This article mainly explains the principles and characteristics of low-energy laser fat reduction and laser fat reduction applications.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a low-energy semiconductor laser therapy, which is widely used in the fields of relieving soft tissue injury and degenerative pain, inflammation, promoting ulcer healing and even hair growth. In 2002, Niera et al. reported that 99% of the lipids were released from the cells after irradiating the excised fat specimens of 12 women with LLLT at 635 nm and 10 mW intensity for 6 min. Under a transmission electron microscope, it was found that the laser did not destroy the fat cell structure, and the fat cells remained spherical. This opens the application of LLLT in the field of fat reduction. Most of the LLLT fat-reducing equipment uses red light with a wavelength of 630-640nm. Its treatment intensity level does not cause an immediate increase in the temperature of the target tissue, and it is difficult to observe the visible structural changes in the target tissue. The effect may be due to light modulation. . The hypothesis of its mechanism of action is that the photoactivation of cytochrome C oxidase in adipocytes affects the secondary cascade in the cell, resulting in the formation of temporary pores in the adipocyte membrane, and the intracellular lipids from the pores. released for further metabolism. Another possible mechanism is the induction of adipocyte apoptosis and subsequent release of lipids by activating the complement cascade. However, many researchers later objected, saying that Niera’s experimental results could not be reproduced, or were inconsistent with them. Jackson et al. have reported the clinical fat-reducing effect of LLLT as an independent treatment in prospective trials and retrospective studies.

Six 532nm green diodes were used alone in 34 patients, with a total output energy of 102mW, irradiated for 15min, 3 times a week. After continuous treatment for 2 weeks, the appearance of cellulite in the buttocks, thighs and waist was significantly improved. In another experiment, using a 635nm laser, under the same number of treatments and courses of treatment, the waist circumference and hip circumference were reduced by more than 2cm, and the thigh circumference was reduced by more than 1.65cm after 2 weeks. In a retrospective analysis of 689 patients, measured at the waist, buttocks, thighs, arms, knees, neck, and chest, significant reductions in girth were observed. In a study by Thornfeldt et al., a device consisting of six 17mW, 635nm red diodes was used to treat subjects’ waist, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs once a week with LLLT for 6 consecutive weeks. After treatment, most subjects were treated with LLLT once a week. (72.2%) The total circumference of waist, abdomen, buttocks and thighs was reduced by ≥11.43cm, 81% were satisfied, 54% were very satisfied, and there were no adverse reactions. The researchers believe that the weekly treatment regimen for 6 consecutive weeks may be more effective than the previous 2-week course of treatment. LLLT is also often used for surface irradiation before liposuction. Studies have shown that irradiation of LLLT can “soften” fat and facilitate surgical suction, which not only saves operation time and reduces trauma, but also promotes the later healing of liposuction. . As a safe and non-invasive method of fat loss, LLLT has been approved by the FDA. Many devices are used in combination with other methods such as massage, but the exact efficacy of LLLT as an independent treatment is still insufficient evidence. The effect of LLLT in reducing fat still needs more evidence-based medical evidence to support.

In vitro studies have found that using 1 064 nm Nd:YAG laser on human adipose tissue samples can cause perforation and rupture of fat cell membranes, cell gasification and liquefaction, tissue collagen carbonization and small blood vessel obstruction. With tissue repair, collagen regeneration can be clearly observed. and skin shrinkage. After irradiating adipocytes with 1 064nm Nd:YAG laser fiber, Ichikawa et al. observed the phenomenon of voids, cell membrane degeneration and destruction, thermal coagulation, and lipid droplet leakage between adipocytes under scanning electron microscope. . Some studies have used a 1 064 nm laser with a second-level pulse width and a millisecond-level 2 940 nm Er:YAG laser for fat reduction and shaping. Combines the dual effects of deep heating and superficial tightening (reticular dermis, skin ligaments, fascia). See Invasive Fat Loss Device Therapy for details.