Laser Lipolysis Using a Novel 1,064 nm Nd:YAG Laser

BACKGROUND: We studied the safety and efficacy of a 1,064 nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with a 300-micron fiber for the reduction of small unwanted fat areas. METHODS: Thirty subjects with focal areas of fat less than 100 cc were enrolled. Ten subjects were treated with laser lipolysis and had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 3 months post-treatment. Ten subjects had laser lipolysis followed by biweekly treatments with the Tri-active system. The last group of 10 subjects served as control. Patients were seen at baseline and 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients completed the study. Self-assessment evaluations reported an improvement of 37% at the 3-month follow-up visit. MRI demonstrated an average 17% reduction in fat volume. Smaller baseline volume areas, such as the submentum, had better results, suggesting a dose-response relationship. The most common side effects were mild bruising and swelling resolving within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Laser lipolysis using the 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser with a 300-micron fiber appears to be a very promising procedure that delivers good, reproducible results safely and effectively. The advantages include excellent patient tolerance, quick recovery time, and the benefit of dermal tightening.