Evaluation of safety and efficacy of 980-nm diode laser-assisted lipolysis versus traditional liposuction for submental rejuvenation: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Submental fat accumulation and skin laxity is a frequent concern of cosmetic patients. Objective: The aim of this randomized prospective controlled clinical trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of laser-assisted lipolysis and liposuction in the submental rejuvenation. Material and methods: Thirty-six female adults were enrolled in this clinical trial and were categorized into two groups: group 1 underwent 980-nm diode laser with the power of 6–8 W and group 2 underwent traditional liposuction. Patients were evaluated with ultrasonography 2 weeks and 2 months after the procedures. Results: Ultrasonographic evaluation reported the significant reduction of fat thickness in each group compared with the baseline (p value < 0.001). At the 2 weeks and 2 months follow-up visit, fat thickness reduction was significantly higher in the lipolysis group (p value < 0.05). Overall patients’ satisfaction in lipolysis group was higher than liposuction with 11 (61%) of lipolysis patients being very satisfied in contrast to 10 (55.5%) of liposuction patients reporting “dissatisfied or neutral” results. Conclusion: Laser-assisted lipolysis using 980-nm diode is approved to be safe and effective for skin tightening and rejuvenation of the submental area and seems to be a better option than traditional techniques for treatment of this cosmetic problem.

Key Words::

• lipolysis
• liposuction
• submental
• rejuvenation

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Sane'ee in the Department of Radiology for technical support and Mrs. Razzaghi for statistical and computer assistance of this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no declarations of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.