Speaker Credentials
MS-IV
Speaker Credentials
BS
College
College of Allopathic Medicine
Medical Specialty
Internal Medicine
Format
Poster
Start Date
November 2024
End Date
November 2024
Track
1
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Renuvion (J-lipo) is an FDA-approved minimally invasive procedure for skin tightening and fat reduction using helium gas and radiofrequency to create plasma energy. Despite its benefits, Renuvion can cause serious complications such as burns, with a complication rate of 0.04% between 2020 and 2021. This report describes a rare complication—third-degree burns from internal thermal injury—and explores its pathophysiology. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old Hispanic female with no significant medical history presented with worsening abdominal pain and skin discoloration two weeks after Renuvion. She had undergone hyperbaric oxygen therapy and daily fluid drainage. Examination revealed severe pain with movement, paresthesias, and skin peeling. CT scans showed diffuse soft tissue edema, skin thickening, and fluid accumulation. The symptoms suggest a direct link to Renuvion. Standard burn management was required, including fluid resuscitation and potential skin grafting, but delayed treatment increased infection risk and decreased graft success rates. DEVIATION FROM EXPECTED: This case is unique due to the delayed treatment of an otherwise rare complication of Renuvion therapy. DISCUSSION: This case highlights significant complications associated with Renuvion, emphasizing the need for experienced practitioners and adherence to safety guidelines. Compared to a similar NIH case, where immediate care improved outcomes, this patient’s delayed treatment resulted in a poorer prognosis. The July 2022 FDA warning against specific uses of Renuvion underscores the importance of safety. CONCLUSION: Awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to mitigate risks and improve outcomes with Renuvion therapy. Key Words: Renuvion, Internal Thermal Injury, FDA Warning
Internal Thermal Injury from Renuvion Lipo Procedure
INTRODUCTION: Renuvion (J-lipo) is an FDA-approved minimally invasive procedure for skin tightening and fat reduction using helium gas and radiofrequency to create plasma energy. Despite its benefits, Renuvion can cause serious complications such as burns, with a complication rate of 0.04% between 2020 and 2021. This report describes a rare complication—third-degree burns from internal thermal injury—and explores its pathophysiology. CASE PRESENTATION: A 34-year-old Hispanic female with no significant medical history presented with worsening abdominal pain and skin discoloration two weeks after Renuvion. She had undergone hyperbaric oxygen therapy and daily fluid drainage. Examination revealed severe pain with movement, paresthesias, and skin peeling. CT scans showed diffuse soft tissue edema, skin thickening, and fluid accumulation. The symptoms suggest a direct link to Renuvion. Standard burn management was required, including fluid resuscitation and potential skin grafting, but delayed treatment increased infection risk and decreased graft success rates. DEVIATION FROM EXPECTED: This case is unique due to the delayed treatment of an otherwise rare complication of Renuvion therapy. DISCUSSION: This case highlights significant complications associated with Renuvion, emphasizing the need for experienced practitioners and adherence to safety guidelines. Compared to a similar NIH case, where immediate care improved outcomes, this patient’s delayed treatment resulted in a poorer prognosis. The July 2022 FDA warning against specific uses of Renuvion underscores the importance of safety. CONCLUSION: Awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to mitigate risks and improve outcomes with Renuvion therapy. Key Words: Renuvion, Internal Thermal Injury, FDA Warning