and artificial intelligence, however, are gaining momentum and have shown significant promise to improve patient care in plastic surgery.

Technology Innovation and Disruption in Plastic Surgery: Intelligence Quotient, Emotional Quotient, and Technology Quotient.

This article is an introduction to the new PRS Tech Disruptor Series, the culmination of work originating from the Technology Innovation and Disruption Presidential Task Force. Our technology quotient is important to our success as individuals and as a specialty society. The goal of this new series is to address the broader concepts in technology as they relate to plastic surgery and thus enhance the technology quotient of readers and, in turn, of the specialty and specialty society.

Cybersecurity and Technical Patient Privacy Protection.

Plastic surgery offices are subject to a wide variety of cybersecurity threats, including ransomware attacks that encrypt the plastic surgeon's information and make it unusable, as well as data theft and disclosure attacks that threaten to disclose confidential patient information. Cloud-based office systems increase the attack surface and do not mitigate the effects of breaches that can result in theft of credentials. Although employee education is often recommended to avoid the threats, a single error by a single employee has often led to security breaches, and it is unreasonable to expect that no employee will ever make an error.

Retrospective analysis of high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure synchronized with radiofrequency energy for visceral fat reduction.

Background: Visceral adipose tissue (VAT), present in the abdominal cavity, oftentimes contributes to an unpleasant aesthetic appearance and can be correlated with serious health issues. High-intensity focused electromagnetic field (HIFEM) technology with synchronized radiofrequency (RF) was recently used for abdominal body shaping through subcutaneous fat reduction and muscle growth.

Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of HIFEM + RF technology on VAT tissue.

Artificial Intelligence: Singularity Approaches.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a disruptive technology within health care, from the development of simple care algorithms to complex deep-learning models. AI has the potential to reduce the burden of administrative tasks, advance clinical decision-making, and improve patient outcomes. Unlocking the full potential of AI requires the analysis of vast quantities of clinical information.

Novel Technology for Facial Muscle Stimulation Combined With Synchronized Radiofrequency Induces Structural Changes in Muscle Tissue: Porcine Histology Study.

Background: With age, facial muscles lose the ability to complete contractions properly, resulting in limitation of facial expressions and fat shifting, and leading to skin creases and wrinkling.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the novel high intensity facial electromagnetic stimulation (HIFES) technology combined with synchronized radiofrequency on delicate facial muscles, using an animal porcine model.

Methods: Eight (n = 8, 60-80 kg) sows were divided into the active group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 2).

Spot Reduction of Localized Fat Deposits on the Lateral Thighs by Simultaneous Emission of Synchronized Radiofrequency and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Energy: Magnetic Resonance Multicenter Study.

Background: Unwanted lateral fat most prominently affects the female population and may cause self-esteem issues.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of synchronized high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) + radiofrequency (RF) for the treatment of lateral thigh adipose tissue.

Materials And Methods: Ninety-three subjects (21-70 year old) received 4, 30-minute HIFEM + RF treatments of the lateral thighs.

The surface topography of silicone breast implants mediates the foreign body response in mice, rabbits and humans.

Silicone is widely used in chronic implants and is generally perceived to be safe. However, textured breast implants have been associated with immune-related complications, including malignancies. Here, by examining for up to one year the foreign body response and capsular fibrosis triggered by miniaturized or full-scale clinically approved breast implants with different surface topography (average roughness, 0-90 μm) placed in the mammary fat pads of mice or rabbits, respectively, we show that surface topography mediates immune responses to the implants.

The effect of high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure on visceral adipose tissue: Retrospective assessment of computed tomography scans.

Background: High levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) are associated with abdominal obesity and increased risk of metabolic deterioration. Recent studies showed that intensive physical exercise results in the reduction of subcutaneous and visceral fat.

Aims: This study investigates the effect of supramaximal muscle contractions induced by a HIFEM procedure for abdominal VAT changes.

Comparison of 2.5% agarose gel vs hyaluronic acid filler, for the correction of moderate to severe nasolabial folds.

Background: Agarose gel filler is a natural hydrocolloid with a three-dimensional structure similar to the extracellular matrix, with gel formed by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions rather than through chemical cross-linking or polymerization.

Objective: To determine efficacy and safety of 2.5% agarose gel filler for the correction of nasolabial folds.

MRI and CT Assessment of Abdominal Tissue Composition in Patients After High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Therapy Treatments: One-Year Follow-Up.

Background: Several studies investigating high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) treatments have recently been published. However, due to the novelty of the procedure, long-term data are still missing.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in abdominal tissues on average 1 year after a series of HIFEM treatments, to determine the long-term durability of patients' original body responses.

Histological examination of skin tissue in the porcine animal model after simultaneous and consecutive application of monopolar radiofrequency and targeted pressure energy.

Background: The cosmetic appearance of skin is substantially influenced by the organization of connective fibers and underlying subcutaneous tissue. It has been previously documented that radiofrequency and pressure energies alone are able to improve skin appearance; however, detailed histological evaluation should be done to determine their synergistic effect.

Aims: This histological study investigates the difference between simultaneous and consecutive application of monopolar radiofrequency with targeted pressure energy on porcine skin.

Efficacy and safety of a new resilient hyaluronic acid dermal filler, in the correction of moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds: A 64-week, prospective, multicenter, controlled, randomized, double-blind and within-subject study.

Background: Injectables that behave similarly to native tissue and preserve facial expressiveness represent a new frontier in aesthetic medicine. A range of fillers made of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HA) chains with low crosslinking have been specifically developed to complement facial dynamics.

Aims: The efficacy and safety of one of these resilient HA fillers, and its noninferiority to an effective comparator available in the US, were tested in the treatment of dynamic wrinkles.

Expert Consensus on the Use of a New Bioengineered, Cell-Friendly, Smooth Surface Breast Implant.

Background: Although general guidelines are available for established silicone gel breast implants, the unique characteristics of the latest Motiva implants warrant specific guidelines.

Objectives: This study aimed to generate consensus recommendations and summarize expert-based advice to better understand current surgical practices and to establish guidelines for surgeons transitioning from other implant devices to the Motiva implants.

Methods: A survey was compiled by 12 plastic surgeon experts in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery and 1 biotechnology scientist, and distributed to 36 plastic surgeons to establish a consensus on the use of these devices.

High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping.

Objectives: This study introduces an initial evaluation of a novel High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. The primary goal is to quantify any effects the treatments may have on abdominal tissues, as well as to establish hypotheses for future research of this technology.

Methods: Twenty-two patients received four abdominal treatments using the EMSCULPT device (BTL Industries Inc.

Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation on Textured Breast Implant Shell Materials.

Background: Bacterial biofilms have been implicated with breast implant complications including capsular contracture and anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. The actual mechanisms for either are still under active investigation and are not clear. Due to their increased surface area, implants with textured surfaces may harbor greater biofilm loads than those with smooth surfaces.

Radiofrequency Technology in Face and Neck Rejuvenation.

Three doctors discuss the current issues and controversies involving the use of radiofrequency and energy-based devices for skin tightening, facial contouring, and other indications. The use of transcutaneous monopolar-, bipolar-, multipolar-, subcutaneous-, and microneedle-based delivery methods are discussed. The controversies involved in the various devices are discussed.