Comparison of Blood Loss in Laser Lipolysis vs Traditional Liposuction.

[BACKGROUND] Laser-assisted liposuction has been associated with reduced blood loss. However, this clinical finding has not been evaluated objectively.

[OBJECTIVES] In this study, the authors objectively estimated the blood loss volume associated with laser lipolysis vs traditional liposuction in various anatomic regions.

[METHODS] In this prospective study, 56 patients underwent equal amounts of traditional and laser-assisted liposuction at 2 contralateral anatomic sites. Blood loss volumes were calculated from the lipoaspirates by measuring hemoglobin and red blood cell content. The data were analyzed statistically with repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test.

[RESULTS] Laser lipolysis can reduce blood loss by more than 50% compared with traditional liposuction. Laser lipolysis resulted in significant reductions in mean blood loss volumes in the abdomen, flanks, back, and breast.

[CONCLUSIONS] The authors provide objective evidence that laser lipolysis significantly reduces blood loss compared with traditional liposuction.

[LEVEL OF EVIDENCE] 3.