Recently there has been much press about a relatively new treatment, Zerona.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of this press is centered around false information, misleading marketing, and extremely questionable research and studies.
First and foremost is the gross misunderstanding that Zerona is a cellulite treatment. This is false. Even according to Zerona, the treatment is, "a new non-invasive body sculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery."
Still, the rumor persists. Even on RealSelf the question is posed to a panel of doctors, "Will Zerona help with cellulite?"
Here are some answers, straight from the Doctors' mouths:
Dr. Michael A. Persky says, "Zerona will not help with your cellulite. The Cardua liquid supplement that you drink, along with exercise, and increased water intake alone is what most scientific oriented physicians believe is creating some affect in some patients. The laser is not strong enough to penetrate the skin, let alone affect the underlying fat tissue. The main and most painful side effect of Zerona will be $2000-$3000 less in your pocket."
Dr. Darryl J. Blinsk says, "Colleagues, you are correct. I tried the Zerona, personally, WHAT A JOKE!!! Minimal results if any for a large $ amount, Makes you think - WHAT NEXT?"
Dr. Otto Joseph Placik says, "Despite the claims made about this seemingly ideal treatment, I am not convinced about their claims. It is essentially the same laser energy as a laser pointer."
Dr. Burr Von Maur says, "The results after Zerona treatments are inconsistent. It is not possible to predict significant improvement in cellulite of body contour for that matter after Zerona treatments."
And on and on and on, the sentiment repeats....
One of the leading Doctors there, Dr. Persky even posted on his own blog, an entire post devoted to debunking the myth that is Zerona:
"Many of my patients, and many more of you out here in internet-land have asked me what my thoughts are regarding Zerona laser treatments. For the past year I have researched Zerona technology (since it came to market). I remember first seeing advertisements for Zerona at the Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, July 2009. The ads were the first of their kind, pasted on the mirrors in the restroom outride of the lecture conference halls at Caesar's Palace. This was my introduction to the creative marketing efforts of the company behind Zerona. The company has employed Leeza Gibbons as their spokesperson.
Zerona claims that patients lose 3 1/2 inches to 9 inches (from their waist, hips, and thighs) in 2 weeks with 6 every other day 40 minute sessions (20 minutes on the front, 20 minutes on the back). All patients need to do is lay still and let 5 painless laser lights rotate on their skin (some practitioners even treat OVER clothing) like a prom night laser light show.
Unfortunately, the science of lasers does not support the Zerona's claims.
As mom always told us, if it "sounds too good to be true, then it usually is." I am afraid that in my opinion as an expert laser surgeon, Zerona's claims are too good to be true. I really wanted Zerona to be the real deal, and offer it to many satisfied patients. At $2000 to $3000 per treatment series, the financial incentives are very attractive. I cannot ethically and in good conscience offer my patients a treatment that is scientifically unsound.
Zerona's 635nm laser cannot penetrate the skin so it cannot have any effect on fat cells. The electon-microscope studies that have shown "microscopic holes in the fat cell membrane and leakage of fat from the cells" were done with the laser DIRECTLY applied to fat cells underneath the skin, with no skin to penetrate. The loss of "inches and pounds", if any, comes from the mandatory Curva niacin supplement drink, diet, and exercise that desperate patients must follow (this explains why there is "loss in areas that were not even treated by the laser"). The company claims are that the "laser triggers a response in the body that causes the fat cells to communicate, causing a general effect in the entire body." Recall that the laser cannot penetrate through the skin to be able to affect the fat cells.
There have not been any comparative studies looking at results with the use of Curva supplement, diet, and exercise alone versus with the addition of the laser light. Given that the laser cannot penetrate through the skin to have any effect on fat cells, most likely the results will be the same without patients having to waste their time having the Zerona laser lights rotating on their skin.
As for me, when the time comes for my inches to be lost, I will try the "AB Circle Pro" at $199 plus shipping and handling. Their before and after photos looked more impressive than the Zerona photos. A few yoga sessions, honest exercise, and diet will likely help as well. Pass me that scoop of Baskin Robbins Rocky Road ice cream please. Be well.
And again, from RealSelf, Dr. Arnold R. Oppenheim explains everything wonderfully and delves in to the sneakier, unfortunate aspects of the Zerona clinical studies, read it here.
All of this reinforces the fact that SmoothShapes is the only FDA approved laser treatment for cellulite. It produces outstanding, consistent results and has all of the scientific evidence in the world backing it up.
To learn more about SmoothShapes, or to set up your complimentary consultation, call:
720.314.1965
