Purpose: High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) provides a non-invasive method for adipose tissue removal. The damaged and disrupted adipocytes along with released triglyceride content are subsequently resorbed through normal physiological pathways via inflammatory cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic systemic and metabolic effects from the use of HIFU for adipose tissue removal.

Materials and Methods: Twenty four patients received transcutaneous HIFU therapy (Liposonix Prototype System, Liposonix, Inc., Bothell, WA.) to their lower abdominal adipose tissue followed by subsequent abdominoplasty performed at different time points after HIFU therapy. The human clinical study was performed between July 15, 2003 and February 2, 2004 at Hospital Santa Monica in Mexico City after Ethics Committee and Ministry of Health Approval was obtained. Treated adipose tissue volumes ranged from 25 cc – 225 cc. HIFU treated tissue residence times ranged from peri-acute (hours) in 4 patients, 4-7 days in 7 patients, 4 weeks in 1 patient, 56-59 days in 6 patients and 84-86 days in 6 patients. Each abdominoplasty flap was examined for gross and histologic HIFU induced tissue changes. Each patient had blood drawn at the following time intervals: baseline, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 1 week and 1-3 months depending on the treated tissue residence time. Blood was analyzed for changes in lipid panels, free fatty acids, and end organ function.

Results: There were no clinically significant changes from baseline in any of the 24 patient lipid panels including free fatty acids, total cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels. In addition, none of the 24 patients had clinically significant changes from baseline in their comprehensive metabolic panel, amylase, lipase and complete blood count with differential values when examined at the varying time intervals post HIFU therapy.

Conclusions: The use of HIFU for non-invasive adipose tissue removal does not induce any clinically significant acute or chronic changes in lipid metabolism, free fatty acids, glucose metabolism, kidney and liver function and provides a safe method for body sculpting.