Zerona uses Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to achieve fat reduction by targeting fat cells. In fact, it causes immediate emptying of targeted fat cells, and can give noticeable results almost immediately after treatment. However, it is important to note that because it doesn't cause permanent death of fat cells, it is believed that the recurrence of the fat cells are greater than that of other devices that use Macro-focused ultrasound, radiofrequency or fat-freezing.
This is consistent with the lack of long term studies with LLLT (no peer reviewed studies that have a follow up duration more than 12 weeks). In comparison, market leaders of fat sculpting like Coolsculpting has multiple peer reviewed papers, some of which have 5-10 year follow up duration!
Fat reduction devices like Coolsculpting and Liposonix were also shown in a review paper to be the only devices which accomplished significant reductions with only a single session. The results of Zerona were studied in the same review paper and found to be significant, but also much less efficacious. It did however score well in terms of adverse events and comfort - potentially the most comfortable fat reduction technology available. It is from these parallels that some would echo the no-pain, no-gain adage.
I use a wide mix of non-invasive fat reduction technologies at my practice. I also wrote about fat freezing in Singapore and why it is still my favourite.
Hope this helps!
