Liposonix is a cosmetic fat removal machine manufactured by Solta. It was first approved by the FDA in 2011. It uses high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to remove fat cells. The results are comparable to traditional liposuction, but it’s categorized as non-surgical, and it’s completely non-invasive, which means it doesn’t require the insertion of foreign objects, such as scalpels, cannulas, and needles. The skin is never broken, and it can be used on most regions of the body, including the thighs, flanks, back, buttocks, and arms. The machine works by targeting subcutaneous fat, also known as superficial fat, which resides beneath the dermal layer of skin. It heats the cells to a temperature above 56 degrees Fahrenheit, rupturing the cellular membranes. This essentially kills the cells off, causing them to be disposed of through the body’s natural processes. Results do take time to manifest, but the machine has been proven effective. Like other forms of fat removal, though, it is not capable of removing deep fat, which is known to wrap itself around vital organs and tissue, especially in the gut region. So it is not considered a weight loss procedure or a viable solution to obesity. It’s mostly suitable for treating patients who are close to their ideal body weight.
Most traditional cosmetic weight loss procedures leave behind fatty pockets of loose skin that can only be removed surgically. This requires lengthy operations, long recovery periods, and a certain degree of pain. It also significantly raises the risk of complications, and it usually results in scarring. Liposonix, on the other hand, tightens the skin, creating a seamless aesthetic without scalpels or needles. It does this by heating the dermis, which is the middle layer of skin. This causes the body to react by creating new collagen proteins, which are known to give the skin strength and elasticity. Many of the characteristic signs of aging are a result of collagen depletion, so patients will often leave the office looking younger than they did before. Liposonix is also known for its ability to target only specific layers and types of tissue without forcing the provider to take extra care during a more hands-on operation. It’s more convenient than the alternatives because it can be performed in an outpatient setting as opposed to a hospital. It typically lasts somewhere around 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the target region. It doesn’t require the use of anesthesia, and it usually comes in conjunction with some type of numbing cream or a weak, oral sedative, such as a benzodiazepine or opioid.