title: Laser-Assisted Liposuction Using the Novel 1,444-nm Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of Gynecomastia: A Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) is currently widely used to reduce localized fat. A novel Nd:YAG laser that uses a wavelength of 1,444 nm, which is better absorbed by fat, has recently been introduced. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 1,444-nm Nd:YAG LAL for the treatment of gynecomastia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen Korean male patients (20-28 years, mean age 23 years) diagnosed with gynecomastia were enrolled in this study. All patients were treated by LAL with 1,444-nm Nd:YAG laser (100 µs pulse width, 40 Hz frequency, 300 mJ pulse energy and 12 W power with continuous emission) after tumescent anesthetic infiltration and were then evaluated. Outcome was assessed using the following 4 methods: (1) clinical assessment with photographs obtained before and 12 weeks after LAL treatment, (2) comparison of pre- and postoperative patient chest circumferences, (3) computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate changes in breast thickness and (4) a patient satisfaction survey at the end of the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 12 weeks, most patients (84.5%) showed an improvement greater than 50%. Mean chest circumference was significantly reduced from 109.6 ± 8.2 to 101.2 ± 4.4 cm 12 weeks after LAL (p < 0.001). CT scans showed a significant reduction in mean breast thickness from 22.7 ± 3.2 to 15.6 ± 2.4 mm (p = 0.016). Side effects (pain, edema, numbness and ecchymosis) were minimal and disappeared shortly after the first manifestation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gynecomastia can be safely treated with 1,444-nm Nd:YAG LAL to reduce fatty tissue and total breast volume.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Kwang Ho
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Jung Min
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Chae Young
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Won
authors.forename: Yu Seok
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Boncheol
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Goo
authors.forename: Yong Kwan
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Rho
authors.forename: Gyong Moon
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Jongwon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Byeong Heon
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.forename: Beom Joon
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015187:Lipectomy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult