Solta Medical announced today it's acquisition of the recently FDA cleared LipoSonix non-invasive body contouring device from Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation. Following the ongoing trend of the FDA approval of non-invasive fat reduction devices such as CoolSculpting by Zeltiq and Zerona, LipoSonix offers patients yet another body contouring option without the need for invasive surgery.
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The medical giant Solta Medical is home to the popular skin tightening device Thermage and leading fractional resurfacing device Fraxel. This acquisition of the LipoSonix expands Solta's aesthetic reach by adding yet another non-invasive device to their portfolio, this one addressing fat reduction. Solta is to pay Medicis $15 million initially and up to $20 million once the LipoSonix achieves it's near-term FDA regulatory status.
Currently available in Canada, the EU and Japan, LipoSonix received FDA clearance on September 8, 2011 for non-invasive waist reduction. Similar to the Vaser Shape, LipoSonix also uses high-intensity ultrasound energy to focus on targeted fat, destroying fat tissue while leaving skin intact. Destroyed fat tissue is then flushed out via natural processes after 8-12 weeks.
According to studies, the average change in waist circumference was about 2.6 cm or 1 inch and could mean a change of one dress or pants size for patients. Unlike it's non-invasive body contouring counterparts which often require several sessions, the LipoSonix system claims that only 1 hour-long treatment is necessary to see results. Final results are seen after the body has processed the destroyed fat, after the 8-12 weeks. The manufacturer reports common side effects are mild pain, redness, swelling, and bruising.
