Introduction: Nine experienced physician users of a novel helium plasma dermal resurfacing device for heating the skin at a controlled depth to achieve collagen coagulation, tissue contraction, and neocollagenesis convened to discuss their experiences and keys to success with their off-label use of this device with collectively more than 800 cases performed for facial skin renewal procedures. Methods: A round table discussion format was used to address a variety of topics including pretreatment considerations, optimum treatment parameters, posttreatment healing regimen, and avoidance and management of side effects and complications. All panelists consented to data collection, analysis, compilation, and publication. Results: Ideal candidates for the procedure were identified along with optimum treatment parameters and posttreatment care. Strategies for avoidance and management of complications and side effects were discussed. Conclusions: Consensus guidelines were developed for patient selection, pretreatment considerations, treatment parameters, posttreatment healing regimen, and avoidance and management of complications and side effects.

Background A helium‐based plasma technology has recently been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for cutting, coagulation, and ablation of soft tissue (Renuvion® System; Apyx™ Medical Corporation). As the safety of helium plasma for treating lax and sagging skin in the neck area has not been previously reported, the objectives of this study were to obtain safety results from helium plasma used for neck rejuvenation, to summarize subject and procedure variables, and to assess treatment outcomes for the development of future treatment protocols. Methods Two retrospective chart reviews were performed using data from patients who had undergone a helium plasma procedure in the neck area to assess safety (Study 1) and effect (Study 2). For Study 2, pre‐ and posttreatment images of treatment areas were assessed by blinded reviewers. Results In Study 1 (N = 15), two adverse events felt to be treatment‐related were noted. In Study 2 (N = 13), mean improvements included a 37.29% reduction in submental angle and reduction in the submental area. Conclusions Helium plasma technology appears to be a safe and well‐tolerated treatment. Consistent and reproducible tissue contraction in the submental and neck area was observed between the authors' sites.

Background: Surgical and nonsurgical treatments or procedures are often combined to achieve desired aesthetic results. A novel helium-based plasma device has recently been developed to briefly heat soft tissue which coagulates collagen and achieves additional tissue contraction through neocollagenesis and tissue remodeling. Two chart reviews were performed on patients who had undergone liposuction combined with helium plasma treatment. Objectives: The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of these combined procedures. Secondary objectives were to assess aesthetic improvements and overall subject satisfaction. Methods: Both studies retrospectively reviewed medical records for adult subjects undergoing a subdermal coagulation procedure with the helium plasma device following liposuction. One review included pre-and posttreatment subject images and subject satisfaction. Results: Study 1 identified 37 subjects who were male (n = 6) and female (n = 31), 21-70-years old with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m 2 (range, 18-41 kg/m 2). Study 2 identified 148 eligible subjects. Most subjects were female (n = 120), 21-84-years old with a mean BMI of 27 kg/m 2 (range, 18-44 kg/m 2). Mean plasma generator settings were 70% power, mean helium flow was 3 L/min with four to six passes per area. Among subjects with efficacy data, most subjects (77%) reported aesthetic improvement and were happy with their results, would recommend to a friend, and would consider having their procedure repeated (68%). Overall satisfaction was achieved by 74%. Conclusions: These results suggest helium plasma is a safe and effective adjunct therapy when used in combination with liposuction.

Thermally induced contraction of soft tissue due to the coagulation and denaturation of collagen has long been used to achieve therapeutic effects in ophthalmology, vascular surgery, treatment of varicose veins, and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. [1][2][3][4][5] The reduction in volume and tissue surface area is the result of protein denaturation and collagen contraction after a thermal energy threshold has been transmitted to the tissue. 6,7

Background Protein denaturation and collagen contraction occur when living tissue is heated to well-defined temperatures. The result is reduced volume and surface area of the heated tissue. Objective To evaluate the adverse events of procedures in which a helium-based plasma technology was used with and without ultrasound-assisted liposuction for the coagulation of soft tissue. Methods A multicenter retrospective chart review was performed in which patients (n=192) were divided into two groups: one that received only soft tissue coagulation and the other that received both soft-tissue coagulation and liposuction. Each of the two groups was subdivided into patients with and without adverse events, including seroma. Odds ratios for adverse events were calculated for both demographic and surgical subgroups. Seroma data were analyzed separately. Results No serious adverse events were observed. Forty-six (24.0%) patients reported 51 total adverse events. Seroma was the most frequently occurring adverse event with 13 patients (6.8%) reporting 17 (33.3%) events in 12 body areas. In these cases, all areas were treated with both liposuction and soft tissue coagulation. Seroma was not observed in patients receiving soft tissue coagulation alone. Patients aged 61 to 76 years and males were more likely to experience seroma or other adverse event than younger patients or females, respectively. Conclusions The use of the helium-based plasma technology for soft tissue coagulation in combination with ultrasound for liposuction is associated with non-serious adverse events. The most frequently occurring adverse event, seroma, was not observed in patients treated with helium-based plasma technology alone.