Reduction Mammaplasty Using Nd:YAG Contact Tip Laser

Abstract

Nd:YAG laser with contact tip provides unique advantages over a cold knife and electrocautery in a surgical dissection. The Nd:YAG laser places somewhere in the middle between the traditional electrocautery and the CO2 laser. The Nd:YAG laser has much less tissue damage compared to electrocautery. On the other hand, this laser has afar better ability to coagulate the blood vessels and the advantage of easy maneuverability as compared to the CO2 laser. The author presents his experiences in Nd:YAG laser contact tip for reduction mammaplasty. Seventeen reduction mammaplasties using Nd:YAG contact laser tip were presented. Several patients returned to work within a week after surgery. One patient was well enough to volunteer to go back to work on the fourth post-operative day. The Nd:YAG laser physics, equipment, applications, and surgical cases are discussed.