Laser-assisted lipolysis: A report on complications

Background: As reported elsewhere, there are several drawbacks associated with traditional liposuction: increased blood loss, ecchymoses, long recovery times with increased postoperative discomfort, and skin laxity. Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) is an emerging technology, but the level of safety associated with this device has not been reported. In October 2006, a 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the surgical incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and coagulation of all soft tissues and has been used for LAL as well as improvement of areas of flaccidity. The objective of this new device is to melt fat while also reducing the blood loss, ecchymoses, long recovery times and skin laxity. It achieves these improvements by destruction of adipocytes, coagulating small blood vessels and collagen, the end result being reduced adiposity, skin retraction and decreased flaccidity. Objective: To determine the number of adverse events associated with LAL and the frequency with which secondary procedures had to be performed after the primary one to correct defects (touch-up rate). Methods: A total of 537 consecutive LAL cases were performed with tumescent anesthesia between January 2006 and November 2007 at one center. These 537 cases were reviewed retrospectively to determine the number of adverse events associated with the LAL procedure and the number of touch-up procedures performed. Results: No systemic complications were identified and only five local complications were found. These complications included one local infection and four skin burns. This represents a complication rate of 0.93%. Nineteen touch-up procedures were necessary: a rate of 3.5%. Conclusion: Laser-assisted lipolysis (LAL) is a safe adjunct to traditional tumescent liposuction which assists in melting fat and tightening the skin. LAL may serve as a useful tool for the surgeon performing liposuction.