By: Linda G. Everett, MD, MHA

Too often we get discouraged with our weight loss efforts because although the scale says we lost weight, stubborn belly fat, muffin top, love handles, and saddle bags still remain. Now you can jump start your diet and see the results of your hard work in the form of inches lost from specific areas. Ideal candidates for cold laser fat reduction are those who are close to their target weight, but still have unwanted areas of fat to contend with. Those who have 20-30 lbs. to lose and want to jump start the process while quickly reducing their clothing size are also great candidates for cold laser therapy as it is very motivating to lose pounds AND inches at the same time.

What’s all this talk about cold lasers?
Through the magic of cold laser technology, there is now a way to lose unwanted areas of body fat. In contrast to high-power, high-heat lasers that are used in various surgical procedures, the new Zerona (which means “to shrink”) laser produces a low-level, or cold, output that has no thermal effect on the body’s tissue. Therefore, no warming sensation or vibration is felt, and there is no chance for burns, blisters, or bruises. Even better, the FDA has approved Zerona to be safe and effective for reduction of the waist, hips, and thighs.

How does it work?
The Zerona treatment consists of a minimum of six, forty-minute treatments (a treatment every other day for at least two weeks). The laser is directed towards the hips, stomach and thighs for twenty minutes on the front side, then the patient flips over, and the laser targets the back for twenty minutes. The laser non invasively stimulates the fat cell photoreceptor, causing an opening in the cell to form, forcing the fatty material to seep through that opening leaving the cell. Because the cell becomes empty, it collapses, the material is absorbed by the lymphatic system, and the end result is the reduction of fat pockets located under the skin. The directly targeted fat cells then send signals to neighboring cells to also release their fat, such that reduction in arms, knees, and bra line also occurs.

Where does the fat go?
Once the fatty material leaves the cell, it is quickly absorbed by the lymphatic system, where it is transported to the liver for processing.  The excess fat is then removed naturally by the body without the negative side effects and downtime associated with more invasive procedures such as liposuction. The body’s natural detoxification system carries the fatty contents away, leaving you with a smaller midsection in as little as two weeks. Unlike traditional or laser assisted liposuction, there is absolutely no pain, bruising, or down time associated with the process.

Does it really work?
A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi-site clinical study in which sixty-seven participants were evaluated demonstrated an average inch loss of 3.65 inches from their waist, hips, and thighs without any kind of diet or exercise program. When adding a healthy lifestyle to the treatment, my patients are losing 6-14 inches. These results are sustainable as long as the healthy habits are maintained.

How can this treatment improve my health?
While the Zerona laser is considered cosmetic, it does contribute to healthy lifestyle practices as it works best in combination with a sensible diet, moderate exercise, abstinence from alcohol, and consumption of at least two liters of water daily. These are things we all should be doing anyway, so why not lose inches of unwanted fat while we are at it? As a bonus, preliminary results suggest that cholesterol levels decrease by an average of 13% after the two week treatment period. This is on par with most cholesterol medications, without the side effects. Leptin levels, the hormone that causes hunger, have been shown to decrease by an average of 50% following the treatment, which implies that the Zerona procedure may result in reduced appetite and improved portion control going forward.

In this visually driven society, it is wonderful to have an option which allows us to look better and improve our health at the same time. To learn more about Zerona, and the other programs offered at Everett Medical, please call 610-268-5560 or click www.everettmedical.com to schedule a consultation.

Dr. Linda G. Everett is the founder and medical director of Everett Medical and the Center for Medical Weight Loss. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Age Management Medicine, Dr. Everett has extensive training and experience in bariatric medicine, and is a member of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians. She received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. Dr Everett is on the medical staff of both Christiana Care Health System and Jennersville Regional Hospital.

Dr. Everett’s office is located at 1284 Gap Newport Pike in Avondale, PA, across from the Lowes.
For more information, visit her on the web at www.everettmedical.com
or call 610-268-5560 to schedule a consultation.