The invention provides a method and apparatus for stimulating subcutaneous fat reduction using a femtosecond diode laser irradiation system. The system comprises a femtosecond diode laser capable of generating laser light that has a wavelength of 1000 nm-10,000 nm, a power level of 500 mw-12 W, and a pulse duration of less than 1 picosecond. A light-emitting device is coupled to the diode laser by means of flexible waveguide and is held over the skin. The device may be a handheld wand or an area pad comprising a plurality of light-emitting lenses on a surface of the pad. Laser setting controls are set to achieve a depth of photon absorption into the skin to reach subcutaneous adipose tissue.
