The desire to lose weight is a common goal, but the journey is often fraught with challenges. While methods like liposuction offer solutions, they come with risks and potential side effects. Contour light therapy, particularly using Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and LED red light therapy, has emerged as a non-invasive alternative for body contouring and fat reduction. This article explores the science behind contour light therapy, its potential benefits, and the research surrounding its effectiveness.
Understanding Contour Light Therapy
Contour light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically red and near-infrared, to target fat cells (adipocytes) beneath the skin's surface. Unlike liposuction, which is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia where fat cells are suctioned out through strategically-placed incisions, light therapy is non-invasive and requires no downtime.
How it Works
LED red light therapy works by emitting specific wavelengths of light that penetrate beneath the skin's surface into the subcutaneous layer, targeting adipocytes (fat cells), and stimulating their natural metabolic process. This is done by utilizing these specific output and wavelengths of light (red and near infrared) to stimulate natural cellular responses in the skin and subcutaneous fat. As light energy stimulates cellular energy production (ATP), adipocytes are activated. This process stimulates cellular energy production (ATP) within the fat cells. This stimulation creates temporary pores in the fat cell membranes, causing the fat lipids inside to leak into the interstitial space and be eliminated by the body's lymphatic and circulatory systems.
LLLT: A Closer Look
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is another form of light therapy used for body contouring. With LLLT, the patient and provider decide the body location that needs attention (weight loss). Patients simply lay down under the LLLT machine, the lasers are positioned accordingly and the lasers go to work penetrating and poking holes in fat cells, thereby removing the fat from the cells and shrinking them. One treatment consists of the patient being treated while on their back and the flipping over and being treated while on their stomach. When treatment is finished, you can get dressed and go back to your normal life with no down time.
LLLT Mechanisms and Research
Studies suggest that LLLT can lead to a measurable reduction in waist circumference. One study involved subjects receiving 30-minute LLLT treatments twice a week for four weeks. The results showed an average waist girth loss of 2.15 cm in the laser-treated group compared to the control group. Blinded evaluations of standardized photographs also indicated cosmetic improvements after the treatment.
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However, the exact mechanism by which LLLT causes fat loss is still under investigation. One theory suggests that LLLT creates temporary pores in adipocytes, allowing lipids to leak out. Another proposes that increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, following LLLT, initiate lipid peroxidation, temporarily damaging cellular membranes and creating pores.
Clinical Evidence and Studies
Clinical research has demonstrated that LED light therapy works immediately on fat cells. In an observational study, participants experienced measurable results after just one 30-minute treatment.
LAPEX 2000 LipoLaser System
The Meridian LAPEX 2000 LipoLaser System, a semiconductor-based LLLT device, has been rigorously evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing local fat accumulation. A study using this device on healthy men and women showed that each treatment resulted in a 0.4-0.5 cm loss in waist girth. Cumulative girth loss after four weeks was statistically significant compared to the control group.
Benefits of Contour Light Therapy
- Non-invasive: Unlike surgical procedures like liposuction, contour light therapy does not require incisions or anesthesia.
- No Downtime: Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.
- Minimal Risks: As a non-invasive treatment, red light therapy is generally considered safe.
- Additional Benefits: Beyond fat reduction, red and near-infrared light energy can effectively treat skin conditions, reduce inflammation, increase circulation, and relieve muscle and joint pain.
Considerations and Cautions
While contour light therapy shows promise, it's important to approach it with realistic expectations.
Not a Miracle Cure
Mayo Clinic researcher Ivana Croghan, Ph.D., cautions that this treatment, like many diets and weight loss medications, should not be considered a miracle treatment. More research is needed to determine long-term effectiveness, recommended number of treatments, and frequency of those treatments.
Read also: At-Home Red Light Therapy Devices
Maintaining Results
The fat you lose will not come back on its own. However, as with any other form of fat loss strategy, you will need to maintain good eating and exercise habits to maintain fat loss.
The Future of Body Contouring
LED light therapy for body contouring represents a breakthrough in the field of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. With its proven efficacy and minimal risks, it offers a safe and convenient solution for those looking to shed inches and sculpt their ideal physique.
Celluma CONTOUR: A Multi-Functional Device
The Celluma CONTOUR is an FDA-cleared LED device that addresses body contouring, aging skin, pain management, and acne. The body contouring treatment mode contains red (640nm) and near-infrared wavelengths (880nm). For optimal results, the device is recommended to be used three times per week for four weeks.
Red Light Body Contouring: What to Expect
Contour Red Light Body Sculpting Therapy starts with a consultation to evaluate your health and determine if the therapy is right for you. During the procedure, LED pads are placed on the desired area of fat loss. The therapy is painless, natural, and non-invasive.
Treatment Duration and Results
Light body therapy takes approximately 20 minutes, and the results will depend on your body. A normal treatment course usually takes 12 sessions over four to six weeks. You will probably have a fat loss of anywhere from a half an inch to two and a half inches after each session. It is possible to see some results after your first session. After 20 minutes of red light body contouring, your abdominal girth can reduce by one to two inches.
Read also: Weight Loss with Red Light Therapy: What the Science Says
The Role of Lifestyle
To live a happy and healthy life, you need to take care of your body and mind. Contour light therapy can be a helpful tool in achieving weight-loss goals, but it should be combined with a healthy lifestyle.
LLLT as an Adjuvant to Liposuction
LLLT has also been investigated as an adjuvant to liposuction. Studies suggest that laser therapy decreased operating room times, increased the volume of fat extracted, less force was required by the physician to breakup fat, and the recovery for patients was significantly improved.
Cellulite Reduction
LLLT, combined with other treatments like phosphatidylcholine-based anticellulite gel, has shown promise in reducing cellulite. Studies using LED at wavelengths of red (660 nm) and near-infrared (950 nm) have demonstrated a significant reduction of subcutaneous fat immediately below the dermis and less echo-like intrusions in the dermal layer.