Randomized, blinded split abdomen study evaluating skin shrinkage and skin tightening in laser-assisted liposuction versus liposuction control.

BACKGROUND: Laser-assisted liposuction has shown great potential in facilitating fat removal, improving patient recovery time, and decreasing postoperative side effects. Clinical experience has indicated superior skin tightening after laser-assisted liposuction than with liposuction alone.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to obtain quantitative, objective data for comparing tissue shrinkage and skin tightening achieved by laser-assisted liposuction versus liposuction alone.

METHODS: Ten female subjects from the author's private practice with unwanted abdominal adiposity and mild to moderate skin laxity were enrolled. On the abdominal skin of each patient, the corners of four rectangular regions (approximately 5 × 5 cm each) were tattooed with India ink and randomly assigned to treatment with laser-assisted liposuction (Smartly MPX laser, Cynosure, Inc., Westford, Massachusetts) or with liposuction alone. The laser system permits individual as well as sequential emission of 1064-nm and 1320-nm wavelengths. Skin shrinkage was quantified by calculating the changes in surface area of the regions. Skin tightening was quantified by changes in the skin stiffness index measured in the treated regions.

RESULTS: One month and three months after treatment, the mean skin shrinkage ratios were significantly higher on the laser-treated side than on the suction side. One month after treatment with or without laser, the mean skin stiffness and skin tightening showed no statistically significant difference from baseline. Three months after treatment, the mean skin stiffness and skin tightening were significantly higher on the laser-treated side.

CONCLUSIONS: Laser-assisted liposuction has a statistically significant effect on skin shrinkage and tightening of the skin in the abdominal area when compared to liposuction alone.