Comparison of Blood Loss in Laser Lipolysis vs Traditional Liposuction.

BACKGROUND Laser-assisted liposuction has been associated with reduced blood loss. However, this clinical finding has not been evaluated objectively. OBJECTIVES In this study, the authors objectively estimated the blood loss volume associated with laser lipolysis vs traditional liposuction in various anatomic regions. METHODS In this prospective study, 56 patients underwent equal amounts of traditional and laser-assisted liposuction at 2 contralateral anatomic sites. Blood loss volumes were calculated from the lipoaspirates by measuring hemoglobin and red blood cell content. The data were analyzed statistically with repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS Laser lipolysis can reduce blood loss by more than 50% compared with traditional liposuction. Laser lipolysis resulted in significant reductions in mean blood loss volumes in the abdomen, flanks, back, and breast. CONCLUSIONS The authors provide objective evidence that laser lipolysis significantly reduces blood loss compared with traditional liposuction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.