Expert Consensus Recommendations for Clinical Use of the AYON Body Contouring System in Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: A Modified Delphi Study With Early Post-Market Observations
Paul Vanek, Paul G Ruff, Barry E DiBernardo, Charles J Galanis, Michael Kluska, Melinda Lacerna Kimbrell, David Shafer, Johnny FrancoAbstract
Background
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is widely used in aesthetic body contouring to facilitate adipose tissue fragmentation and aspiration. Advances in device technology have focused on improving energy delivery, procedural efficiency, and workflow integration. The AYON™ Body Contouring System (Apyx Medical Corporation, Clearwater, FL; AYON UAL) is a recently introduced UAL platform that integrates infiltration, ultrasonic fragmentation, and aspiration within a single system.
Objectives
To develop device-specific expert consensus recommendations for the clinical use of the AYON UAL platform.
Methods
A structured modified Delphi process was conducted with an expert panel of aesthetic surgeons experienced in ultrasound-assisted liposuction and clinical use of the AYON UAL platform. Panelists participated in iterative survey rounds and a moderated consensus meeting to evaluate procedural technique, workflow, and safety considerations. Consensus thresholds were predefined, and statements meeting agreement criteria were incorporated into the final recommendations. A concurrent Post-Market Clinical Follow-up (PMCF) survey was analyzed separately to provide descriptive context regarding early real-world platform use.
Results
Consensus was achieved across key aspects of AYON UAL use. Following refinement and consolidation, 19 consensus statements were unanimously confirmed, with additional consensus findings providing practical context across key domains of device use. The PMCF survey demonstrated broad early clinical adoption across a range of body-contouring procedures and infrequent intraoperative device-related issues.
Conclusions
This modified Delphi consensus provides device-specific recommendations for the clinical use of the AYON UAL platform. Together with descriptive early PMCF findings, these recommendations provide a practical framework to support clinical adoption, procedural standardization, education, and future clinical research.