Laser lipolysis using a 924- and 975-nm laser diode in the lower extremities.

BACKGROUND: Laser technology provides the desired destruction of adipose tissue, hemostasis, and good skin retraction with a minimum of discomfort and a quick return to normal life for the patient. Here we present our experience with the use of laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) with a 924- and 975-nm laser diode and compare it with traditional liposuction alone. METHODS: A total of 430 patients were reviewed for this study. Three hundred thirty patients were treated with the 924- and 975-nm laser diode for laser lipolysis and 100 patients were treated with traditional liposuction of the anterior and inner thigh, the knee, the calf, and the trochanter. Patients were assessed by means of ultrasound. Pictures were taken and the degree of satisfaction was assessed. All complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 521 laser lipolysis procedures were performed at different areas: anterior thigh (86), inner thigh (122), trochanter (204), knee (67), and calf (42). The mean energy was area-dependent and evaluated in kJ: anterior thigh (15), inner thigh (14), trochanter (22), knee (5), and calf (4.5). The mean reduction of subcutaneous tissue with LAL in the anterior part of the thigh, the inner thigh, the calf, the knees, and the trochanter was 1.45, 1.9, 1.15, 1.2, and 3.6 cm, respectively. One hundred traditional liposuction procedures were performed for different areas: anterior thigh (27), inner thigh (38), trochanter (72), knee (21), and calf (12). The mean reduction of subcutaneous tissue in the anterior part of the thigh, the inner thigh, the calf, the knees, and the trochanter was 1.2, 1.6, 0.9, 0.6, and 3.2 cm, respectively. All patients who underwent LAL had superior satisfaction compared to those who had liposuction alone. CONCLUSION: Laser lipolysis with 924- and 975-nm diodes is adequate treatment for removal of adipose deposits and to obtain aesthetically good skin results, with a minimum of recovery time and high patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Evaluation of clinical improvement in acne scars and active acne in patients treated with the 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser.

INTRODUCTION: Acne is a characteristic condition of puberty; however, adults who continue to have acne outbreaks frequently attend dermatology clinics. Two conditions-active acne and residual scarring-often co-occur in these patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the improvement in scarring and active acne after treatment with a 1540-nm erbium: glass fractional laser. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors treated 20 patients with acne and scarring. Each patient received panfacial treatment in four sessions with a 1-month interval between sessions. Patients, the treating physician and a blinded observer evaluated the results in four areas: improvement in scars, improvement in pores, improvement in acne, and improvement in sebum secretion. Improvements were graded using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. The evaluation was made 12 weeks after treatment finished. RESULTS: Patients presented an improvement in both acne and scars. In 80 percent of cases, patients felt that the appearance of the scars had improved, and the improvement was classified as very much improved in 40 percent. In 85 percent of cases, patients felt that active acne had improved, and the improvement was classified as very much improved in 45 percent. Pore size was evaluated as improved by 75 percent of patients. Sebum secretion improved in 80 percent of cases. CONCLUSION: A 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser provides effective treatment of acne scars. Patient satisfaction is high and active acne lesions improve significantly. Treatment of this mixed condition (scarring and active acne) with a single device is reliable, with a favorable safety profile and a high degree of patient acceptance.