Where does the fat go? The non-invasive low light laser light shines on the target chromophore, the Mitochondria, on the fat cells. This creates a temporary ph change on the surface membrane of the adipocytes (fat cells) creating temporary pores in the fat cells within 4-6 minutes. Within 10 minutes the fat cells completely empty and collapse. The fat cells are transformed and shrunk similar to a grape changing to a raisin. Once the light is removed, the ph state is restored and the pores on the fat cells close back up. The fat cells are now smaller cells. The fat cell can expand 4 times its size. The i-lipo causes temporary pores (openings) on the fat cell membranes, allowing fat to quickly release, and then close back up smaller. The fat cell membranes are not destroyed – they remain intact. Fat cells are described as endocrine glands that produce hormones called leptin, and they are also responsible for immune function. Morbidly obese patients have an imbalance in leptin levels, and the leptin is responsibility for increased appetite. Reducing the size of the fat cells and normalizing the leptin levels can help normalize appetite levels. The lymphatic stimulating diode lasers shine on the lymph nodes and trigger the small intestines to produce lipase – an enzyme that breaks down the released fat. Once the fat is released from the fat cells, lipase helps break down the fat. About 360 calories are released from the fat cells after one 20 minute i-lipo treatment. 2 hours is the peak release of fat, so exercising within 2 hours to burn off the excess 360 calories released is ideal. The broken down fat is used as energy by the brain, organs, muscles, and it is also burned by the exercise. The broken down fat is also eliminated through the lymphatic system, through the kidneys (urine), and sweat. 70% of lymph is located directly under the skin, so lymphatic massage, dry brushing, stretching (yoga), exercise, and compression garments can be useful to move along the lymph. Drinking water is also essential for increasing lymphatic stimulation. 70% of the body is made up of water, and the lymphatic system is very depended on a hydrated body. Avoiding or limiting beverages such as alcohol, tea, and caffeine (which are diuretics that dehydrate the body) is wise during i-lipo treatment. The i-lipo is more effective if the body is hydrated not dehydrated, and the lymphatic system is flowing in a healthy fashion. Smoking also impedes the lymphatic system, and can diminish the results of the i-lipo. During natural exercise, the body naturally triggers the release of fat so that the body can use the released fat for fuel and energy during exercise – but the body releases only a small amount of fat all over the body. The i-lipo synthetically tricks the fat cells to open and release a much greater quantity of fat in a much more rapid, accelerated fashion – way beyond what natural exercise alone could ever do. The i-lipo also has the ability to release fat exactly where you want it to be released, in a specific, targeted, desired area (such as the love-handles, thighs, and chin.) This makes the i-lipo the ideal target body sculpting device. Is it safe – will it increase cholesterol or thrombo-emboli? There have been no incidences of stroke or thrombo-emboli, and other low-light laser studies have actually showed a 13% reduction in LDL. Low light laser therapy has been used since the 1970’s for various indications such as wound healing, burns, chronic pain, and inflammation. Low light laser technology is extremely safe. How soon will I gain the fat/inches back? If you were to lose 8-10 inches with a hired personal trainer at a gym over the course of 10 months, and you then fired the personal trainer, you wouldn’t ask the personal trainer “how soon will I gain the inches back?” – it is the same answer for the i-lipo. The i-lipo is like a “accelerated fat releasing machine.” Fat cells can expand 4 times their size. Keeping them small is the key, and the i-lipo can achieve this. Many patients book appointments with their i-lipo 3 times per year (pre-holidays, post holidays/new years, and summer bikini weather). Why do I lose inches but not pounds? Patients should not weigh themselves on a scale “daily.” They will only get discouraged if they are not losing large amounts of weight. A patient can see large inch losses, but may only see minimal weight loss; and this is normal. During the one month protocol, patients may gain muscle weight from the exercise. The fat cell membrane remains intact and remains inside the body – the fat cells weighs so little, yet it can expand 4 times its size; therefore, patients can see significant inch loss, but may see min |
