Laser System Improves Lipolysis Procedure

A new laser system offers a minimally invasive procedure for lipolysis that produces less swelling and quicker healing times.

The Smartlipo system is intended for use in laser-assisted lipolysis, a procedure that disrupts fat cells and causes coagulation of the tissue, leading to skin tightening. Clinical trials suggest that patients experience rapid healing with little tissue trauma. Post-operative results can be seen as soon as one week, with continued improvement over several months.

The system uses a small cannula, approximately 1.0-2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber that is inserted percutaneously. The cannula is moved back and forth, delivering the laser's energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in collagen shrinkage. Treatments with the system generally result in less swelling and bleeding and can usually be performed in one 45-minute session. The system had been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"I believe that the Smartlipo system is particularly useful for treating areas with localized fat deposits. In addition to disrupting fat, it coagulates and tightens tissue,” said Bruce Katz, M.D., a clinical professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine (New York, NY, USA) and medical director of JUVA Skin and Laser Center (New York, NY, USA). "We have seen excellent results with this new laser lipolysis procedure.”

The Smartlipo system was developed by Cynosure (Westford, MA, USA).

Nearly 500,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the United States alone in 2005, making it the number one surgical cosmetic procedure among both women and men there, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).



Related Links:
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Cynosure