The December 2009 issue of Lasers in Surgery, the official journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to our favorite topic - fat!

There are a number of really interesting technologies and procedures discussed. We will share the info over the next few entries.

The first study (Weiss et al) reviews the efficacy of laser-assisted liposuction (SlimLipo) using a laser that emits two different wavelengths of energy. One (924nm) is mostly absorbed by fatty tissue, while the other (975nm) is predominantly absorbed by water.  When used together, the combination provides maximal fat-melting while simultaneously heating dermal tissue to stimulate collagen production in order to sculpt the subcutaneous tissues and theoretically simultaneously achieve skin tightening.

After patients had the SlimLipo procedure, investigators measured reduction of fat deposits, evaluation of skin contours and skin laxity. Investigators found that 100% of patients' results were rated "excellent" or "good" by both the researchers and the patients in self-assessment.  Most interestingly, was the reported improvement in skin laxity (64% of subjects were rated "excellent" and 36% of subjects, "good").  Whether or not laser-assisted liposuction achieves significant skin tightening has been a controversial subject among plastic surgeons.  So, the positive findings of this study appear to be encouraging for the patient who is seeking improvement in skin texture (for example, the loose skin that appears on the abdomen after childbirth). This study is, furthermore, consistent with a IRB (Institutional Review Board) approved study which we have recently completed in our practice and submitted for publication. 

In our practice we have use several of the laser lipolysis machines and have been, to date, most happy with the SlimLipo device.  Our patients have similarly been pleased with the fat reduction and improvement in skin laxity as well (Please see patient results here, here and here.)