1060 nm Diode Hyperthermic Laser Lipolysis:The Latest in Non-Invasive Body Contouring

January 2017 | Volume 16 | Issue 1 | Original Article | 48 | Copyright © January 2017


Laura Schilling MD,a Nazanin Saedi MD,a and Robert Weiss MDb

aThomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA bMaryland Laser Skin and Vein Institute, Hunt Valley, MD

Abstract
Non-invasive body contouring is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Using the 1060 nm diode laser to achieve hyperthermic temperatures within the adipose tissue with subsequent lipolysis is one of the most recent advancements in this field and is the first of its kind. This wavelength was carefully chosen to effectively target the unwanted adipocytes while sparing the overlying skin and adnexae. Appreciable results are achieved after a single treatment, and these results are comparable to other non-invasive technologies. The 25-minute procedure is well tolerated among patients, with no downtime required. This versatile system allows for treatment of multiple body sites, which can be customized for a particular patient’s needs. Herein, we discuss in detail the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of 1060 nm diode hyperthermic laser lipolysis. Amongst the various body contouring modalities available today, the 1060 nm diode hyperthermic laser is a worthy addition providing a safe, quick, and effective non-invasive fat reduction option for patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(1):48-52.

INTRODUCTION

Non-invasive body contouring continues to gain popularity in the United States and the field is advancing at a fast pace. In fact, it the fastest growing category among dermatologic procedures. In 2014 alone, over 207,000 body sculpting procedures were performed by American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) members.1 While this includes tumescent liposuction, the vast majority of cases are using non-invasive methods. This is a dramatic 53% increase from 2012, and a 16% increase from 2013.1 Many factors can play a role in a patient’s decision to have a cosmetic procedure. The 2015 ASDS Consumer Survey revealed that dermatologists have the most influence on patients, ranking above plastic surgeons, primary care physicians, friends, websites, and other factors.2 Therefore, dermatologists have a responsibility to be well-informed and familiar with the fast growing category of non-invasive body contouring technologies. Various technologies exist today including cryolipolysis, radiofrequency, ultrasound, injection lipolysis, and laser. The concept of the direct action of lasers on adipose tissue, termed laser lipolysis, was first pioneered by Apfelberg in 1992.3 At this time, laser lipolysis was introduced as an adjunct to traditional surgical liposuction. It wasn’t until 2006 that the FDA approved the first laser lipolysis device, which was an Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser. Laser-assisted liposuction led to superior fat reduction, decreased blood loss and ecchymoses, and improved skin tightening. These benefits are due to adipocyte membrane disruption, coagulation of blood vessels, and collagen remodeling.3 It is generally accepted that these effects are primarily due to the heat generated by the laser. When advancing to a non-invasive approach to laser lipolysis, an external device is required. However, when creating an external device that uses heat as its mechanism of action, there is a risk of thermal injury to the skin causing discomfort or more significant side effects. Therefore, the initial application of lasers to the elds of noninvasive body contouring was with low-level laser therapy or "cold laser". This modality creates temporary microscopic pores within the cell membrane of the adipocytes, through a cytochrome oxidase interaction, allowing the triglyceride contents to leave these damaged cells.4 There is no measurable rise in temperature of the treated tissue. The application of the 1060 nm diode laser for fat reduction is the first and only FDA cleared hyperthermic laser for non-invasive body contouring. This device successfully and safely uses the thermal effects of an external laser to non-invasively destroy adipose tissue. Herein we will describe the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safe nature of this novel modality.

Mechanism of Action

The 1060 nm diode laser leads to injury of the adipocytes through direct heating of the tissue. Energy delivered by the laser creates movement within the molecules of the exposed tissue, which then generates heat. A controlled temperature of 42-47 ?C must be maintained at the site of the adipocytes. At this hyperthermic temperature, the cell membranes of the