Clinical Evaluation of Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipolysis on Breast Envelope and Nipple-Areola Complex Position

Abstract

Background: Breast ptosis as a result of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, age, genetics, and weight loss is a common complaint among women visiting a plastic surgeon. This study sought to evaluate the utility, efficacy, and safety of radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis on the breast and nipple-areola complex position in women with breast ptosis. Methods: This was a single-center (i.e., Maxwell Aesthetics) study of women desiring tightening of the breast envelope and elevation of the nipple-areola complex. Each patient underwent one treatment with radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis in the operating room. Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis was applied to each breast with a BodyTite Pro handpiece. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months by means of manual and three-dimensional computer-generated measurements (i.e., Vectra). Results: Ten female patients were enrolled. Ages ranged from 23 to 54 years. Follow-up was 12 months. Data were captured for seven measurements from the nipple longitudinally at five time points. The sternal notch-to-nipple distance, the nipple-to-inframammary fold distance, and the nipple-to-nipple distance improved statistically at 6-week follow-up, which persisted through the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Patient questionnaires revealed moderate to excellent satisfaction. Conclusions: Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis with a bipolar device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the breast is an effective modality to moderately improve breast ptosis. This study demonstrates that this treatment improves breast measurements across time, regardless of measurement type (manual versus Vectra). This modality affords a minimally invasive, effective method to improve mild to moderate breast ptosis with minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.