Review of Current Medical Lasers for Subcutaneous Lipolysis and Laser-assisted Liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) or laser lipoplasty is widely used in Europe and Latin America, and has been introduced to Japan in 2004 and the United States in 2006. After the introduction of Smartlipo laser (DEKA, Italy), LAL has been rapidly advanced and in 2009 more than ten products of lasers for LAL are commercially available in the market. Recent models have advantages for faster and safer lipoplasty in their technologies, i.e., high power irradiation, skin temperature monitoring, acceleration sensor, and tough fibers. Selection of wavelength has been also developed. The author presents the basics and clinical experiences with these recent lasers for LAL.