Harvard dermatological researcher Dr. Rox Anderson has developed a laser treatment that burns fat through the skin, but leaves the skin itself unharmed. So, what's the big deal, you ask? Well, if the treatment is proven successful in future trials (so far, it has only been tested on animal fat), it may be a cure for human problems ranging from obesity to acne to clogged arteries.
Anderson, a known leader in the dermatology field, has previously helped develop laser treatments that remove unwanted hair, birthmarks and tattoos. This newest treatment, however, may be his greatest yet. Dr. Anderson briefly explains his discovery in the following article:
The key was finding the right wavelength that would target fat cells, but not skin cells. "We heat the fat up just enough to kill the cells," he said. "Cells are always dying in your body, so other mechanisms remove the cells."
Claiming as his personal goal the ability to cure acne (a long attempted, but never 100% successful venture), Anderson has targeted the troublesome sebaceous glands, "which sit adjacent to hair follicles just below the skin's surface." According this explanatory piece, "The glands produce fatty sebum that lubricates the skin and hair...The bacteria associated with acne feeds on the sebum and the sebum plugs the follicles." Dr. Anderson's laser treatement would potentially reduce the level of activity in the sebaceous glands, thus eliminating acne.
Other potential medical uses for the laser include the removal of artery-clogging fatty build-up and excess body fat in overweight individuals (i.e. as an alternative to liposuction). My concern here (if clinical trials prove successful) is that Americans will have one more reason not to be concerned about the way they are treating their bodies. Stop eating greasy foods and double portions? Why should I? I can always zap that fat right out of my body, no exercise necessary. This new laser treatment will also likely require less recovery time than surgery, likely making it more popular. Who knows, maybe one day patients will not think twice before stopping in at the dermatologist's office for a quickie lunch-hour procedure. Yes, I realize these examples are a bit extreme, but all I'm saying is that we should really consider some better "fat-burning alternatives" for the Average Joe than a high-powered laser.
