HIFU-Based Lipolysis Serves as a Cornerstone of Body Reshaping ProtocolsHIFU-Based Lipolysis Serves as a Cornerstone of Body Reshaping Protocols
Sponsored By MRP/ Perigee; Non-invasive body contouring is a prime example of a therapy which understandably crosses over the line between dermatologists and plastic surgeons – the ‘core’ specialties of aesthetic medicine.
July 14, 2023

Sponsored by MRP/Perigee
Non-invasive body contouring is a prime example of a therapy which understandably crosses over the line between dermatologists and plastic surgeons – the ‘core’ specialties of aesthetic medicine. Like many in the field, Jeanine Downie, MD, dermatologist and medical director of Image Dermatology (Montclair, N.J.), has embraced the capabilities of energy based body contouring technology to provide better overall healthcare to patients and add another dimension to her practices.
LipoCel from MRP/Perigee (Park City, Utah) harnesses high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to heat fat cells non-invasively, causing fat cell destruction. The resultant debris and free fatty acids are dealt with by the body naturally. “The device’s mechanism of action involves high-frequency ultrasound, which helps to reduce fat in patients of all skin types,” Dr. Downie noted. “Unlike the previous HIFU technology, LipoCel is not painful. It is effective for reducing belly fat, back fat and thigh fat so we usually use it on the belly, flanks and inner thigh. Physicians like it a lot, and it can be used on patients of all races, ethnicities and genders. LipoCel causes true apoptosis, which is the genuine destruction of fat cells, thanks to the HIFU. It is safe, effective and works well.”
In Dr. Downie’s opinion, the device is best used as part of a more comprehensive program, which optimizes not only the outcomes themselves, but their longevity. “We also encourage patients to follow a Mediterranean diet, to exercise and to limit their alcohol intake, particularly beer because LipoCel is not a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” she explained. “We weigh and measure patients at every visit, and we note any changes, such as bloating due to menstrual cycles in women.”
Treatment itself is rapid and pain-free, thanks to onboard contact cooling which also assures maximum delivery of therapeutic levels of energy, thereby optimizing outcomes. By cooling the skin’s surface to 5° C, the highest amount of HIFU energy can be delivered safely and without damaging skin, allowing more energy to be delivered to its intended target – fat. “The key advantages of LipoCel are the ability to treat multiple areas, and that it can be used on patients of all ages, genders and races,” Dr. Downie expressed. “The patient’s experience is comfortable and pain-free, with a pleasant sensation of pressure. If it becomes too hot or painful, we can easily adjust the settings.
“Patients tend to recommend LipoCel to their friends and family, and it can jump-start their weight-loss journey, which is why I never hesitate to recommend it to physicians on a personal basis,” Dr. Downie added. Also, the transducer handpiece is small enough to facilitate treatment of hard-to-reach areas.
Regarding the recommended number of treatments: “Our assessment includes weighing and measuring each patient as we determine their goals, and from there we build a budget,” Dr. Downie shared. “We typically want to treat once a month for the first three months, then take a month off, depending on their goals. With LipoCel we typically see reductions of at least two inches off the waistline within three to five sessions, provided patients follow our instructions.”