Dermatologic Surgery


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Randomized, blinded split abdomen study evaluating skin shrinkage and skin tightening in laser-assisted liposuction versus liposuction control
DiBernardo BE. Aesthet Surg J. 2010;30:593-602.

Not only does laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) make the liposuction process less traumatic for the patient thereby reducing recovery time and the potential for side effects, but it may also help to tighten the area skin post treatment. In this study, the author sought to quantify clinical data documenting this effect by comparing liposuction vs LAL in 10 female patients who presented for treatment with excess abdominal fat and mild/moderate skin laxity. Each patient had a 5×5-cm rectangular area tattooed with India ink and randomly assigned to be treated with LAL (Smartly MPX laser; Cynosure, Westford, Mass.) or liposuction alone. Change in skin laxity was measured by change in surface of the treatment area. Tightness was measured using a stiffness index. Measurements were taken at 1- and 3-months post treatment. At the 1-month measurement, there were no significant differences noted with the two treatment sides compared with baseline; however, there was a significant difference in skin tightening between the LAL and liposuction-alone sides. At the 3-month time point, stiffness and tightening were both significantly more pronounced on the LAL vs the liposuction-only side.
Available at PubMed (PMID: 20829257)  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20829257

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