The Effect of Combination of Red, Infrared and Blue Wavelengths of Low-Level Laser on Reduction of Abdominal Girth: A Before-After Case Series

Abstract

IntroductionThe term cellulite (also known as gynoid lipodystrophy and adiposis edematosa) refers to the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests as skin uneven dimpling or "orange peel" appearance. [1][2][3] Cellulite is more common on the buttocks, lower limbs and abdomen. 1,2 Cellulite affects mainly women as a result of "differences in the structural anatomy of subcutaneous tissue in women, and the possible influence of estrogen. " 4 The prevalence of cellulite in post-adolescent females was estimated to be between 80% and 90%, 3,5 which led to the development of cosmetic complications. Cellulite appears to be a "multifactorial disorder" 4 which is likely due to metabolic alterations, changes in lymphatic and vascular microcirculation, dieting too hard or too much, sex-specific dimorphic, skin architecture, alteration of connective tissue structure, and hormonal and genetic factors. 5-7 Emanuele et al 3 traced "the genetic component of cellulite to particular polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1a) genes. " There are various modalities in the treatment of localized subcutaneous fat deposits (massage or mechanical manipulation, mesotherapy, bipolar radiofrequency, liposuction, laser lipolysis, etc), but empirical evidence for the efficacy of these strategies is limited. 3 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-thermal, noninvasive technique which is practiced by physicians and laser therapists for a wide variety of diseases. It is used for tissue regeneration and bio-stimulation, pain reduction, swelling, inflammatory response in orthopedic injuries and degenerative diseases, wound healing and numerous Original Article The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a combination of 3 wavelengths (including red, infra-red, and blue) of low-level laser (LLL) as a non-invasive therapeutic method to reduce abdominal girth. To achieve biochemical activity on adipocytes, a red laser was used in our selective laser combination. Near-infrared laser was used to increase depth of penetration. Nitrosyl complexes of hemoglobin (NO-Hb) are sensitive to blue light, thereby leading to increase in release of biologically active nitric oxide (NO), which can affect tissue perfusion. Thus, a blue LED was added to the laser combination. Methods: Eighteen females participated in the study. Twelve sessions of laser therapy were performed, 2 sessions per week for each subject. Continuous wave diode lasers, including red (630 nm), infra-red (808 nm), and a blue LED (450 nm) were applied and were all designed by the Canadian Optic and Laser Center. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that upper abdomen size significantly decreased from pre-(91.86 ± 11.16) to post-(87.41 ± 10.52) low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (P < 0.001). Middle abdomen size showed significant reduction from pre-(97.02 ± 8.82) to post-(91.97 ± 8.49) LLLT (P < 0.001). Lower abdomen size significantly decreased from pre-(100.36 ± 9.45) to post-(95.80 ± 8.52) LL...

Efficacy and safety of long pulse 1064 and 2940 nm lasers in noninvasive lipolysis and skin tightening

“…The application area of LLLT is wide: it can be used to relieve pain, inflammation and edema and it may contribute to wound healing. Furthermore, it can be utilized to enhance the efficacy of liposuction and to diminish its complications but the technique alone is also useful for fat reduction . Fat removal by LLLT may be performed via different mechanisms.…”

“…For noninvasive body contouring, the efficacy of red lasers of 635 nm was reported . However, combination of red lasers with infrared and blue wavelengths was also found to be effective. In addition to fat reduction, skin tightening is also an important issue in order to achieve a good cosmetic outcome.…”