FDA approves medical laser for use in liposuction cosmetic surgery

Feb 14 2005

Erchonia Medical has announced that their model Erchonia Neira 4L low-level laser is the first device of its kind to receive approval for use during liposuction by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The approval represents a significant breakthrough in the liposuction procedure since it gives surgeons a proven, safe method for reducing post-operative pain and shortening recovery time.

When treatment is administered just prior to surgery, the painless, non- invasive Erchonia laser facilitates the removal of fatty tissue, thus reducing trauma during the procedure. As a result, liposuction is made quicker, easier and less painful.

Overwhelmingly positive results from a multi-center, double-blind, randomized study approved by the International Review Board led to FDA approval of the Erchonia Neira 4L laser. The study compared placebo- treated liposuction patients to those treated with an active laser. Actively- treated patients demonstrated considerably less pain than the placebo group.

"Erchonia is extremely excited about FDA approval and we believe those individuals considering liposuction will share our enthusiasm," said Charlie Shanks, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Erchonia Medical. "Liposuction can have a tremendously positive effect on patients, however, the procedure is not without its downside. The Erchonia Neira 4L is the first laser approved to address the negative consequences of liposuction. The new device gives surgeons a powerful new tool they can use to positively influence the outcome of liposuction cosmetic. Patients pre-treated with low-level Erchonia laser cell stimulation should experience less pain after surgery, plus they can expect to be on their feet and back to everyday life in less time than they could without the laser."

By contrast to the high-power, high-heat lasers that are used to cut or remove human tissue, the Erchonia Neira 4L laser produces a low-level, or cold, output that has no thermal effect on the body's tissue. Instead, the laser serves to stimulate biological function positively. Low-level laser therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as acute and chronic pain in a number of medical areas without negative side effects. Erchonia has received FDA approval for laser treatment in therapeutic healing as well as liposuction. As a result, the utilization of Erchonia low-level lasers is standard procedure in a number of medical areas, including sports medicine.