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 ( = .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.