Laser Lipolysis: Fat Removal Without Surgery

29 Apr.,2024

 

Laser Lipolysis: Fat Removal Without Surgery

Laser lipolysis is a non-invasive form of body sculpting. It removes small fat deposits. Like surgical liposuction, this procedure permanently removes fat cells from your body. It’s much less painful, though, and laser lipolysis recovery is also shorter and less complicated. It also comes with a lower risk of loose skin afterward.

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Laser lipolysis differs from traditional liposuction, which is considered major surgery and requires general anesthesia (the patient is put into a sleep during the procedure). With surgical lipo, the surgeon inserts instruments into a layer of fat and uses a tube to break up fat cells and suction them out. Recovery can take months‌.

Laser lipolysis can be done in the doctor’s office. It takes about half an hour, and you can return to normal activity right away. There is no anesthesia involved.

To do the laser “lipo,” your doctor attaches paddle-like applicators to the area to be treated. The paddles emit heat that penetrates your skin and heats up the fat cells underneath. The heat damages the membranes of the fat cells, so they start to die off. Your body then absorbs the dead cells.

It takes time -- about six weeks -- to see the final results of the treatment. After that, you should have noticeable sculpting in the area that was treated. Some people need more than one treatment for optimal results.

The recovery is very easy. Most people can resume normal activity the same day, though you may encounter some soreness or redness at the treatment site.

Plastic surgeons recommend laser lipo for removing fat from specific areas, including:

  • Belly
  • Flanks
  • Back
  • Inner and outer thighs

Laser-assisted liposuction differs from laser lipo. It combines elements of surgical liposuction with the use of a laser to destroy fat cells. The procedure does require small incisions and inserting instruments under your skin. However, it is not as invasive as traditional liposuction, and recovery is much easier. 

Your doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment site, but you will be awake for the procedure. Once the skin is numb, your doctor will make a small incision and insert a laser into the fat tissue underneath your skin. The laster will rupture the fat cells and liquefy the fat.

How Laser Lipo Works: Laser Liposuction Explained

While the benefits of Laser Liposuction have been observed in many medical studies, researchers are still exploring exactly how Laser Lipo works. Although we still have a lot to learn about the effects of light energy on different types of cells, the leading theory is that Laser Lipo helps to remove fat by creating transient pores in adipocytes, allowing lipids to leak out.

That is, Laser Lipo machines create a small transitory pore for the fatty liquids in fat cells to seep out. The fatty liquids are then naturally flushed out through the lymphatic system.

The result is that the fat cells shrink instead of being killed. When this happens, the shrunken fat cells begin to act and function like healthy lean cells, releasing the correct messages to the brain and creating a communication effect throughout the fat organ, causing other fat cells to release their content and return their hormone responses to the positive.

Erchonia’s Emerald® Laser

: Fully automated Laser Lipo machine – only device on the market that is FDA-cleared for body circumference reduction on up to 40 BMI.

Procedures that have been popular in the past (such as fat freezing) focus on the elimination of fat cells, but recent research has shown this approach to be less effective, and in the worst-case scenario, providing counterproductive results.

Laser Lipo machines effectively train fat cells to behave and react differently, and all without excessive heat or cooling.

Common FAQs About Erchonia®

What Is the Scientific Evidence Behind Erchonia® Lasers?

All studies carried out to obtain FDA-clearance are double blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, and multi-site – the most credible research in the market.

The following list shows the clinical trials and an outline of their progress. As a company, to protect our intellectual assets, not all clinical trials we are involved with are made public so as to maintain our competitive advantage. As such, not all clinical trials are listed below.

Please note: There are hundreds of clinical studies confirming the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), and every year there are many new publications. Below is a list of Erchonia-specific studies for FDA-clearance.

1) Non-Invasive Dermatological Aesthetic Treatment for the Reduction of Body Circumference in Individuals With a Body Mass Index (BMI) of up to 40 kg / m² – 2019 – The data used to get this approval combined all previous data Erchonia® had on 20-40 BMI patients in the green laser studies below.

