A Retrospective Review Comparing Renuvion Helium Plasma Radiofrequency with BodyTite Bipolar Radiofrequency after Liposuction or Body Contouring

Abstract

Background: Driven by demand for nonexcisional alternatives to address lax skin following liposuction, various energy-based technologies have become available. Helium plasma radiofrequency (RF) and bipolar RF have gained prominence. These technologies have distinctly different methods of action and indications, potentially influencing procedural safety and duration. Methods: Conducted to collect and evaluate real-world procedure and safety data, this retrospective, single-center, contiguous series study included patients who underwent either helium plasma RF or bipolar RF following a liposuction or body contouring procedure. Results: The helium plasma RF group (N = 229) averaged 4.9 concurrent procedures, whereas the bipolar RF group (N = 236) averaged 4.4 concurrent procedures. The total treatment time, including concurrent procedures, was 182 minutes for the helium plasma RF group and 196 minutes for the bipolar RF group. The findings from the subanalysis group (n = 9) indicated that the treatment time for the helium plasma RF side of the body was 50% shorter than the bipolar RF side. A statistically significant difference in adverse events by group was observed. There were 45 events in 34 patients for helium plasma RF and 93 events in 62 patients for bipolar RF. Notably, fewer occurrences of burns, hematoma, hypertrophic scar, and seroma were reported for helium plasma RF compared with bipolar RF. Conclusions: The analysis reveals a notable difference in the occurrence of adverse events, with statistically significantly fewer incidents observed for helium plasma RF compared with bipolar RF. Data suggests that helium plasma RF exhibits shorter durations in the operating room compared with bipolar RF, suggesting increased procedural efficiency.