Cryolipolysis conformable-surface applicator for nonsurgical fat reduction in lateral thighs. 2015

W Grant Stevens, and Eric P Bachelor
Dr Stevens is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery, the Director of the Aesthetics Division of the University of Southern California (USC) Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the Director of the Marina del Rey-USC Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship, Los Angeles, California. Dr Bachelor is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Pleasanton, California.

BACKGROUND Vacuum applicators have been effective for cryolipolysis of the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, back, chest, and arms. However, the lateral thighs have not been easily treated because fat from this area cannot be easily drawn into a vacuum cup. OBJECTIVE The authors investigated the safety and efficacy of a prototype applicator for treatment of "nonpinchable" fat in the lateral thighs. METHODS In this prospective, nonrandomized, interventional cohort, multicenter study, a 120-minute unilateral treatment with a prototype conformable-surface applicator was performed on 1 lateral thigh of 40 patients, with the contralateral thigh serving as the control. During follow-up visits at 2 and 4 months, fat reduction was assessed by ultrasound imaging and clinical photography, and patient satisfaction surveys were completed. RESULTS Ultrasound data indicated a 2.6-mm mean normalized reduction in fat thickness-a statistically significant reduction vs the untreated control thigh (P = 7.8E-8). According to patient survey responses, 89% of patients would recommend the procedure to a friend; 86% were satisfied with cryolipolysis for the lateral thighs; 86% noticed visible fat reduction; and 97% were likely to undergo a second treatment. A panel of 3 independent blinded physicians correctly identified baseline and posttreatment clinical photographs in 87% of cases. There were no serious adverse events or unanticipated adverse device effects. CONCLUSIONS The cryolipolysis conformable-surface applicator was safe and efficacious for treatment of lateral thigh fat. Clinical photographs and ultrasound results showed significant reduction in fat thickness, and noticeable reduction in undesirable "saddlebag" bulges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Therapeutic.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011446 Prospective Studies Observation of a population for a sufficient number of persons over a sufficient number of years to generate incidence or mortality rates subsequent to the selection of the study group. Prospective Study,Studies, Prospective,Study, Prospective
D011795 Surveys and Questionnaires Collections of data obtained from voluntary subjects. The information usually takes the form of answers to questions, or suggestions. Community Survey,Nonrespondent,Questionnaire,Questionnaires,Respondent,Survey,Survey Method,Survey Methods,Surveys,Baseline Survey,Community Surveys,Methodology, Survey,Nonrespondents,Questionnaire Design,Randomized Response Technique,Repeated Rounds of Survey,Respondents,Survey Methodology,Baseline Surveys,Design, Questionnaire,Designs, Questionnaire,Methods, Survey,Questionnaire Designs,Questionnaires and Surveys,Randomized Response Techniques,Response Technique, Randomized,Response Techniques, Randomized,Survey, Baseline,Survey, Community,Surveys, Baseline,Surveys, Community,Techniques, Randomized Response
D002140 California State bounded on the east by Nevada and Arizona, on the south by Mexico and the Pacific Ocean on the south and west, and on the north by Oregon.
D004867 Equipment Design Methods and patterns of fabricating machines and related hardware. Design, Equipment,Device Design,Medical Device Design,Design, Medical Device,Designs, Medical Device,Device Design, Medical,Device Designs, Medical,Medical Device Designs,Design, Device,Designs, Device,Designs, Equipment,Device Designs,Equipment Designs
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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