Does SmartLipo or CoolLipo work on people with darker skin?

SmartLipo (1064 nm wavelength) and CoolLipo (1320 nm wavelength) are among a growing number of lasers for dissolving fat (laser lipolysis). Both wavelengths are safe in darker skin types. Indeed the 1064 nm Yag lasers are the best available for hair removal in darker skin types.

Back to lipolysis, however - the wrong wavelength laser would cause injury to darker skin even though the procedure is done by inserting the laser fiber under the skin. Laser injury will still result whether the laser is directed from the surface of or under the skin. It is quite likely that we will not be able to use the lower wavelength lasers being marketed for lipolysis in this patient population.

Our experience with Smartlipo has been in an extremely ethnically diverse population. We have done lots of procedures on all skin types with very good results and to date without any complications.

Both SmartLipo and CoolLipo work on people with darker skin. I have not seen a difference in either of the lasers in this regard. The laser is below the skin targeting the fat cells and the underside of the dermis. The melanocytes are NOT affected.

I have performed hundreds of these treatments without having ANY problems with hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation from the laser. In fact, this is our most popular procedure for people with darker skin types!

Both the Smart Lipo and Cool Lipo are "color blind" and can be used on all skin types, ages, shapes and colors. In fact, using either the Smart Lipo or Cool Lipo when performing liposuction minimizes any difference among people with different body types.

Many men and African-Americans have a tougher and more fibrosed fat that may be more difficult to shape/sculpt with standard liposuction techniques. The use of either the Smart Lipo or Cool Lipo minimizes any difference.

This is a very good question.  The answer is that CoolLipo is color blind, and any skin type can safely undergo CoolLipo laser fat melting and skin tightening.  This is because the laser is used under the skin, up against the dermis, below where the pigment cells live.  The CoolLipo laser both melts fat and shrinks the skin.

Google search highlights doctors who do CoolLipo.  Cool Touch, the parent company, has a website, www.cooltouch.com, which has a doctor locator to assist in finding a doctor doing the procedure in your area. 

V. Stevens,  MD