Laser lipolysis is a fast, effective, and painless way to decrease fat in the human body. But as a medical weight loss provider, you need to know that the safety of your patients is assured. Moreover, your patients will have their own concerns about any healthcare treatment that they don’t fully understand. Emerald Laser by Erchonia is not only one of the safest weight loss treatments available on the market, but it was also the only laser lipo machine to receive market clearance by the FDA for use on individuals with a BMI over 30. Read on to learn more about one of the safest non-surgical fat removal techniques available.
The Importance of Safe Weight Loss Procedures
According to the CDC, the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults was 42.4% in 2017 and 2018. With such a large segment of the adult population struggling with obesity, it stands to reason that there would be a disproportionately large number of weight loss treatments and medical procedures coming onto the market every year. While obesity can be dangerous, so can unsafe weight-loss procedures.
Many medical weight-loss procedures, like liposuction, gastric bypass, and gastric sleeve, involve surgery, anesthesia, and a recovery period. While the risks are minimal for healthy adults, most people would sooner avoid surgery if they can. Low-level laser therapy, on the other hand, is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that has no downtime. Patients can immediately resume full activities after treatment, which gives laser lipolysis a big edge over surgical procedures.
How Laser Lipolysis Works
Laser lipolysis involves concentrating one or more lasers on the adipocytes beneath the skin. The laser penetrates down to the fat cell and bores a hole in the thin cell wall. The process takes advantage of the low melting point of fat and emulsifies the lipids contained in the cell. The liquified fats then drain through the hole over time. While some laser lipo machines kill the fat cells, the Emerald Laser by Erchonia leaves the cell alive. This helps prevent the accumulation of fat in other areas of the body should the patient experience weight gain.
Advances in Laser Weight Loss Technology
Erchonia is a pioneer in laser lipo and has successfully moved the technology ahead in terms of both safety and effectiveness. Emerald Laser uses ten 523-nanometer low-intensity lasers to target fat cells. Because of the type and intensity of the lasers involved, patients don’t experience pain during the process, and as previously mentioned, it leaves the fat cells emptied but viable. While results vary, patients can expect to see some results within two weeks and full results after 12 weeks. Most programs involve a half-dozen individual treatments. The Emerald Laser process is also convenient, with treatments lasting less than 30 minutes.
What Is an FDA Market Clearance, and What Does That Mean for Clinics Offering Emerald Laser?
In September 2019, the Erchonia Corporation received market approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to begin marketing our Emerald Laser device. But what does it mean to receive market approval from the FDA?
The FDA uses three designators to categorize risks. Category III is reserved for high-risk devices, Category II is moderate risk, and Category I is low risk. Laser lipo machines are considered Category II or moderate-risk devices.
When a device is considered “substantially equivalent” to an existing device, it can market the product without approval. However, because laser devices affect human cells and tissues, they require approval. In the case of Erchonia’s Emerald device, the company produced three double-blind studies that demonstrated both the safety and effectiveness of the device to the FDA. Furthermore, they were able to demonstrate this on individuals with BMIs between 30 and 40.
For Emerald Laser providers, this is a huge advantage. The ability to inform patients that this particular laser fat removal treatment is the only one to receive premarket approval for patients with higher body fat is a tremendous selling point. When combined with the fact that there are no known side effects from Emerald Laser treatments, you can promote this procedure with confidence.
What Makes a Good Candidate?
In general, laser lipolysis is a safe process for most adults — particularly Emerald’s low-level laser treatment — but some individuals should avoid laser fat reduction.
What Qualifies a Patient as an Emerald Laser Candidate?
Emerald Laser is ideal for otherwise healthy adults who have a BMI under 40. Because the FDA has cleared Emerald Laser for heavier individuals, it can be used to target large deposits of fat.
Who Shouldn’t Get Emerald Laser Lipolysis?
Emerald should not be used on individuals with a BMI over 40. In addition, pregnant women should avoid laser lipolysis in general. Emerald should not be used on patients who are undergoing large weight fluctuations. If the patient has a known medical condition, they should get approval from their physician before proceeding.
Frequently Asked Questions by Emerald Laser Providers
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Emerald Laser non-surgical weight loss procedure.
Is Laser Lipo Safe?
Emerald Laser by Erchonia is a safe, effective fat reduction treatment for qualified candidates. It is the only laser lipo machine that has received FDA market approval for patients with a BMI in excess of 30.
How Much Do Treatments Cost?
Most of our providers sell packages of six treatments for $1,500 to $2,500, with financing for patients available.
What Practices Qualify to Offer Emerald Laser?
Medical health spas and doctor’s offices usually have the required medical licensing to become a provider. If you have any questions regarding your qualifications, contact Emerald Laser and speak to a representative.
State-of-the-Art Laser Lipolysis
Erchonia has dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to the advancement of safe fat reduction. With over 18 FDA market clearances, Erchonia is the first name in this technology. Contact us to learn about becoming an Emerald Laser provider.
