Thermoguided technique of lipolysis and skin retraction with 980nm diode laser

Introduction: Liposuction is a consecrated procedure to improve body contouring, and various types of laser can be applied to cause lipolysis and skin retraction. The current parameters (power and energy) in the devices allow only an indirect inference of skin temperature change. Methods: Eighty-three patients, between 17 and 75 years old, were submitted to laser lipolysis with 980nm diode, using a Flir® T540 thermocamera for temperature monitoring. Lipolysis was obtained by applying the laser to the deep subcutaneous layer and skin retraction in the deep dermis, with a velocity of 5 centimeters per second. The laser was used in the deep dermis of the abdominal flaps of patients undergoing dermolipectomy to determine the temperature that causes skin burns, totaling 27 cases. Results: A power of 15W was used on the medial side of the arm and thigh, and 4000J average energy was applied per region. In the dorsal area and abdomen, 20W was adopted, and 6000J were applied in each quadrant. On average, the studied tissue’s initial temperature was 31°C, and at the end of the laser application was 37°C. The temperature that caused the burn was 45°C. Conclusion: The use of the thermocamera allowed a more homogeneous distribution of the laser and provided the surgeon with effective monitoring so that an adequate dose of energy is applied to the subcutaneous and deep dermis, obtaining the desired effect. ■ ABSTRACT