Zerona Laser Fat Removal without Surgery - Pros and Cons

When you want to get rid of excess body fat, diet and exercise may not be enough. Your genetic makeup dictates where you will accumulate and store a few extra ounces and pounds of body fat over your lifetime, and these deposits can become resistant to any type of diet or lifestyle changes. Liposuction and laser fat removal procedures offer a few options for getting rid of excess fat for good. The Zerona low-level laser was introduced in April 2008, and is one of the first noninvasive fat removal procedures on the market. Here’s a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Zerona laser:

How the Zerona Laser Works

The Zerona system is a low-level laser designed to get rid of body fat and shape and tone up the skin without surgery. Results of a pilot study were presented to the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery in 2008, and the procedure has received FDA clearance to be used in the United States. The low-level laser helped patients lose an average of 5-6 inches from their waists, hips and thighs in a matter of a few weeks.

The Zerona laser works by emitting cold laser energy into the body tissues; this energy is absorbed by the body fat, and the fat is broken down and then channeled out of the body. The laser virtually stimulates the break down and removal of body fat, without affecting the surrounding skin and tissues.

Key Benefits of the Zerona Laser

Results of the pilot study showed that patients could lose as much as nine inches after their first series of treatments; results could be seen in approximately 14days, and no side effects were reported. Other key benefits of the Zerona laser include:

• No downtime
• No incisions or marks from the treatment
• No need to wear compression garments
• Ongoing fat loss days and weeks after treatment
• No reported side effects
• Uses the Erchnoia laser, which received FDA market clearance for liposuction in 2004, and for acne in 2005

Drawbacks of the Zerona Laser

While the Zerona laser offers several benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Some of the disadvantages of the procedure include:

• No long-term studies to support effectiveness
• No guarantee on inches lost
• Need for continuous treatments in order to stimulate fat loss; in some cases, up to six sessions in a two-week time frame
• Need to maintain a healthy diet and continue exercise to keep the weight off

Overall, the Zerona laser offers several benefits for anyone who wants to get rid of a few ‘vanity pounds’ and improve their figure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at a cosmetic surgery center or medical spa. Prices vary by location, and most doctors offer a discount on a package of six or ten treatments.

Learn more about fat removal procedures in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out if the Zerona laser procedure is a good fit for you.
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