Several lasers are used for lipolysis – a recognized technique for fat reduction. It has been demonstrated that (i) fat liquefaction is induced through a temperature elevation of the adipocyte cells, and (ii) fat volume reduction depends on total cumulative energy delivered at the treatment site. Which wavelength (920nm, 980nm, 1064nm, 1320nm, and 1440nm) is the best?

Studies and substantial anecdotal evidence show that the penetration depth of wavelengths between 900 and 1320nm is very similar – around 1.5mm. The only minor difference is at 1440nm, which is more absorbed by subcutaneous fat. The irreversibly damaged volume of tissue is also similar for wavelengths between 920 and 1320nm. Practitioners obtain the total of about 4cm3 with 3750J delivered to the tissue.

With laser lipolysis, thermal elevation of a given volume can be obtained provided that the penetration depth remains in this nominal range. This explains why similar end results can be obtained using 920nm, 980nm, 1064nm, and 1320nm. Thermal build-up is the main factor behind adipocytolysis and skin contraction. Successful outcomes are dependent primarily on the movement of the optical fiber inside the tissue and even and stable delivery of the laser energy. It’s the hands of the surgeon that truly make a difference!

This is a good video report, which covers most of the things a consumer should know about tattoo removal by a medical laser. Join Neil Sadick, MD, as he performs laser tattoo removal and provides tips for what to expect from the procedure.

Laser Tattoo Removal
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Toenail fungus, aka onychomycosis, is a very common problem. The numbers vary depending on the source, but we are talking 20-30 million in the U.S. alone. Most are mild cases, which are not accounted for because people do not go to the doctor to diagnose their smelly feet with ugly deformed nails.

Several laser companies are working on clinical studies and FDA approvals, but practitioners do not have to wait – they are free to perform off label procedures with the lasers they own or rent.

Anecdotal evidence is growing to confirm that laser treatment of the fungus is a lot more efficacious (75-90% cure rate) than topical solutions (8-10%) and oral medication (30-40%). Lasers are quickly becoming a new way to treat nail infection by selectively irradiating fungi while leaving the nail and surrounding tissue intact.

Onychomycosis is more common among people over the age of 50 who should avoid toxic medication. Podiatrists and other physicians who have started performing these treatments charge from $850 to $1,400 per treatment (all toes have to be treated at the same time). Thus, the market for non-invasive, drug free (only topicals for prevention) and simple laser procedures is huge, a billion-dollar-plus per year huge.

Currently only a few hundred doctors in the U.S. offer the laser therapy and they are not easy to find. A medical referral service called Laser for Toe specializes in setting up free doctor appointments for people with toenail fungus. They can find a laser doc near you.