Low frequency high intensity ultrasound and Nd: YAG laser-assisted liposuction: A comparative study on ex vivo human adipose tissue

Background: In order to improve the efficacy of liposuction method, several technical updates have been introduced, such as ultrasound (US)- or laser-assisted liposuction. Several papers have reported the effects of these surgical techniques, but no one has given an evidence-based comparison of them. Aim: The aim was to compare the effects of US and Nd: YAG laser devices on ex vivo adipose tissue. Methods: Subcutaneous adipose tissue specimen was obtained from one patient (woman, 44ys old, massive weight loss history, requiring a body contouring and abdominoplasty). Tissue sample was divided into 6 portions of the same size and weight. Two portions were used as controls, two treated with the US device (power 100%, ~19-21 W/cm2; 37.2-42.2 kHz; 10' exposure time) and two with the Nd: YAG laser (10 Watt, 40 Hz, 10' exposure time). Weight reduction values and lipid profile of fluid portions released from samples after single exposure were registered. Extracted lipid analysis was performed with thin-layer-chromatography. Histological architecture of adipose tissue sections was analyzed by staining and microscopy. Results: The weight reduction was significant for both US and Nd: YAG laser treatments compared to untreated sample. Of note, the weight reduction was more relevant after US treatment than laser exposure as early as 20'. TLC revealed higher levels of neutral lipids in the fluid portion released by US-treated samples when compared to laser-treated ones. Structural changes were observed after both US and laser exposures. Conclusions: The results suggest that US appears to be more effective in inducing adipocytolysis as compared to laser.