title: A Six-week Low-level Laser Therapy Protocol is Effective for Reducing Waist, Hip, Thigh, and Upper Abdomen Circumference.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for noninvasive body contouring has been previously demonstrated in clinical trials leading to its market clearance. Subjects achieved these beneficial effects following three weekly low-level laser therapy treatments for two weeks. The objective of this study was to determine if the same aesthetic benefit can be achieved following one weekly low-level laser therapy treatment for six weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two private dermatology practices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthy adults with a body mass index of 25 to 40kg/m(2) (N=54).
  
  
  METHODS
  Subjects underwent one weekly low-level laser therapy procedure for six consecutive weeks using a device consisting of six 17mW, 635nm red diodes. Waist, hip, thigh, and upper abdomen circumference were measured weekly. Study success criteria was a 4.5-inch mean decrease in combined body circumference.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean decrease in combined circumference reduction at six weeks was 5.4 inches (p<0.001), and most subjects (72.2%) achieved a ≥4.5-inch decrease. Most subjects (81.0%) were Satisfied (27%) or Very Satisfied (54%) with the aesthetic results they achieved. There were no adverse events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One weekly low-level laser therapy treatment for six weeks is clinically effective for reducing waist, hip, thigh, and upper abdomen circumference and may be more effective than the previous two-week treatment protocol. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02109107.
authors.affiliation: CT Dermatology PC, Fruitland, Idaho;
authors.forename: Carl R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Thornfeldt
authors.affiliation: Advanced Gynecology Specialists of Augusta, LLC, Evans, Georgia;
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Thaxton
authors.affiliation: Apothekon, Inc., Woodbury, Minnesota.
authors.forename: Carl S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Hornfeldt