Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital are using the Free-Electron Laser at specific wavelengths (selective photothermolysis) to heat up fat, which is then excreted by the body - without harming the skin.

Scientists say this technique could be used for treating acne as well as cellulite and even heart disease.

 

“The root cause of acne is a lipid-rich sebaceous gland, which sits a few millimetres below the surface of the skin. We want to be able to selectively target the sebaceous gland and this research shows that, if we can build lasers at this region of the spectrum, we may be able to do that," says Prof. Rox Anderson, Mass. General Hospital.

This new laser acne technique could also be used to eliminate cellulite and body fat, say the researchers. Fat buildup in the arteries (plaques), which causes heart attacks, could also be treated. 

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