Efficacy of Noninvasive 1060-nm Diode Laser for Medial Knee Fat Reduction

Abstract

Introduction Laser lipolysis is a rapidly growing noninvasive body-contouring treatment in Asians. There is increasing demand for leg contouring, especially in areas where unwanted fat deposits are prominent despite diet and exercise. Medial fat knees are one of the esthetic concerns of women today and can be a challenging problem in terms of treatment. There are few noninvasive options to remove fat from these areas. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1060-nm diode laser for medial knee fat reduction. Methods Nineteen subjects with localized unwanted fat on the medial knees were enrolled into this study. All of them were treated with a single session of 1060-nm diode laser at a power setting of 1.0–1.4 W/cm 2 , depending on patient tolerance. Body weight, knee circumference at 3 cm above the medial epicondyle of the femur, and knee fat thickness measured by ultrasonography were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Clinical photographs and ultrasound images were taken before and after treatment. Side effects were documented during follow-up visits. Subjects answered a satisfaction questionnaire at the completion of the study. Results All subjects were female, with mean age of 32.3 ± 5.3 years and body weight of 59.8 ± 11.6 kg. The average power setting was 1.3 ± 0.1 W/cm 2 with pain score of 6.1 ± 1.0. Significant reduction in knee circumferences ( p < 0.001) at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits compared with baseline, and knee fat thickness measured by ultrasound in both axial and sagittal plane at 1 and 6 months after treatment ( p = 0.036 and p < 0.001, respectively) were recorded. Side effects were mild and transient, including mild erythema and tenderness. Conclusion The 1060-nm diode laser is effective and safe for knee circumference and medial knee fat layer thickness reduction. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, TCTR20220219002. Retrospectively registered on February 19, 2022.

The Efficacy of Noninvasive 1060-Nm Diode Lasers for Submental Lipolysis: A Pilot Study

“…The laser raises the temperature of adipose cells between 42°C and 47°C, damaging their structural integrity. 24 After the treatment session, the body naturally eliminates the disrupted cells over the next few months. 24 Disrupted fat cells are permanently eliminated from the body and will not regenerate.…”

“…24 After the treatment session, the body naturally eliminates the disrupted cells over the next few months. 24 Disrupted fat cells are permanently eliminated from the body and will not regenerate. Previous studies on 1060-nm diode lasers showed significant reductions in localized subcutaneous fat on the abdomen 15 and flanks.…”

“…Significant reduction in knee circumferences at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits compared with baseline, and knee fat thickness measured by ultrasound in both axial and sagittal plane at 1 and 6 months after treatment were recorded. 24 Minimal and transient side effects were noted among patients. 24 In view of these scientific findings, our investigation aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1060-nm diode laser for submental fat reduction.…”

“…24 Minimal and transient side effects were noted among patients. 24 In view of these scientific findings, our investigation aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a 1060-nm diode laser for submental fat reduction.…”

“…A recent study done in Thailand by Yan et al showed efficacy of 1060 nm Diode laser in reducing medial knee fat thickness. 24 A total of 19 subjects with localized unwanted fat on the medial knees were enrolled into this study. Significant reduction in knee circumferences at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up visits compared with baseline, and knee fat thickness measured by ultrasound in both axial and sagittal plane at 1 and 6 months after treatment were recorded.…”