Laser lipolysis boosts collagen production

Laser lipolysis is effective for stimulating collagen production and skin tightening with less recovery time than surgery, according to findings presented at the Society of Interventional Radiology’s annual meeting.

Abbas Chamsuddin, M.D., lead author of the study, reviewed outcomes of 2,183 patients ages 17 to 73 who underwent laser-assisted lipolysis and liposuction between February 2009 and July 2012. The treatments were performed on the patients’ necks, love handles, arms, abdomen, breasts, thighs and calves, according to a news release. Researchers measured all patients’ weight, diameter of area treated and skin tightness prior to treatment and at all follow-up appointments.

Follow-up was daily for one week, then at one, three and six months. All treatment areas demonstrated improvement in skin tightening and reduction of fat bulk.

“The laser uses targeted energy to ‘zero in’ on the fat, without affecting the other tissue, enabling a faster recovery,” according to the news release.

“Combining traditional liposuction with laser lipolysis has now been shown to produce well-sculpted bodies with tight skin,” said Dr. Chamsuddin. “We are able to give people things such as a tighter abdomen without the need for surgery.”