Results of multicenter study of laser-assisted liposuction

Fifty-one patients underwent a study approved by the Food and Drug Administration for laser-assisted liposuction in five plastic surgery centers. The YAG laser fiber is contained within the cannula, shears off the fat cleanly, and coagulates blood vessels as the fat is drawn into the cannula. Hemoglobin decrease was relatively modest after surgery, and patients were able to return to work at 6 days and light exercise at 7 days. Contralateral studies showed a slight benefit for the laser side at both 1 and 8 weeks for ecchymosis, pain and discomfort, and edema. Lipocrit studies were inconsistent. The investigators concluded that no clear benefit was demonstrated with the laser. The Food and Drug Administration did not approve the technique, and the sponsoring laser company has not pursued the study.