Zerona Laser Zaps Fat
Although the idea of getting rid of excess fat and contouring the body through plastic surgery is growing in popularity, the risk of side effects, lengthy recovery times or even the idea of going "under the knife" is enough to deter many. New, exciting technology has emerged to offer the benefits of body contouring without invasive surgery. A new low level laser, Erchonia Medical's Zerona laser, can reduce inches and shape the body using low level light and boasts no known side effects or downtime.
In contrast to high-power, high-heat lasers that are used in various surgical procedures, the new Zerona laser produces a low-level, or cold, output that has no thermal effect on the body's tissue. Instead, the non-invasive laser helps the body absorb fat by stimulating biological function.
Extensive research shows that fat congregates in interstitial spaces for a certain amount of time. Excess fat is then removed naturally by the body without the negative side effects and downtime associated with more invasive procedures such as liposuction.
Zerona Laser Technology
The effectiveness of the Zerona laser procedure was recently put to the test during a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. The study revealed that in two weeks of trials with the laser - without surgery, diet restrictions or any other adjuncts - a majority of patients lost at least three inches from their waists, hips and thighs.
The study was a randomized, multi-site, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 70 patients. The test group was treated with the Zerona Laser and the placebo group was treated with a 635nm L.E.D. Each patient was treated six times over two weeks. Patients were instructed not to restrict their diets and to assume normal activities after each treatment.
At the end of two weeks, 63 percent of the patients treated with the Zerona laser had a reduced body circumference of at least three inches with some patients losing as much as nine and a half inches. With a difference of almost 60 percent between the laser-treated and placebo-treated groups, the Zerona laser just may prove to be the future of body contouring without surgery.
Based on the results of the study, Erchonia has submitted its findings to the FDA to obtain market clearance. Erchonia lasers have already achieved FDA market clearance for liposuction in 2004, acne in 2005, chronic pain in 2001, and just recently for breast augmentation in April 2008.
Zerona Non-Invasive Fat Removal
Until now there has not been a proven non-invasive procedure to effectively shape the body by removing excess fat. For many patients who do not want or cannot afford the time required for a surgical procedure, the Zerona technique can serve as an alternative therapy. And with the addition of an exercise program, a healthier lifestyle, and in some cases, surgical intervention, the technology should prove to be a great benefit to the practice of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine.
Authored by:
Robert Jackson, MD
Indianapolis Plastic Surgery
Indianapolis, Indiana
(765) 662-8303 p
www.rjlipodr.com