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

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.