Structural design optimization and lipolytic effect prediction of vacuum suction cryolipolysis applicator: Simulation...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dermatology
• Aesthetics

Background:

• Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method using cold temperatures to reduce fat by inducing adipocyte apoptosis or necrosis.
• Vacuum suction applicators are common cryolipolysis devices, but their complex structures can cause discomfort.
• Current methods for studying applicator design are costly and provide incomplete cooling data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize cryolipolysis applicator structure for reduced patient discomfort.
• To evaluate the cooling characteristics and lipolytic effects of different applicator designs.
• To provide guidance for clinical application and cost reduction in cryolipolysis.

Main Methods:

• Developed cryolipolysis applicator models with four distinct vacuum suction angles.
• Utilized COMSOL software for comparative analysis of cooling performance and lipolytic effects.
• Evaluated parameters including cooling capacity, temperature fields, lipolytic percentage, volume, weight, thickness, and temperature thresholds.

Main Results:

• Applicators with smaller suction angles exhibited greater cooling capacity, reaching deeper fat layers.
• The 90° suction angle applicator yielded the highest lipolytic percentage (35.81%), while the 150° angle showed the lowest (28.72%).
• Increased suction angles correlated with greater lipolytic volume (171.88–310.18 cm³), weight (160.11–288.93 g), and average thickness (1.21–1.36 cm).

Conclusions:

• Suction angle significantly influences cryolipolysis applicator cooling and lipolytic outcomes.
• Optimizing the suction angle is crucial for enhancing cryolipolysis efficiency and patient comfort.
• This study offers valuable insights for improving applicator design and clinical practice.