Abdominoplasty Using Nd-YAG Contact Tip Laser

Abstract

Abdominoplasty is a relatively major cosmetic procedure with associated complications such as excessive bleeding, hematoma, seroma formation, infection, and pulmonary embolism, etc. Complete hemostasis and gentle tissue handling are of paramount importance to avoid stated complications. The application of laser technology had given us opportunities to achieve these goals by drastically reducing intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, by sealing the lymphatic capillaries and by allowing a gentle tissue dissection. The laser physics, its clinical application, the surgical procedure, and patient photographs are presented. The Nd-YAG contact tip laser allowed us to perform surgery with almost absolute hemostasis. Recovery from surgery has been rapid due to less postoperative pain. The expense of laser use has been reduced significantly by the introduction of a compact model with less wattage for office use.