Does Laser Lipolysis Body Sculpting Deliver Real Results?

New technology entices me, especially when it’s “fountain of youth” type technology. The procedures that have become available are incredible. Do you want a butt? Buy one! Do you want fillers or skin rejuvenation? You can erase some years from your face. All procedures come at a cost though. They can be both physically painful and may require recovery time, and they can be costly. Or maybe not…

What about body sculpting? It’s a painless method to melt fat that doesn’t hurt at all. You simply lie down with lasers strapped to you and melt fat off. It sounds almost too good to be true.

Is it?

I had to find out if really worked and decided to experiment on myself.

What is Laser Lipo?

Laser lipolysis is a noninvasive, or non-surgical, and non-thermal, or no heat, technique for removing stubborn fat pockets using low-level laser therapy, or LLLT.  Avci et al. (2011) says LLLT began as an idea to help with “disorders requiring reduction of pain and inflammation and stimulation of healing and tissue regeneration. Within the last decade, LLLT started being investigated as an adjuvant to liposuction, for noninvasive body contouring, reduction of cellulite, and improvement of blood lipid profile.”

Many times, inventions that are created for a specific purpose turn out to have more uses. In this case, the lasers were meant for wound healing, reduction of eczema, and alleviating pain. They were then found to be helpful in conjunction with liposuction for melting fat before the procedure and for skin tightening after the procedure.

Now these low-level lasers are used for those who don’t necessarily need or want to go through the invasive liposuction procedure.  The lasers simply penetrate energy deep into your skin tissue which melts fat and stimulates collagen and elastin production, thus causing skin to firm and tighten.

As we know, skin loses elasticity as we age. I wanted to know if LLLT might just be what I needed to give my skin a reboot.

My Stats:

I am currently a 36 year-old mother of two. I am 5’5” tall and weigh 140 lbs. I work out 5-6 days per week both cardio and weight training. My diet is reasonable, not perfect. I just retired from bodybuilding this year, so I know how to diet and exercise down to 118 lbs for stage. Diet is not an anomaly to me. However, I do not live every day of my life “stage-ready.”

I wanted to see if a laser could zap my trouble spot, my stomach, and the cellulite that forms on the back of my legs under by buttocks when I am not on strict diet. My ultimate question was, “Can laser lipo make my life easier when it comes to fighting fat?”

Let’s face it…I’m not getting any younger.

READ Cellulite Treatments: How to Get Rid of Cellulite

From a competitor’s standpoint, there is nothing more frustrating than being an athlete who strictly diets and exercises two or more hours per day and still has cellulite until the last couple weeks before getting on stage for competition.

Cellulite is common on all women, the tiny, skinny women included. If fact, according to Katherine Harmon, a writer for Scientific American, says it affects 90% of women and 10% of men. No matter how fit you become, you may not be able to get rid of it all.  I really want a cure for it!

My Laser Lipolysis Body Sculpting Research: Questions & Answers

I was on Groupon and found Laser Lipo for a very reasonable price. I did some research on the company selling the Groupon and the laser they used, which was the Yolo Laser. Being a skeptic, I wanted to know what to expect and to have some questions answered before I bought the Groupon.

My Questions & The Answers:

• What results should I expect to see?

The Yolo Laser is designed to help you lose inches by melting fat from stubborn areas that diet and exercise don’t seem to “fix.” One site claimed that you could see results in a few as 20 minutes. Hmmmm….

• Will this hurt at all?

The Yolo Laser is 100% pain free. You might feel warm in the area treated.

• When will I see optimal results?

For many people it will be after 9 treatments on one area over the course of three weeks. The maximum results should occur within three months.

• How long will the results last?

That will depend on your diet and exercise. Proper diet and exercise will increase your results.

I went ahead and bought four sessions for my lower stomach and four sessions for the backs of my legs. I am not, by BMI, considered “overweight.” I assumed that four treatments in one area combined with my decent diet and absolute love of exercise would be fine for me.

I started this procedure as a physically fit person. Other people who are just beginning their fitness journey are starting from different places. I did not expect the same dramatic results that someone who is, by BMI, overweight might experience. The before and after pictures of other people that I looked at showed that they were starting at a much different place than I was. Therefore, their results would be more visually apparent.

READ Cellulite Home Remedies: Natural Cures for Orange Skin

Unexpected Additional Service

Laser lipo should be accompanied by whole body vibration. My Groupon came with a 20 minute laser session followed by a 10 minute whole body vibration.

Why?

Whole body vibration is supposed to improve circulation, help to expel waste at the cellular level, and help flush out toxins.

I found it to be the most uncomfortable part of the process. My obliques felt like they were being jerked out. I don’t know if everyone experiences this, but it was uncomfortable for me.

I think whole body vibration may be added to the procedure for those who don’t work out. However, I worked out immediately after each session because you are not supposed to eat for 2 hours before or after the procedure.  I filled that time at the gym, and then would go home for lunch.

Studies Say:

Studies have shown that LLLT is effective as a stand-alone treatment. Jackson et al. (2013) states, “Low-level laser therapy using green 532 nm diodes is safe and effective for improving the appearance of cellulite in the thighs and buttocks.” This was based on a double-blind, placebo- controlled and randomized trial. More studies are being conducted at this time. 

READ Superfoods That Banish Cellulite For Good

My Personal Results:

• Lower Stomach area: I was measured before the four treatments at the belly button and two inches below the belly button. The staff measured me and said I lost 1 ½ inches from both areas. Could they have just pulled the tape tighter? – yes! If the employees actually showed “no change” would they keep their jobs? I’m not sure.
• Upper Backs of My Thighs: This is my cellulite prone area. I was hoping for greater visible results here, inches or no inches lost. I just want tightening under my booty! At the final measurement, the clinician said I lost 1 inch, or ¼ inch per session, which is pretty standard. I also understand the body requires time to regenerate collage and elastin. So, in the coming months, I hope to see a more dramatic result.

I have not seen dramatic results at this time. I don’t think you can expect dramatic results unless you have a lot of weight to lose. Even then, I think good old diet, willpower, and exercise are still the key to obtaining your best body.

Quite frankly, this procedure was to satisfy my own curiosity and to see if it could help me with my trouble spots. I will post comments after the two and three month marks have passed citing any updated changes I see in my physique and if there is further cellulite reduction. Check back on the comments section at the bottom of this article.

However, for the very minimal results that I see in my body at this time, I will not continue the treatments. My money is better spent on healthy fresh produce in the grocery store that lends to an overall healthy lifestyle.