The FDA has recently cleared Liposonix, an external ultrasound machine that causes fat reduction with minimal invasiveness. Liposonix is known by their motto: “One Hour, One Treatment, One Size Smaller.” The next day, Medicis (makers of Dysport and Restylane) proceeded to sell Liposonix to Solta Medical for $35 million.
This is a pretty big development in our field. Non- or minimally-invasive fat reducing machines are hot right now. Probably leading the pack is Coolsculpting by Zeltiq, which studies show can reduce fat thickness an average of 22%, used mainly in the love handles. This treatment employs a cooling device to create irreversible damage to fat cells, causing them to be cleared from the body over a period of 1-2 months. Zerona is the other big player, and utilizes several low-light lasers to reduce overall body circumference an average of 3-4 inches, when combined with a large intake of water and regular exercise. Although the results vary, I do believe both of these machines work. Other devices used for these indications include Vaser Shape and Exilis.
It will be interesting to see what Liposonix brings to the aesthetic market. Can it compete with Ultrashape, another external ultrasound-based device seeking FDA clearance? Time will tell, but it’s an exciting time for plastic surgery patients who want to take off inches without having surgery!
