A Pilot Study of the Efficacy of a 1,064 and 1,320 nm Sequentially Firing Nd:YAG Laser Device for Lipolysis and Skin Tightening

Background: Laser-assisted lipolysis with a medium pulsed 1,064 nm Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Nd:YAG) system has been used since FDA approval in October 2006 [1]. Since then, this technology has been advanced to include an additional wavelength (1,320 nm) and an accelerometer designed to improve efficacy and safety. Objective: (1) Evaluate the efficacy and safety of a sequentially firing 1,064 and 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser device for lipolysis. (2) Evaluate the skin tightening effect by photographic documentation and skin measurements. (3) Assess new collagen formation by histologic and scanning electron microscopic studies. Methods: Twenty subjects with unwanted local adiposities and skin laxity were enrolled. An Nd:YAG laser with sequentially firing wavelengths of 1,064/1,320 nm was used to treat localized areas of body adiposities. Digital photographs were taken before and after treatment, blinded independent observers graded improvement utilizing a percentile evaluation scale and subjects pet-formed self-assessments. Five of the 20 subjects had the following tests performed: (1) Placement of 4 cm x 4 cm square India Ink tattoos for measurement of skin tightening, (2) histologry and electron microscopy, (3) biopsies prior to the procedure, 3 days and I month after the procedure to determine the presence of new collagen markers. Results: Results showed reduction in localized adiposities with no adverse events from use of this device. Independent observers found 76-100% improvement in adiposities in 85% of subjects and 51-75% improvement in 15% of subjects. Of the subset of five patients, India Ink tattoo maps demonstrated an 18% decrease in surface area indicating a significant skin tightening effect. Histology by H&E, Methylene blue stains, and electron microscopy indicated new collagen formation compared to baseline. Conclusion: The 1,064 nm Nd:YAG and 1,320 nm Nd:YAG sequentially firing device with an accelerometer appears to be an effective and safe treatment for localized adiposities with the additional benefit of skin tightening. Lasers Surg. Med.41:779-784,2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.