Gynoid lipodystrophy, or cellulite refers to superficial pockets of trapped fat which cause the skin to have an uneven dimpling or orange peel appearance. Although rarely seen in men, it is present in 90% of post-adolescent women. Cellulite is most commonly located on the thigh, buttocks, and lower abdomen. It is unrelated to obesity which is due to an increase in the number and size of adipocytes (fat cells).
The cause of cellulite is multi-factorial and is likely due to alterations in the intercellular matrix of the subcutaneous tissue and changes in vascular and lymphatic microcirculation. The formation of cellulite is also due to differences in the structural anatomy of subcutaneous tissue in women with a possible influence of estrogen. Regardless of the underlying cause, herniation of subcutaneous fat occurs within the fibrous connective tissue results in the characteristic appearance of cellulite.
Erchonia has been studying the effects of low level laser therapy (3LT®) on fat cells for over a decade. As you can see from the remarkable images below, they clearly demonstrate the low level laser’s ability to emulsify adipose tissue. The pictures highlight the collapse of the rigid adipose cells and secretion of triglycerides and fatty acids from the cells.
Erchonia dedicated a complete placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi-centered clinical study (n=34) to low level laser therapy and cellulite.
The study enrolled healthy subjects who were 18-55 years of age and expressed a desire to improve the appearance of cellulite. Subjects had moderate bilateral thigh and buttock cellulite graded as Stage II or III on the Nurnberger-Mueller scale.
This double-blind study randomized patients to undergo treatment with the 3LT® device or a sham treatment. Nineteen subjects in the 3LT® group achieved a decrease of one or more stages on the Nurnberger-Muller grading scale versus three subjects in the sham treated group who received no decrease on scale.
Subjects treated with the 3LT® device also received a significant decrease in combined baseline thigh circumference at the (2) week end point and (6) week follow up versus no change for sham treated subjects. None of the participating subjects reported a deviation from baseline diet, exercise or medication use during the study that would impact study measurements.
The Erchonia Verjú laser system is the first and only low level laser device to be proven through a double-blind clinical trial showing it’s effectiveness in the appearance of cellulite. The Verjú laser system is a completely safe, non-invasive, pain free procedure developed to target cellulite in the thighs, buttocks and lower abdomen and the circumference reduction of the thighs.
The Verjú laser system is made up of (6) low level laser beams that sweep the area of concern for a treatment period of 15 minutes. The region is then massaged with the Erchonia percussion device for two minutes per area treated. There is no pain involved, no heating of the tissue, no incisions and patients can continue their daily routines immediately following their session. No diet and exercise is required, but should be encouraged for maximum benefit.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Trial Evaluating the Ability of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Improve the Appearance of Cellulite
Robert F. Jackson, MD, Gregory C. Roche, DO, and Steven Shanks
