At the American Academy Of Cosmetic Surgery's 25th Anniversary Scientific Meeting this past January, the new Zerona LipoLASER was presented in the pole position in the main exhibit hall. Not surprisingly, surgeon reactions and opinions varied but were mostly negative concerning this new technology. However, none of the physicians we spoke with who actually owned a Zerona laser had any bad experiences or complications with the device.

Alan Bauman, MD, who made several presentations at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery scientific meeting was one of the first doctors in the US to perform the Zerona laser treatment. Dr. Bauman and the Zerona LipoLaser were recently featured on the TV Show Extra. Dr. Bauman has a successful practice in Boca Raton, Florida and has had several successful Zerona cases, including recent cases where patients experienced a cumulative loss of 10" (circumferential reduction over several body areas).

Excerpt from interview with Dr. Bauman about Zerona LipoLaser

AHB: How does it work?

Bauman: The surprising effects of certain types of low level laser therapy on fat cells have been the subject of extensive scientific research since the 1990's. Studies using MRI and electron microscopy confirmed the "liquefying" effects of low level laser on fat cells. This research demonstrated the laser's ability to create temporary membrane pores allowing leakage of material out of the fat cells without harming them. Further studies led to the FDA's clearance of the use of the Erchonia LipoLASER to enhance liposuction procedures in 2004. Research completed in 2008 confirmed that Zerona using the LipoLASER is an effective stand-alone non-invasive body contouring therapy. Fat leaks from the adipocytes and is carried away by the lymphatics, eventually excreted through the liver.

AHB: Do patients lose weight or just inches?

Bauman: No measurable weight is lost, only small amounts of superficial fat.

AHB: Where does the fat go?

Bauman: Triglycerides/Fatty acids leak out of the adipocytes, into the interstitial area, collected by lymphatics, eventually into the circulation, then the liver, then excreted into the digestive tract.

AHB: In your experience what types of results are you achieving?

Bauman: I'm seeing better results than the clinical trials (where there was no activity or nutritional changes) Is there a large percentage of patients who see no results? No. While there is a large variation of how many inches people lose, EVERY SINGLE PATIENT we've treated since July has lost inches of fat.

AHB: Who is the ideal patient for Zerona?

Bauman: While any areas of stubborn fat can be treated, the ideal patient for Zerona is someone who is looking to lose inches off of their hips, waist and thighs without the pain, recovery, downtime or risk of surgery.

AHB: Are patients satisfied and how much does it cost?

Bauman: Satisfaction varies. Sometimes even patients with high inch-loss are unsatisfied. The majority consider it a good value at $3600.

AHB: What if any complications have you experienced or heard of?

Bauman: There has never been a complication from Low Level Laser Therapy, EVER. There are very few risks associated with low level laser therapy. The application of the LipoLASER during the Zerona procedure is completely painless, has no heating effect on tissue and causes no damage to cells that would require healing or repair. As a precaution, the patient wears eye-protection when facing up towards the laser.

AHB: How do the results differ from say SmartLipo or Vaser LipoSelection?

Bauman: In comparison, the results will depend on the volume of fat removed with the liposuction procedure. How about compared to Mesotherapy or Lipodissolve? Zerona works great in conjunction with Lipodissolve -- less pain, less swelling, less bruising, less downtime, better results. Lipodissolve works better to target small problem areas. Zerona hits a wide area, typically. Major liposuction procedures will produce a more dramatic result than Zerona, but it also comes with some risks.

This past spring, a study was performed at the 2008 American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery where the Zerona LipoLASER was shown to destroy fat cells. As always, different doctors will achieve different results. We always suggest having consultations with at least 2 providers so that you fully understand your options, the risks and can make an informed decision.

About Dr. Bauman
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. is the Founder and Medical Director of Bauman Medical Group, established in 1997. Located overlooking the water in beautiful Boca Raton Florida, Bauman Medical is a destination-location for advanced aesthetic medical treatments and procedures. Known primarily for his artistic hair transplant procedures which includes eyelash and eyebrow transplants, Dr. Bauman also offers non-surgical fat-reduction with the Zerona laser, non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, medical-grade skin care and more. For more information visit: www.baumanmedical.com

Article by: Keith Veseleny, Editor