Laser Lipolysis & Body Contouring
Diode sources for laser-assisted lipolysis and non-invasive fat reduction
Lasers are used in body contouring in two ways: in laser-assisted lipolysis, a fiber inserted under the skin destroys adipose tissue from within; in non-invasive fat reduction, the radiation passes through the skin and heats the adipose tissue until the adipocytes die. Each technique calls for a different wavelength, power and beam delivery.
Laser-assisted lipolysis
After tumescent anesthetic infiltration, an optical fiber inside a microcannula is inserted and moved through the adipose tissue. The heat disrupts adipocytes, coagulates small vessels and contracts the dermis, reducing bleeding and promoting skin retraction [1, 3]. The dose is controlled through the energy accumulated in each area: dosimetry models estimate about 0.1 kJ per milliliter of fat to be destroyed [1, 4].
| Parameter | 980 nm | 1470 nm |
|---|---|---|
| Power (CW) | 15 W in small areas (neck, gynecomastia) [1, 2] · 18–40 W depending on body area [3] | 15 W [4] |
| Energy | ~0.1 kJ/mL of fat [1] · 8–12 kJ per breast in gynecomastia [2] | ~0.1 kJ/mL of fat [4] |
At 980 nm the energy is absorbed by hemoglobin and water; at 1470 nm, mainly by water and fat, with much higher absorption, allowing lower power. Our fiber-coupled diode bars at 980 nm and 1470 nm cover the power levels required by laser-assisted lipolysis devices.
Non-invasive fat reduction
Non-invasive fat reduction is based on hyperthermia. A flat, cooled applicator in contact with the skin irradiates the area continuously and raises the temperature of the adipose tissue above about 43 °C for several minutes [6]. The damaged adipocytes are cleared naturally over the following weeks, while cooling protects the epidermis. At 1060 nm, absorption by melanin and water is low, and the radiation reaches the subcutaneous fat with uniform heating.
| Parameter | Reference value (1060 nm) |
|---|---|
| Irradiance (CW) | 0,9–1,4 W/cm² [7, 8] |
| Session duration | ~25 min [5] |
| Tissue temperature | ≥43 °C [6] |
With applicators of several tens of cm², these irradiances require tens of watts CW, distributed uniformly over a cooled window. For this application we have a fully developed 1060 nm diode module, which we adapt to the window size each device requires. It is based on the same architecture as our hair removal modules: diode bars or stacks with light guides or cooled windows, designed to ensure homogeneous irradiance across the whole applicator surface.
References
1. Leclère FM, Moreno-Moraga J, Alcolea JM, Casoli V, Mordon SR, Vogt PM, et al. Laser assisted lipolysis for neck and submental remodeling in Rohrich type I to III aging neck: a prospective study in 30 patients. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2014;16(6):284–289. doi:10.3109/14764172.2014.946053
2. Trelles MA, Mordon SR, Bonanad E, Moreno Moraga J, Heckmann A, Unglaub F, et al. Laser-assisted lipolysis in the treatment of gynecomastia: a prospective study in 28 patients. Lasers Med Sci. 2013;28(2):375–382. doi:10.1007/s10103-011-1043-6
3. Leclère FM, Trelles M, Moreno-Moraga J, Servell P, Unglaub F, Mordon SR. 980-nm laser lipolysis (LAL): about 674 procedures in 359 patients. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012;14(2):67–73. doi:10.3109/14764172.2012.670704
4. Leclère FM, Alcolea JM, Vogt PM, Moreno-Moraga J, Casoli V, Mordon S, et al. Laser-assisted lipolysis for arm contouring in Teimourian grades III and IV: a prospective study involving 22 patients. Plast Surg (Oakv). 2016;24(1):35–40.
5. Kang A, Kislevitz M, Wamsley C, Barillas J, Hoopman J, Kenkel J, et al. Clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a 1060 nm diode laser for non-invasive fat reduction of the flanks. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023;22(11):3017–3025. doi:10.1111/jocd.15954
6. Lee YJ, Hong N, Choi ES, Choi SH, Kim EY, Park HJ, et al. Efficacy of 1060 nm diode laser for non-invasive subcutaneous fat reduction in mini-pigs. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024;17:2097–2110. doi:10.2147/CCID.S471367
7. Wanitphakdeedecha R, Evangelista KER, Yan C, Apinuntham C, Techapichetvanich T, Eimpunth S, et al. The efficacy of noninvasive 1060-nm diode lasers for submental lipolysis: a pilot study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022;15:2775–2783. doi:10.2147/CCID.S382582
8. Yan C, Wanitphakdeedecha R, Evangelista KER, Tantrapornpong P, Suphatsathienkul P, Lektrakul N, et al. Efficacy of noninvasive 1060-nm diode laser for medial knee fat reduction. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022;12(5):1253–1261. doi:10.1007/s13555-022-00730-0
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