10 months ago
WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Michael Doughtery has worked to keep his weight down. However, he still hasn't found a way to lose those last few stubborn inches around his middle.
Michael says,"I've never liked the love handles!"
Sophia Chalendes-Angelinie also has some problem areas she'd like to target.
She says, "I do exercise, but I still felt that there was some areas in the thighs and the derriere that were not responding."
However, neither Michael or Sophia are considered candidates for invasive weight loss surgeries. Dr. Steven Hopping with the Center for Cosmetic Surgery says the targeted fat deposits they both want to lose make them ideal candidates for Zerona, a new laser contouring device.
"Zerona. Zero surgery, zero pain, zero recovery, that's why they call it Zerona," explains Dr. Hopping.
To some, Zerona may look more like a robotic octopus. It applies low level intensity light, called a diode laser, directly onto the skin. That energy is supposed to shrink fat cells directly underneath, called subcutaneous fat.
Dr. Hopping explains, "It make a micropore. Then your body purges your system of the cholesterol, the triglycerides that are in the fat cells. "
At least one week prior to beginning treatments, patients take a regimen of vitamins that are supposed to aidwith the fat flushing process. Patients are also advised to drink two liters of water a day and avoid fatty foods as they go through a total of six recommended Zerona treatments.
Dr. Hopping says, in a similar way to liposuction, Zerona can target multiple areas. "You can treat the abdomen, the lovehandles, you can do the thighs and the buttocks. You can even do the neck by focusing all 5 lasers on the neck."
Dr. Hopping says doctors are still discovering the maximum results of Zerona.
He says, "I think we're just learning, starting to understand what it's doing and the full progress."
In Michael's case, after his fourth treatment, he's lost three inches around his middle.
Sophie's just getting started. But after her second treatment, she's lost two inches around her thighs. (SEE VIDEO)
Dr. Hopping also warns, Zerona will not be for everyone. Those who are morbidly obese or are interested in extreme weight loss should talk with their doctors about other options.
The most commonly reported side effect: patient may be more thirsty and feel the need to drink more water.
The cost for the six Zerona treatments is $2,900.
