Laser lipolysis used to treat localized adiposis: a preliminary report on experience with Asian patients.

BACKGROUND: Localized deposits of fat (adiposis) located in the face, chin, neck, and arms usually are more compact and difficult to treat using conventional liposuction. It is necessary to find an effective approach for this type of localized adiposis. This study aimed to investigate the clinical application of laser lipolysis for the treatment of localized adiposis in Asian patients.

METHODS: In this study, 35 patients with localized adiposis were treated by laser lipolysis. Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser energy was transferred through an optic fiber into the adipose tissue. The optimal energy and frequency of the laser were controlled precisely to melt and destroy the adipose tissue without damage to the skin and deeper tissues. The histologic study of treated adiposis tissues, the postoperation reaction, and the clinical results were observed and studied.

RESULTS: After laser lipolysis, the localized adipose tissues were liquefied effectively, and the compact fibrous tissues were broken down into a looser structure. Bleeding was noted to be less than with conventional liposuction due to the coagulation of capillary vessels and the thermal effect of the laser. Laser lipolysis caused less edema, petechiae, and other postoperative complications, producing rapid recovery and satisfactory results.

CONCLUSION: The Nd:YAG laser has a definite lipolysis effect on compact adipose tissue and is a more effective approach for the treatment of localized adiposis than conventional liposuction.