2) Non-Invasive Dermatological Aesthetic Treatment for the Reduction of Body Circumference — 2016.
FDA-clearance – K162578

3) Non-Invasive Dermatological Aesthetic Treatment for the Reduction of Circumference of Hips, Waist, Thighs and Upper Abdomen — 6 Week Treatment Protocol — 2014 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
FDA-clearance – K150446
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

4) Non-Invasive Dermatological Aesthetic Treatment for the Reduction of Circumference of Hips, Waist and Thighs — 2012 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
FDA-clearance – K143007
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

5) Non-Invasive Dermatological Aesthetic Treatment for Reduction of Circumference of Hips, Waist and Upper Abdomen When Applied to Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) Between 30 kg/m2 and 40 kg/m2 — 2013 – Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
FDA-clearance – K142042
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

6) Non-Invasive Body Contouring Using GLS Laser – 532 nm (Green) Trade Name Verju — 2012 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
FDA-clearance – K123237
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

7) Appearance of Cellulite (Verju Laser System) — 2012 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
FDA-clearance – K130922
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

8) Arm Circumference Reduction of the Upper Arms — 2011 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
Study results used to obtain FDA-clearance – K120257
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

9) Non-Invasive Fat Reduction and Body Contouring – Laser Scanner Waist, Hips, and Thighs — 2009 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
Study results used to obtain FDA-clearance – K082609
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

10) Low-Level Laser Light Therapy as an Aid to Liposuction and Reduction of Pain Associated With Surgery — 2004 — Sponsor and monitor, IRB approved, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-site, clinical study.
Study results used to obtain FDA-clearance – K041139
To view NIH clinical trial records, click here.

What Is the Difference Between Erchonia® and Other Technologies in This Market?

Erchonia® Laser Lipo machines have been scientifically proven to be the most effective fat loss devices on the market today. The lasers are completely pain free, have been clinically proven to be safe and effective, and provide relaxing treatments with numerous health and wellness benefits for the patient (which is more important than ever in the current climate). Furthermore, there have been no reported side effects or adverse reactions with our technology, and the system is truly inspired by the simplicity of nature, differentiating us from competing products in the sector.

Erchonia® lasers can be used to treat small pockets of fat or larger surface areas, and are FDA Market Cleared for overall circumferential reduction on patients up to 40 BMI. Many competing companies advertise their products as ‘clinically proven’, guaranteeing ‘instant results’. However, these claims are often not backed by comprehensive clinical evidence.

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It is also sometimes the case that competing technologies are marketed as ‘FDA-cleared’, but this clearance is quite weak or not related to fat loss. For example, perhaps the clearance is for wrinkles and rhytids, or for temporary fat reduction. We always recommend that you ask for details of the FDA-clearances and make an informed decision – pay particular attention to the scope of the clearance, how many patients participated, whether it was placebo controlled, double blind, and randomised, how many peer reviewed published articles they have, and what the adverse reactions / side effects were (we would be happy to provide this information for you).

Statements From the FDA

  • Emerald – 6 inches / 15.24 cm average reduction in waist, hips, and upper abdomen (51.33 mm off waist) – 1 month.
  • Verjú (Emerald Predecessor) – 11.48 cm reduction in waist, hips, and thighs – 2 weeks.
  • BTL Emsculpt Neo – 3.2 ± 1.64 cm change in abdominal circumference – 3-month follow-up. Note: Unreliable findings – not double blind, placebo controlled, or randomised.
  • CoolSculpting / Zeltiq – No reduction. Appearance claim only (1.78 – 2.66 mm at 4 months).
  • Liposonix (Ultrasound) – 1 inch loss at 4 months.
  • Ultrashape (Ultrasound) – 1 inch loss at 4 months.
  • Sculpsure (Thermal Laser) – 1.785 mm at 12 weeks.

What Is a Non-Thermal Laser? (Technical Explanation)

To understand the properties of non-thermal lasers, it is first important to distinguish between High-Level Laser Therapy (HLLT) and Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT):

  • HLLT devices are classified as ‘Class IV Lasers’ by the FDA in virtue of having a power output that’s greater than 500mW (i.e. high risk of hazard). The vast majority of HLLT devices have longer near-infrared wavelengths.
  • LLLT devices are classified as either ‘Class IIIB Lasers’, ‘Class IIIR Lasers’, or ‘Class II Lasers’ in virtue of having a power output of 5-500mW, 1-5mW, or <1mW respectively (i.e. lower risk of hazard). The vast majority of LLLT devices have shorter wavelengths.

There is a common misconception, often propagated by the manufacturers of Class 4 Lasers, that high power with longer wavelengths results in:

  1. Deeper penetration, allowing for the treatment of a wider range of conditions.
  2. More efficacious results, due to the delivery of more energy into the cells.

