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A Simple Explanation of Zerona
A More Complicated Explanation What to Expect FAQs (frequently asked questions) The Zerona Laser is an amazing alternative to the cost and risk associated with cosmetic surgery, both financially and physically. Because it offers relatively fast, painless inch-loss, most people's first reaction is 'this is too good to be true.' However, when clients see the outcome in just two weeks, it is difficult for even the strong skeptics to deny the results. Zerona is fully FDA approved for effective fat removal body contouring, making it the only non-invasive, non-surgical alternative to liposuction surgery! The laser quickly and painlessly liquefies the fat, which is then removed by the body's normal detoxifying process. This allows the client to lose stubborn inches from the abdomen, waist, hips thighs or arms discretely, without losing time to healing and recovery.The United States National Institute of Health administered clinical trials of Zerona and confirmed its effectiveness. Full FDA approval was granted August 2010 (LINK). This approval is exclusively for the Erchonia brand Zerona laser, who does not share or allow its patents to be used by other companies. Imitators and cheap knockoffs have of course appeared, however they do not use out patented technology and are not FDA approved. During the treatment, Zerona shines five non-heating low level lasers onto the desired treatment areas. The laser lights are visible, but the re is no sensation during or after the treatment. Unlike liposuction surgery, Zeltiq, mesotherapy, or other body-contouring procedures, nothing ever touches or harms the skin. The low level lasers target the fat cells causing them to temporarily open and expel the contents of fat. The empties fat is moves through the lymphatic system to the liver, where is it processed into the bowel movement. Fat cells like grapes, are empties of their contents and turned into raisins; leaving a flatter waist, tummy, etc. In addition to being a painless process, there are no side effects. No recovery, no bruising, no swelling, and no downtime. You can return immediately to normal activity including exercise following your laser session. In the study the FDA used to grant Zerona full approval, patients lost an average of 3.51 inches and up to a maximum of 9 inches. Michelle, treated by Dr. Elwell, said: "I would never do liposuction, but I'm impressed with how easy and risk-free the procedure was. I'd recommend it to anyone looking to lose a little around the middle." A More Complicated and Detailed Explanation The Zerona™ procedure was proven through a double blind, randomized, multi-site and placebo controlled study in which patients averaged a loss of 3.64 inches compared to the placebo group that lost only half an inch. Below are a series of images taken with a scanning electron microscope during the procedure. 
The stunning series of photographs impressively demonstrate how the Zerona laser to open the fat cells and release the contents for removal. As you can see, the fat cells collapse without being damaged; therefore no scarring or damage is done to the body and no recovery is needed, no side effects are experienced.
This pore formation is the direct result of laser stimulation, and the reason why the triglycerides and fatty acids move into extracellular (lymph) space. The pore is not damaging to the cell, but simply serves as a means for the fatty contents to evacuate. The formation of the temporary pore is the result of a series of secondary reactions originating in the mitochondria.
All of the SEM, TEM, MRI and all other research listed on this website was performed using an Erchonia Zerona laser. Erchonia only uses its own research to prove its patented applications. Copycat Lasers use the research Erchonia publishes, but are unable to use Erchonia's patents for their lasers. The cold laser technology behind the Zerona procedure was shown to exclusively release the cellular contents of fat cells while leaving the capillaries and other cells within the interstitial space intact. The release of the fat cells contents is the result of the disruption of the cell's membrane. This membrane disruption, called a transitory (temporary) pore, is the result of low-level laser stimulation. Prior to laser exposure, fat cells have a regular, cluster shape, as seen in Figure 4. Within minutes of low level laser exposure, fat cells begin to develop temporary pores as indicated by arrows in Figures 6-9. This pore allows emptying of the cell's contents into extracellular space (Figure 7). Once the contents of the fat cell have been emptied (figure 10), they are released into the interstitial space where it can be passed through the body during the normal course of detoxification. Through a double blind, randomized, multi-site and placebo-controlled study, the Zerona procedure is proved to be an effective non-invasive cold laser weight loss and body contouring procedure. On average, patients lost 3.51 inches from the circumference of their waist, hips ,and thighs, whereas the placebo group only lost and average of half an inch. (LINK) The Zerona cold lasers provide patients with a safer alternative to surgical procedures, which can result in bruising, swelling, and damage to other tissues. With Zerona there is no pain and no need for anesthesia. Unlike other non-invasive approaches, Zerona low-level lasers do not rely on heating tissue, which can be painful and damaging. There is no downtime, so patients can resume their normal activities immediately. HISTORY AND RESEARCH
