by Dr Gilles Korb
Lipolysis using low-energy lasers (cold lasers) is the most recent technology to be used to melt away fat, allowing patients to lose several centimetres from their waist, reshape their figure and reduce cellulite.
Why do we gain weight?
Fat is our body’s energy reserve. It is stored in the adipocytes, in the shape of triglycerides that are provided by our diet. When we need energy, the adipocytes release their contents into the neighbouring tissues, transforming these triglycerides into free fatty acids that can be used by the body. Weight gain is caused by an overly rich diet and insufficient exercise. When our calorie intake exceeds the calories we burn off, our fat mass increases accordingly. In overweight patients, the volume of the adipocytes in-creases, as opposed to their number which remains constant. Conversely, in slim patents or those who are losing weight, the volume of the adipocytes decreases.
Lipolaser, emptying the adipocytes
The Lipolaser device is equipped with laser diodes of different wavelengths that cause the adipocytes to release their contents in a similar way to the natural process described above. There are no side effects for the neighbouring organs. Compared with other body reshaping techniques, Lipolaser is not invasive or painful. The results are visible fairly quickly. For the belly, for example, we can see a loss of 3 to 4cm from the waist after the first session. What is more, the treatment is reasonably priced.
The treatment protocol is as follows:
Two 30-minute sessions per week, with the full protocol involving 4 to 8 sessions over 2 to 4 weeks. Later on, some top-up sessions may be scheduled to maintain or improve the results achieved. All phototypes can be treated. During the procedure, the patient is asked to lie down and wear protective glasses.The laser diode plates are applied directly onto the skin. During the session, you might feel a mild warming sensation, like a hot water bottle, but there is no risk of burning. At the end of the session, the skin will look red, but this is only temporary.It does not require any downtime. On the day of treatment, it is important to drink at least 1.5L of water and to exercise for at least 30 minutes, in order to accelerate the elimination of the free fatty acids and prevent them from being redeposited.
What are the indications?
It can be performed on any areas of the body where excess fat is stored: belly, love handles, thighs, buttocks, cellulite and saddlebags, back, arms, double chin. Several areas can be treated at the same time, if necessary. There are very few counter indications for treatment: pre-teens, pregnancy, recent childbirth or surgery, some dermatological complaints, phlebitis, immune disorders, pacemaker. Clinical studies carried out all over the globe have proven the efficacy of this non-invasive new approach for reshaping the body’s contours. Although the first results are very promising, we need more experience to be able to gauge the effects over the mid to long term. In all cases, Lipolaser treatment should go hand in hand with a healthy diet and regular physical exercise.
Dr Gilles Korb : Surgeon of the face and neck in Nantes, specialising in aesthetic surgery and aesthetic medicine for the face and neck. Member of the French Society of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery of the Face and Neck, member of the World Society of Anti-Aging Medicine (WOSAAM).
