title: 980-nm laser lipolysis (LAL): About 674 procedures in 359 patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since the first studies by Apfelberg in 1994, laser lipolysis (LAL) has been on the rise. Laser lipolysis leads to reduced operator fatigue, excellent patient tolerance, quick recovery time, as well as the additional benefit of dermal tightening. This article reports a 5-year experience of LAL and underlines the potential evolutions of the technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2006 and December 2010, 674 LAL procedures in 359 patients were performed at the Antoni De Gimbernat Foundation in collaboration with the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM) U703. LAL was performed with a 980-nm diode laser after tumescent anaesthesia. The following laser settings were used: 600-μm optical fiber, continuous mode, power depending on individual body areas (18-40 W). The cumulative energy used for each area was recorded. Early and late complications were defined and reviewed for the whole series. Satisfaction was assessed by the patients using a visual analogue scale from 0 (unsatisfied) to 10 (highly satisfied).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean cumulative energy ranged from 12 to 60 kJ. Ecchymoses were observed in all patients but resolved in less than 10 days. A touch up was needed in four patients to remove small cushions of fat missed. Mean patient satisfaction ranged from 6/10 to 9.5/10 depending on the treated area. Moreover, all patients reported they would be willing to undergo the procedure again, if needed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  980-nm LAL appears to be a safe, effective and reproducible alternative to conventional lipoplasty. However, refinements in dosimetry should be developed in order to optimise outcomes.
authors.affiliation: INSERM, U 703 (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research), University of Lille Nord de France, Lille University Hospital, CHRU, France. franckleclere@yahoo.fr
authors.forename: Franck Marie P
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Leclère
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trelles
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Moreno-Moraga
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Servell
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Unglaub
authors.forename: Serge R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Mordon
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D016292:Procedural Sedation; D004438:Ecchymosis / Q000209:etiology; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D008874:Midazolam