LPG Endermologie is a machine-assisted massage system that allows positive pressure rolling, in conjunction with applied negative pressure to the skin and subcutaneous tissues (LPG Endermologie U.S. A. (800-222-3911). Endermologie was originally developed in the late 1970s in France to soften scars and standardize physical therapy; however, patients treated with the LPG machine also showed improvement in body contour and skin texture. Since then, Endermologie machines have been used in France, the United States, and many other nations as an alternative method to altering fat distribution in the subcutaneous plane. The authors have continued their study of determining the safety and efficacy of this machine. Since our last report in March 1997 (Ersek RA et al., Aesth. Plast. Surg. 21(2):61-67, 1997), we have compiled records of 85 additional patients. With this larger patient pool, we can expect more statistically accurate results. This study is composed of 85 women between the ages of 21 to 61. The study group exhibited a wide range of body habitus, initial weights, and final results. Out of 85 patients, 46 patients completed seven sessions of treatment and showed a mean index reduction in body circumference of 1.34 cm, while 39 patients who completed 14 sessions of treatments showed a mean index reduction in body circumference of 1.83 cm. A decrease in mean body circumference index was seen regardless of loss or gain in patients' weight in most cases.

Bioplastique is a biphasic polymer for the permanent augmentation of some soft tissues. It was developed in 1987, and clinical studies at this institution were begun in 1990. The combination of low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone and solid polymer particles allows the implantation of permanent polymer spheres through a small needle under local anesthesia. In this study 127 cases are reviewed of consecutive patients who have received Bioplastique for scar revision, wrinkles, and augmentation for soft-tissue defects at 6 years after application. All patients who had not been in for follow-up recently were contacted by mail and questioned on the permanence of augmentation and migration of particles. About 30 percent of the patients were unreachable and had their charts reviewed for permanence and migration of particles. In eight of these cases, Bioplastique was removed because of overcorrection, two of them may have had infection. Bioplastique has gained wide use throughout the world and although some complications have been reported, in general, it functions quite well when used in selected cases.

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