To treat excess fat, reduction via liposuction is a no-brainer. But how do newer technology-based solutions fit in? The jury is still out according to several industry experts. In the March issue of Cosmetic Surgery Times (CST), Dr. Jane Petro, a Boston-based plastic surgeon points out that “there is relatively little evidence-based medicine regarding the varying liposuction devices used in cosmetic surgery today particularly regarding the claimed advantages of one technology over the other.” Her recommendation to the industry at-large? To fill the void with comparative studies that work towards generating the evidence today’s cosmetic surgeons need to select the best liposuction devices for their practice.
To illustrate the challenge today’s surgeons face, there are several competing types of high-tech liposuction options available:
- Power-assisted liposuction
- Water-assisted liposuction
- Laser-assisted liposuction
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
- Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction
Which type of liposuction is best for patient and physician? Without data comparison data among varying modalities, it’s challenging, Dr. Petro told CST: “If you look at what makes absolute clinical evidence known to be true, the general history of medicine is filled with what you would call ‘expert opinion.’ However, expert opinion can be subjective and in part is therefore regarded as a low level of evidence,” she’s quoted as saying.
Another expert also weighed in: “I believe that comparative multicentered studies are lacking regarding these newer technologies and their evolving indications. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have multiple devices in our office should conduct comparative studies and share that information because our hands are not tied. We purchase the devices, we may be users of the devices, but we are independent of the companies.” That’s what Loma Linda, Calif-based surgeon Gordon H. Sasaki, MD, told CST.
According to the Numbers
According to the annual statistics reported by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) for 2011, Liposuction is the number 1 procedure in the United States. And there is good reason for the distinction: It’s safe and satisfactory when performed by an experienced physician, according to the experts. Here’s what they told CST about how the high-tech versions compare with traditional liposuction:
- Power Assisted Liposuction: Fat extraction is easier, procedure time is shorter, and healing and recovery time is faster (Dr. Sasaki)1-3
Read more at: https://www.liposuction.com/high-tech-liposuction-article.html
