Aesthetic laser treatments provider Solta Medical ( SLTM - Snapshot Report ) recently provided an update on the launch of the recently approved second-generation LIPOSONIX system for non-invasive waist circumference reduction.

The California-based company stated that most of its roughly 20 key opinion leaders (comprising leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists), who received Liposonix systems as part of the pre-launch trial in December 2011, have successfully tested and purchased the product. Solta expects that the remaining key opinion leaders evaluating the system will buy the product in March 2012.

The company also noted that it will be showcasing Liposonix along with its other industry leading aesthetic solutions at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting, scheduled to be held at the San Diego Convention Center from March 17 to 19.

Solta acquired rights to the LIPOSONIX system (which uses advanced non-invasive ultrasound energy to reduce abdominal fat) through its acquisition of Medicis Technologies, a unit of specialty pharmaceutical company Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation ( ) .

The company announced, in October 2011, that Medicis Technologies has won the U.S. approval for the second-generation LIPOSONIX system. The device was launched in January 2012.

The second-generation LIPOSONIX system offers a treatment area which is 2.7 times larger (compared with its predecessor) for faster treatment times and has better ergonomics and ease of use for the physicians.

The LIPOSONIX system is not a replacement for liposuction surgery but offers a non-surgical approach to reduce waist circumference when diet and exercise are not enough. It is an effective treatment with a proven safety profile.

Unlike other non-invasive fat reduction therapies, LIPOSONIX permanently ablates the fat cells found under the skin with just a single treatment procedure that takes about an hour. Studies have shown an average waist circumference reduction of roughly 2.6 cm (1 inch) following one LIPOSONIX treatment.

LIPOSONIX is also cleared for marketing across Canada, European Union and Japan. Based on the initial user response, Solta expects to meet or exceed its sales target (of roughly $17 million) for the second generation system in 2012.

Solta Medical develops and markets devices for aesthetic applications and is a global leader in the medical aesthetics market. Its leading brands for skin tightening and skin resurfacing are Thermage (a non-invasive radiofrequency procedure for tightening and contouring the skin) and Fraxel (a novel class of skin rejuvenation therapy).

Solta derives its revenues primarily from the sale of its systems, treatment tips and other consumables. The company competes with Allergan Inc. ( AGN - Analyst Report ) , Syneron Medical ( ELOS - Snapshot Report ) , Cutera ( CUTR - Snapshot Report ) and Palomar Medical Technologies ( PMTI - Snapshot Report ) .