Argon Plasma: Analysis of 594 Patients-Safety, Complications, and Satisfaction

Liposuction is the most frequently performed aesthetic procedure worldwide, with a 38.6% increase over the past decade. Advances in technology have transformed the procedure from simple fat removal to a sculpting technique. Argon plasma coagulation is a monopolar electrosurgical technique that is gaining attention for enhancing skin retraction. This study was performed to evaluate complications and satisfaction with argon plasma use after liposuction.

A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in Brazil with patients who underwent liposuction with argon plasma between January of 2022 and December of 2023. Data were collected from 41 surgeons using a questionnaire. Inclusion criteria comprised adults without comorbidities and a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Variables analyzed included demographics, surgical characteristics, argon plasma settings, and complications. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

A total of 594 patients were included. Most patients were women (92.9%), with a mean age of 39.3 years and body mass index of 25. Complications occurred in 9.4% of cases, with seroma (3.4%) and thermal injuries (2.7%) being the most common. Significant risk factors for seroma included lower body mass index, procedure exceeding 5 hours, and liposuction without adjunct surgery. No increased risk was found in patients undergoing abdominal flap undermining. Satisfaction with skin retraction was high, with mean scores of 8.9 (patients) and 8.8 (surgeons) on a 10-point scale.

Argon plasma used after liposuction is associated with a low complication rate and high satisfaction. Seroma is the most frequent complication, with identifiable risk factors. Argon plasma appears safe even in procedures involving abdominal undermining, supporting its role in enhancing aesthetic outcomes.