Submental Nd:Yag laser-assisted liposuction.

BACKGROUND Liposuction of the neck is currently one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures. In the present study, the author describes his experience with neck and jowl laser-assisted liposuction. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS In this procedure, submental lipodystrophy is treated with an Nd:YAG laser, at a 1,064 nm wavelength. Over a 5-year-period, 82 subjects were treated using 6-W power, 40-Hz frequency, 150-mJ energy, and 100-microsecond pulse width parameters. Histology was performed on fatty tissue samples. RESULTS Submental laser-assisted liposuction resulted in significant cosmetic improvement. Histology revealed a rupture of the adipocyte membrane as well as collagen coagulation and channels along the fatty tissue. Additionally, small blood vessels were coagulated. An adequate skin contraction was observed with an improvement of the cervicofacial region. CONCLUSIONS The Nd:YAG laser is a useful tool for the treatment of local lipodistrophy. The laser proved to be effective for cellular lysis and collagen neoformation.