First used to facilitate liposuction procedures, early lasers made by Zerona manufacturer Erchonia were noted to improve liposuction through a preoperative treatment. (LINK) The original goal had been to shorten recovery time and reduce pain; surprisingly though, surgeons noticed the fat being removed by the vacuum catheter was liquefied rather than the usual 'chunky' consistency. As Erchonia investigated, they discovered that indeed the laser was liquefying the fat, and ultimately they found that even without the surgical procedure, the fat would be removed by the body via the lymph, liver and intestines...and the Zerona was born. The Zerona laser is the only laser fully approved as effective by the FDA for fat removal body contouring. The only FDA approved non-surgical, non-invasive alternative to liposuction surgery. RESEARCH 2010 - FDA grants Full Approval to Zerona proven safe and effective for fat reduction and circumference reduction. (LINK) 2009 - Lasers in Surgery Medicine (LINK) 2008 - Clinical trials submitted - Body Contouring - Laser Scanner Waist Hips Thighs - Pilot Study (LINK) 2004 - Published study Low Level Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LINK) 2004 - Cosmetic Surgery Times - (LINK) 2003 - Dermatology Times - (LINK) 2002 - Aesthetic surgery Journal - (LINK) 2001 - American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery - (LINK) 2000 - World Congress on Liposuction - (LINK) http://www.erchonia.com/references http://www.erchonia.com/research-articles The Treatment Experience
The treatment takes place in a private room with a soothing atmosphere. Here, the patient will need to change into proper attire: either a hospital gown will be provided, or the patient can choose to wear bathing suit, workout attire, or undergarments. (Keep in mind, the more direct skin contact the laser has, the more effective the results). We have both male and female staff, choose which makes you more comfortable. Prior to the 1st treatment target areas are measured, then each laser session begins with a Lymphatic Drainage Treatment. Next begins the Zerona laser session. While lying down comfortably, the five Zerona laser heads are focused over the skin of the desired area(s) to be treated. There are some options to patients; however for body contouring the patient will be treated for twenty minutes on the front of the target area. Other treatments such as chin contouring or eye bags, arms and bust have shorter treatment times. Then the patient will turn over and the back will be treated for another twenty minutes. (A staff member will restart the laser treatment once the patient has turned over). Throughout the Zerona laser session, our warm and relaxing Far-Infra Red Detoxification Treatment is applied. Each visit lasts just under 60 minutes. A total of 6 sessions (or 9 for the ambitious) completes the program. |
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FAQs (frequently asked questions)
HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED? We have two programs of care: 6 or 9 sessions. All the research and measurement averages are based on 6 sessions. The additional laser sessions of the package of 9 will of course improve results, and again without risk or side effects. IS THE PROCEDURE FDA APPROVED? Yes. ZERONA™ works by utilizing the Erchonia® Laser Scanner (FDA market cleared for laser assisted liposuction) to emulsify adipose tissue which then releases into the interstitial space. ARE OTHER LASERS FDA APPROVED TOO? No. Erchonia manufacturers the Zerona and does not share patent permission with any other laser manufacturers. IF you have been told a knockoff was FDA approved, ask to see a copy of the official FDA approval letter. (Here is a LINK to ours) WHY THE ERCHONIA LASER IS THE BEST AND WHY I CHOSE THIS BRAND There are high-power lasers, and then there is the patented process of the Erchonia low-level laser. High-power lasers (which most of you are very familiar with) generate enough heat or thermal output to destroy tissue. On the other, hand low-level laser (cold) output has no thermal effect on the body’s tissue. The cold laser effect serves to stimulate biological function. There are hundreds of published studies in medical journals that demonstrate the abilities of cold laser to treat many conditions such as acute and chronic pain, scar treatment, burn/skin treatment, acne treatment and pre- and post-operative treatment, without any negative side-effects. Erchonia is a pioneer in the field and does not share its patents with other laser manufacturers. The only way to treat with the technology that earned FDA approval based on scientific review and reproducible results is to use the Erchonia Zerona laser. IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL? NO - The Zerona™ is a low-level “cold” laser that emits a painless beam of light which targets the fat cells beneath the skin. No tissue damage means no painful recovery. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO DRINK WATER DURING THE TREATMENT PERIOD? These are essential if you want to achieve the best results. WILL THE ZERONA GET RID OF CELLULITE? The Zerona™ laser reduces contours due to excess fat, not cellulite. However, as Dr. Oz recently stated, no creams will ever reduce cellulite, because cellulite is caused by excess fat in the fat cell which stretches against connective tissue creating the dimple appearance. And YES, Zerona will reduce the amount of fat in those cells. WILL THE FAT DEPOSIT “ELSEWHERE?” Fat removed by the Zerona™ is metabolized and removed by the body in the bowel movements. Fat that has left the body cannot fat deposit elsewhere; because it is gone! CAN THE FAT RETURN? The fat has left the body, the only way for it to return is through your mouth. As with liposuction, gaining weight by poor diet and exercise habits may replace the fat removed by the Zerona™ laser. Just as if you were to stop strict dieting or exercise without reducing calorie intake, if you take in more calories than you use, fat will accumulate. WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO SEE THE RESULTS? Result begin immediately, which is why we measure immediately after the Qualifying Consult to determine if you results will be good. HOW DOES ZERONA COMPARE TO OTHER COSMETIC PROCEDURES? Unlike Liposuction Surgery, Zeltiq, MesotherapyTM, LipodisolveTM, and other invasive procedures, with Zerona nothing ever touches the skin. Zerona is completely non-invasive. Since no damage is done to the tissues under the skin, there is no risk for unsightly bumps or uneven contours as result of destruction and removal of the fat cells. And of course since there are no recorded side effects with Low-Level Laser Therapy, this non-invasive procedure is safer. DOES THIS WORK ON ALL TYPES / COLORS OF SKIN? Color of skin does not alter the Zerona’s effectiveness. Since January of 2009, I have personally worked with all types and colors with successful results. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? About half the cost of liposuction surgery. We also have a policy of matching local and current Groupons, Living Social, and similar deals. For the typical cost of liposuction surgery (before adding anesthesiology and additional hospital fees) (LINK) http://www.liposuction.com/howtopick/cost.php DO YOU OFFER FINANCING? Yes, financing is offered through Care Credit (LINK) We also accept VISA, MasterCard, Cash and Check ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS? SIDE EFFECTS - There are no contraindications with this device that would pose a serious health risk. We do restrict those with pacemakers, active cancer, certain inflammatory, lymphatic, liver, and/or kidney disorders, cardiovascular disease, or are pregnant. All of this can be answered in a brief initial consultation which is always at no charge. Additionally, I believe patients with Multiple Sclerosis should NOT undergo this procedure. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY SIDE BENEFITS? SIDE BENEFIT - The laser also acts on collagen, improving the health and elasticity of this tissue. (references: Lasers Med Sci. 2011 July 15, J Photochem Photobiol B. 2011 Oct 5; 105 (1): 51-59. Epub 2011 Jul 6., Lasers Surg Med. 2010 Aug; 42 (6): 546-52., Photomed Laser Surg. 2009 Apr;27(2):303-7.,) SIDE BENEFIT - Reducing abdominal fat reduces risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease (reference: Pischon T, Boeing H, Hoffman K, et al. General and Abdominal Adiposity and Risk of Death in Europe. New England Journal of Medicine 2008;359:2105-2120.) SIDE BENEFIT - Reducing your BMI (body mass index) decreases your risk of diabetes, heart disease and arthritis and will earn you discounted insurance rates (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17385151/) SIDE BENEFIT - Detoxification: removal of excess fat also assists in removal of toxins stored in the fat. SIDE BENEFIT – Scientific study demonstrated that treatment with the Zerona laser reduces Leptin (the hormone triggering appetite and effecting energy expenditure) (LINK) SIDE BENEFIT – Scientific study finds that treatment with the Zerona laser leads to a reduction in blood levels of LDL cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol) (LINK) Privacy Policy Click here to ask any other questions or to Schedule a Consult |