The soft-tissue shaving procedure for removal of adipose tissue. A new, less traumatic approach than liposuction.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the soft-tissue shaving cannula, a new, precise alternative to conventional liposuction that embodies an entirely different method of soft-tissue extraction and that appears to be less traumatic and more precise than methods currently used in liposuction.

DESIGN: Nonrandomized, nonblinded comparison of the soft-tissue shaver and conventional liposuction devices in fresh cadavers, followed by clinical use of the liposhaver in selected patients undergoing cosmetic facial liposuction.

INTERVENTIONS: Conventional liposuction devices and the soft-tissue shaving cannulas in fresh cadavers (< 8 hours old). A submental lipectomy and a melolabial fold liposhaving were performed in a clinical setting.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective evaluation by the operating surgeons.

RESULTS: The fat was cleanly shaved and the contour result was even, without dimpling or asymmetry.

CONCLUSIONS: Our early experiences suggest that this new liposhaving technique may offer a precise, less traumatic alternative to conventional liposuction. Fat can be shaved in an open fashion under direct vision. It does not rely on a vacuum seal. The soft-tissue shaving cannula shaves fat one layer at a time. The depth of each layer removed, the depth of soft-tissue injury, and the optimal settings and sizes for various procedures remain to be reported.