Abstract
BACKGROUND: Body contouring is a significant area of dermatologic and plastic surgery. Surgical procedures, like surgical lipectomy, and less invasive procedures, such as various liposuction techniques, are the two main ways to reduce fat. AIM: Our study showed that 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser-assisted lipolysis used with appropriate and specific parameters effectively destroys adipose tissue avoiding these risks and determining a safe clinical application. METHOD: A subcutaneous, 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser was used on 132 patients (range, 18-73 years; 109 women and 23 men with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes ranging between II and V) requiring body and face contouring. All patients were photographed for documentation. Digital clinical photography was taken under as near identical conditions as possible at baseline (pre-treatment), and 16 weeks post-treatment. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was recorded immediately after treatment and at their final assessment session (4 months). Adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: On the basis of the investigator-evaluated GAIS scale, the total GAIS scores showed satisfactory results. Clinician assessment from the clinical photography showed good efficacy and visible aesthetic results for body and face areas. No serious or unexpected adverse side effects were recorded, and transient pain, oedema, erythema and slight induration resolved within the first week of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 1444 nm Nd:YAG laser is a new tool for performing lipolysis, and this study reports its effectiveness and safety.