Expansion of Renuvion Application to Areas Beyond the Submental Region: Review and Experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Minimally invasive and consistent skin redraping following liposuction remains an elusive goal. With the application of Renuvion (Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL), helium induced cold atmospheric plasma provides coagulation, collagen contraction, and subsequent skin tightening, making this elusive goal attainable. Objectives The objective of this study is to evaluate energy settings, and the safety profile of Renuvion in an effort to achieve optimal cosmesis through the improvement of skin laxity. Methods A retrospective review at a single site evaluated cases of Renuvion between March 2020 and May 2022. Energy settings, use of concomitant VASER (Solta Medical, Bothwell, WA) liposuction frequency, and adverse events were analyzed. Results In total, 180 patients were evaluated, of whom 135 (75%) underwent concomitant VASER liposuction. Renuvion was used on the abdomen (47.8%), thighs (45.6%), arms (27.2%), submental region (25%), hip rolls (21.2%), and back (19.4%). Among the entire cohort, there were a total of 24 (13.3%) complications. The complications consisted of 3 (12.5%) hematomas, 1 (4.2%) burn, 6 (25%) persistent skin laxity with 2 returned operating room (OR) treatments, 4 (16.7%) seromas, 9 (37.5%) postoperative lymphedema that self-resolved, and 1 (4.2%) self-limited neuralgia. There were no complications that required an immediate return to the OR. Conclusions Renuvion utilization with or without VASER has a relatively high complication rate—with minor complications as the most common—relatively safe barring proper patient selection, which can be mitigated with proper patient selection. Level of Evidence: 4