Development of a Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Lipolysis Laser System for Effective Fat Reduction

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a global problem because it causes various complications. Methods for reducing fat for healthy life are being studied. In this study, we developed a minimally invasive and non-invasive lipolysis laser system for effective fat reduction. Methods: The laser had the wavelengths of 1980 nm and 2300 nm which have very good absorption of fat and water. We developed a minimally invasive laser system that breaks down fat by direct irradiation of fat tissue. This minimally invasive laser system uses a 808 nm diode laser and Nd:YVO4 to generate the 1064 nm wavelength, which is the pumping source of the nonlinear crystals. It is a mid-infrared lipolysis laser system having two wavelengths of 1980 nm and 2300 nm by controlling the temperature of nonlinear crystals. We also developed a non-invasive laser system that reduces fat with hyperthermia treatment by raising the temperature of adipocytes with a 1060 nm penetrating depth into the skin. In this non-invasive laser system, the In gallium arsenide (GaAs) diode laser is irradiated on the skin with an area of 4 × 8 cm2 through the hand-piece. The cooling system in the hand-piece protects the skin from burns. We studied the effectiveness and safety of each system through animal experiment. We studied the effects of lipolysis when these two systems were combined. Results: This research uses new wavelengths (1980 nm, 2300 nm) to increase the fat reduction effect with low energy (1.3 W). After using the 1060 nm (1.1 W/cm2 ) wavelength laser, when the 1980 nm and 2300 nm (1.3 W) laser were used, a lipolysis effect of about 35 % was obtained. Conclusion: We have developed a 1.3 W mid-infrared (1980 nm, 2300 nm) laser with good lipolysis effect with low power.

Multifrequency Laser-Assisted Lipolysis in a Patient with Excessive Redundant Skin Post Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Clinical Case and Literature Review

“…Fortunately, in the last 20 years, new medical technologies and surgical approaches have effectively addressed this issue, particularly refinements in liposuction and photonic treatments. In this regard, Laser-Assisted Lipolysis (LAL) is commonly used for unwanted fat removal and skin reduction (33,34).…”

Modern and Non-Invasive Methods of Fat Removal

“…Laser lipolysis has been a commonly used method to reduce body fat since 2006. The generated laser beam, with possible wavelengths of 924, 968, and 980 nm for the diode laser, and 1064, 1319, 1320, and 1440 nm for the Nd:YAG laser (neodymium-YAG laser) penetrates the tissue, and is scattered, reflected, and absorbed [ 21 ]. The laser fat reduction depends on the laser wavelength and energy.…”

“…The principle of this non-invasive method is based on raising the temperature of adipocytes to the threshold of cell death, i.e., 42~47 • C; their complete decomposition occurs at 50~65 • C. With the accumulation of heat, the adipocytes are irreversibly damaged by the formation of transient micropores in their membranes, followed by the release of intracellular lipids. As with cryolipolysis, the inflammation leads to the removal of dead cells [21,22]. Innovative devices for laser lipolysis are equipped with a cooling system, or supported by a cryogenic spray, to protect against the side effects of laser photothermolysis, and improve the general therapeutic effect [22,23].…”