Thanks for your comment Dr. Persky. I asked Dr. Mulholland to address it and here's what he had to say:

Dear Michelle:

Thank you for this opportunity to address your reader’s questions.  Lower Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has been developing and evolving for over 10 years and the biological and physiological evidence for LLLT, specifically Zerona and its effect on adipose tissue, is truly undeniable. The 635nm wavelength of light deployed by Zerona has been shown in multiple peer reviewed clinical and basic science articles to penetrate through the skin to the fat cells. Once the photon, or Zerona light, reaches the fat cells, the cell membrane is temporary affected leading to an “elimination” of the fat cells’ contents, which consists of triglycerides and free fatty acids. Once again let me say that there is overwhelming clinical and basic science evidence of this. When this effect happens to the millions of fat cells in the treatment field there is the potential for significant fat reduction in adipose tissue, which can result in measureable reductions in body contour. Again, the documented reductions that can be achieved is supported by a wealth of well designed peer reviewed clinical information. I have posted these studies on my website (www.spamedica.com) which your readers can access there if they like.

Having said all this, while Zerona can be terrifically effective, it is not a magic bullet and it requires a commitment from the patient.  The success of the fat reduction process and measureable content reductions also depends upon the lymphatic system being “primed” by gentle muscle activity and the Zerona patients must be in a well-hydrated state, which necessitates that they adopt a “reasonable” lifestyle during the treatment course, which includes drinking  2 liters of water and walking at least 30  minutes per day.  They can also compliment the regime with natural supplementation like the vasodilator thiamine, which is a key ingredient of Curva.  Curva is not essential and great results can be had without it.

There are well documented studies that indicate a lifestyle change like the one outlined above will certainly not result in 3-9 inch reductions in the areas measured during the Zerona programs.  Of course, it is incumbent upon the physician to properly select patients with realistic expectations; Zerona is not liposuction, the results can be subtle and it requires a patient who will be compliant with the entire Zerona program.  The makers of Zerona have found that not all physicians will be successful with the procedure because of the way they run their practice.

No clinical laser program has a 100% success rate in treating or satisfying patients or physician owners.  Laser hair removal, Photofacials, Thermage, Ultrashape, Velashape, Liposonix, Fraxel, IPL are but a few of the many successful and accepted laser and light technologies that have 10-30% documented non-responder rates among patients who are treated.

It is a testament to Zerona and the LLLT that over 85% of patients do meet the 3-9 inch guarantee and the manufacturer of the device believes so strongly in its efficacy it even offers a warranty that any patient that does not meet the 3-9 inch reduction outcome receives a complimentary round of treatments. I know of no other laser company that has ever stood behind its efficacy claims with such a committed stance to the physician and patient market.


In the end, there are over 600 physician users and very few negative comments or physicians returning their devices -- and there are thousands of satisfied Zerona patients. As a non-invasive laser fat slimming technology, Zerona is here to stay.

Best Regards,

Stephen Mulholland, MD. FRCS(C)