TABLE 4.
Comparison of Abdominal Liposuction Versus RFAL
| Variable | Abdominal Liposuction* | RFAL |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy | +++ | +++ |
| Patient satisfaction (RealSelf score) | 86% | 76% |
| Need for temperature monitoring | 0 | Required |
| Risk of burns | 0 | + |
| Risk of end hits | 0 | + |
| Nodules/induration | + | +++ |
| Persistent numbness and dysesthesias | + | +++ |
| Skin contraction | ++ | ++ |
| Skin buckling/laxity | + | +++ |
| Recovery time | + | +++ |
| Cost of device (US $) | 0 | 205,000 |
| Disposables (US $) | None | 200 |
| Cost of single treatment (US $) | 6250 | 6650 |
| With simultaneous abdominoplasty | Yes | No |
| Scarring | + | + |
| Seromas | + | +++ |
| Drains | No | Yes |
| Postoperative massage | Not required | Recommended |
| Postoperative laser/RF treatments | Not required | Recommended |
| Retreatments | + | ++ |
| Operating time, min | 30–60 | >60 |
| Anesthesia | Local or general | Local or general |
| FDA approval | NA | Off-label |
| Conflict of interest | 0 | ++++ |
+ indicates lowest magnitude; ++++ indicates highest magnitude.
*Superwet anesthesia, total intravenous anesthesia, abdomen, and flanks.
NA, not applicable; RFAL, radiofrequency-assisted liposuction.