This however, is not correct for the following well-documented reasons:

  1. Laser light with wavelengths exceeding 950nm is highly absorbed by water, preventing much of its energy from penetrating the dermis. This strong absorption can also cause localised heating, leading to discomfort or pain, which may restrict its therapeutic application.
  2. There is an optimal ‘dose’ of laser energy (typically 2-4 joules / cm²) required for therapeutic biostimulation. Deviating from this dose, either by providing significantly less or more energy, can be counterproductive. HLLT devices, with their substantial power outputs, risk surpassing this optimal range.
  3. It is theorised that a minimum energy of 1.7eV per photon is required for therapeutic biostimulation via photochemical means – wavelengths exceeding 730nm cannot deliver this 1.7eV. As a result, HLLT devices, which often operate within these longer wavelengths, may not primarily function through inducing photochemical reactions. Instead, they might rely on alternative mechanisms, such as the therapeutic influence of localised heat generation. However, this approach may be less efficacious compared to biostimulation by photochemistry.

LLLT devices, on the other hand, aim to deliver energy via low output, short wavelength beams of light. The general theory is that this approach transfers the optimal amount of energy for stimulating and enhancing cell function, while not damaging cells or producing painful heat sensations.

Within the LLLT sector however, some of the higher-output devices still generate heat / pain. Furthermore, many devices are advertised as ‘lasers’, when in fact they are Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) or Superluminescent Diodes (SLDs). In contrast to LEDs or SLDs, ‘true’ lasers generate monochromatic, collimated, and coherent beams of light. That is, the light emitted by a true laser is composed from photons that have the same wavelength (monochromatic), travel in the same direction / do not disperse (collimated), and are in phase in space and time (coherent). These three properties of true lasers make them the most effective and efficient LLLT devices.

To separate Erchonia® from such technologies, and from HLLT more generally, we say that our lasers are ‘non-thermal, true lasers’. That is, Erchonia® lasers do not produce any heat or painful sensations, and are monochromatic, collimated, and coherent.

How Is Erchonia® Laser Therapy Administered?

There are two basic steps when administering Erchonia® treatments. First, we find the most severe areas of subcutaneous fat or cellulite. Then, we use the diodes to target this area, positioning them around 9 – 15 cm away from the skin. This optimises exposure to the generated beams, and treats the target area whilst the client relaxes.

Are There Any Conditions Which Would Prevent Patients From Receiving the Treatments?

There are no code regulated contraindications, however, since there are no long-term evaluations on certain conditions, we do not recommend using Erchonia® lasers on pregnant women, clients with a pacemaker, or clients with photosensitive epilepsy. We also do not recommend using the devices over an area of known cancer.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The treatments are officially labelled as ‘non-temporary’ by the FDA, so as long as your clients lead a normal to healthy lifestyle, their results will continue. To give an example, if your clients consume 4000 calories per day, although they will lose inches during the Erchonia® treatments, they may quickly put these inches back on.

We generally recommend that you promote small lifestyle changes along with the Erchonia® course, with the option of maintenance treatments if required.

How Long Are the Treatments?

Erchonia® treatments are just 30 minutes long and fully automated, allowing you to save on staff costs and increase profits.

How Many Treatments Are Required?

Your clients should see improvements after the very first session, and the results will continue to improve with each treatment.

However, the number of treatments that your clients will require depends on their aims, objectives, lifestyle, medical history, and any medication that they may be on – in general, most patients will need 6+ sessions, with one, two, or three treatments per week.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

Erchonia® Laser Lipo machines treat overall body circumference while also allowing your clients to target stubborn areas of fat and cellulite.

Most people who undergo the treatments focus on their midriff and thighs, but the device can also target any area of subcutaneous fat, including bra strap, upper arms, jowls, knees, and more.

Please examine the image below for the possible treatment options:

What Do Erchonia® Lasers Treat and How Are They Used?

Erchonia® lasers are used in many areas, such as 360-degree fat loss, body sculpting, cellulite reduction, pain management, pre / postsurgical healing, pre / rehabilitation, nail and skin pathologies (e.g. nail fungus and acne), and more.

Not only do our lasers treat specifics, but they also empower the body to function efficiently due to the beneficial effects they have on our cells.

Is There Any Pain or Downtime Associated With Erchonia® Technologies?

Erchonia® technologies do not have any downtime or associated pain, and there are no recorded side effects or adverse reactions – Erchonia® lasers inspire our bodies to act to produce ‘a better you’.

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