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

[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.