System and method for laser lipolysis

Abstract

A device and related method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers comprises a laser source; an optical fiber for conveying a laser beam emitted by the laser source; and a hollow cannula for guiding the fiber to the subcutaneous treatment area. The cannula has a curved portion at its distal end, where the curved portion can be shaped to roughly conform to the contour of the patient's body structure. In this way, laser energy from the fiber, applied to the adipose layers, is generally directed away from the lower dermis of the patient, minimizing the risk of non-reversible damage to the dermis, including skin necrosis. In another embodiment, the optical fiber is a side-firing fiber that directs the laser energy away from the dermis. In other embodiments, a radiation detector, such as a thermal or optical sensor, monitors the temperature at the surface of the skin above the treatment area to warn the operator of harmful temperatures in the lower dermis. In another embodiment, a temperature sensitive material is applied to the surface of the skin above the treatment area to warn of harmful dermal temperatures. In another embodiment, a cooling mechanism cools the surface of the skin above the treatment area to prevent damage to the dermis.