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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Sun
Yi
Y
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310014, People's Republic of China.
Wu
Su-fan
SF
Yan
Sheng
S
Shi
Hang-yan
HY
Chen
Da
D
Chen
Yong
Y
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D050154:Adiposity / Q000208:ethnology; D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002681:China; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult