Valid Zerona Consumer Complaint – “I looked everywhere and can’t find the ‘fine print’”

I sit down with many prospective patients for Zerona consultations to discuss their case and to see if I’ll accept them for my Zerona laser program.

You’d be shocked at some of the things I hear (stories for another time)

But I had one consultation the other day that I need to share with you, because I think she had a very valid complaint!

She was a very pleasant lady in her 50’s who has spent many hours of her life behind a desk and busy with life… she put herself second (or third or forth) to her job and her family.  And now… it was her time.  She wanted to do something for herself.

She started to workout 2 to 3 months ago. She was eating better.  She was definitely on the right track to achieving her health goals.

But… she was getting frustrated.  Frustrated because she was not losing the inches in her tummy the she felt she should have for having been working out heavily for the past 3 months.

I reassured her that what she was doing with her diet and exercise was fantastic and to keep it up.

So I asked her how I could help.

And she this is where she “let me have it”.

It was obvious she was well prepared.  She pulls out a list and says she has some questions. She asked her basic questions that I hear all the time…

Then something changed…

She goes on to say that she has done her homework.  She tells me that I’m all over the internet (I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not) and that in all of her searching with the company, with the Zerona laser program, all the material out there she could not satisfy her one nagging and remaining question.

Do you know what she asked me?

I was actually taken back for a second because no one had ever really said it the way she did.

Here’s what she said:

“In all of the investigating I’ve done on Zerona and your program, I cannot fine the ‘small fine print.’”

What’s this small fine print she is talking about?

You know… the fine print at the end of every drug commercial… or any other “thing” out there.  The small fine print is the disclaimers and all of the “BAD” things about the product or service.

After listening to her tell me all the good things about the Zerona laser and letting her express her frustration with not being able to find anything bad…

Here’s how I responded. (I think my response to her shocked her)

“If there was something bad about the Zerona laser and my program it would be a lot more believable!”

I went on to say that most of us are taught to believe – “If something is too good to be true… it usually is.”  And because the Zerona is:

- so new,

- has no negative side effects (FDA approved, positive side effect is that it normalizes cholesterol),

- it gets such fast and great results (3.5 inches in 2 weeks),

- it is the easiest thing imaginable (you just lay there for 40 minutes for 6 sessions)…

…it really does seem too good to be true!

Look at all the alternative to Zerona – diet, exercise, liposution, drugs, etc – they all have their significant “bad” things.  That makes it more believable to us.

She seem satisfied with my response.

Then… after going over the price of the different programs I’d make available to her she even commented “even the price is too good to be true.”

Well… I’d much rather provide a fantastic service that is affordable and that truly helps someone be healthier and keep them from dangerous lifestyles.

I can’t wait until she is just as happy with the results of my Zerona program.

Blessings,

Dr. Don

Zerona Laser Versus Liposuction… and… Working Together?!

Liposuction has come a long way. There have been many advancements over the years.

Zerona Laser treatment is the “new kid on the block” and it is growing in popularity thanks to the Doctors TV show and the all the Network News TV segments.

I want to take a moment and discuss these two very different procedures because I get many questions during my consultations.  Let me share this information in a question/answer format as these are some of the questions I get during my initial meeting with clients.

Patient says, “I’m told that if I undergo liposuction that if I gain weight again, that the fat will be in a different area. Does that happen with Zerona?”

I can’t speak for liposuction or the validity of the comment that the fat returns in different areas, so I’ll limit my response to Zerona.

Zerona does not harm the fat cells.  The laser liquefies the fat within the cell. The laser allows the cell membrane to become temporarily porous and the liquefied fat seeps out into interstitial space.  The cell membrane closes again in 48 hours. There is no scaring and no connective tissue you growth as there is in surgical procedures.

If you were to go to an unhealthy life style, then you run the risk of your body storing fat again. That’s what fat is – stored energy.  So because with Zerona you have not damaged the cells, you’ll gain it in the area your body stored it last time.

I’d suggest that rather than planning on fat returning, how about we find the right solution for you so that you don’t gain any of that unwanted fat that you lost from Zerona or liposuction or whatever.  So be sure to work with a doctor that will aid you in finding out the best program for you – not just sucking out the fat or pointing a laser at your target area.

Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’m told that I’ll have a lot of loose skin… with that happen with Zerona?”

No.  I have had a patient lose up to 15 inches and the skin is as toned as ever.  This happens for a couple of reasons: 1) it’s a process and change that does not occur in an hour… it takes weeks (which in my mind is still fast). 2) The Zerona laser is a cold laser.  Cold lasers have been used for skin issues and skin conditions for longer than they have been used for body contouring fat.  Often a persons rash or scar looks better after treatment… I know, its another benefit that’s too good to be true. Its hard to believe.

Patient says, “If I have liposuction I’ll be put under anesthesia.  That’s scares me because I know that’s one of the most dangerous parts of surgery.  Does Zerona have that?”

No. Zerona is a NON-SURGICAL procedure.  People have it done and go back to work.  If you read my prior blog posts, you can even get work done while under the laser!  With Zerona you don’t even feel it – it is entirely painless!

INTERESTING SIDE NOTE:

Cold laser has been used to help patients eliminate pain due to musculoskeletal conditions such as injuries.  The predecessor to the Zerona was a laser that was used DURING liposuction – called LASER ASSISTED Liposuction.  FDA approved for safety and effectiveness.  During liposuction the Laser Anesthesiologist would use the laser over the area to be treated with liposuction.  The results were better – there was less blood loss, improved recovery time, less bruising, and smoother treated area.

Patient says, “I’m going to have liposuction, what can you do for me in conjunction with the liposuction?”

Great question.  If a person is heart set on liposuction, I won’t stop them… heck, I couldn’t even if I wanted to.  Because the laser has a window of effectiveness 48 hours and the fat cells close there is benefit in treating with the Zerona surrounding the Liposuction procedure for the benefits listed in the INTERESTING SIDE NOTE section.  Its called PRE/POST-OP Zerona treatment.  With this people get results with the liposuction and recover extremely fast with smoother results.  It’s not a common procedure, but it’s done. If I were going to have liposuction done, I’d be sure to have Zerona PRE/POST-OP Procedure done.

I find people hate the idea of surgery. Heck, I’m fearful of surgery.  In my mind, there is no such thing as a “Routine Surgical Procedure” (my father almost died from removal of his tonsils… I’m sure you have heard a story where routine was not so “routine”.)

That’s it for now…

Blessings,

Dr. Troy Don

Zerona Laser Results and Hopping on a Bed

Today I want to give you some tips as to how to stimulate the lymphatic system.

Remember that system?  It’s the system that is responsible for carrying the emulsified fat out of the interstitial space and carrying it to the digestive system. If your lymphatic system is not working properly then the emulsified fat can re-enter the fat cell.

So lets get to it… here are 3 things you can do to help your lymphatic system.

#1 – 30 minute walk

If you go for a 30 minute walk every day you’ll not only have good exercise but you’ll stimulate your lymphatic system (and digestive system).  The oscillation of the body up and down and the contraction of your muscles while walking will “pump” your lymph and thereby get they liquefied fat out of the interstitial space.  Plus the walking will burn a few extra calories. Plus it’s a nice relaxing activity.

You need not walk hard or fast.  A simple causal walk will do the trick.

#2 – A small trampoline

Do you remember those small exercise trampoline where some would do aerobics on them?

Those little trampolines were, and are, great for simply and gently bouncing up and down for.  Do this for 5 minutes and it will do the trick. Do it longer and you’ll give your calves a nice little burn.

#3 – Bouncing on the bed

Ok, so you don’t have 30 minutes to walk and you don’t have a small trampoline… now what?

Well, if you have a spring mattress then you can get the same benefit by sitting down on the corner of your mattress and just bounce up and down.  Do this 5 minutes.

Try these 3 things and you’ll see that just a few minutes could make all the difference in your results!

Blessings,

Dr. Don

Zerona Laser Results and Digestion – Again

It’s so important… it’s worth repeating…

People fail to realize the importance of a properly working digestive system.  If you eat three meals a day you should have 3 bowel movements a day.

Why am I talking about bowel movements when you are reading this for Zerona results?  Well, let’s recap…

The Zerona laser liquefies the fat and it seeps out to the cell and remains in the extracellular space for the lymphatic system to pick up and transport to the digestive system for elimination.

So… if your digestive system is backed up with stuff and you are only having one bowel movement a day (or less)… your lymphatic system will not work as effectively…

This will leave the liquefied fat in the extracellular space… just waiting to be reabsorbed by the fat cell. That’ll produce poorer results!

You now can see how important it is that you have properly working digestive system.

It’s so important that I will not accept a patient for my Zerona laser program until they get things moving properly.  Once they do… then we can start working.

If you are not having at least 2 bowel movements a day you are constipated.  What goes in… must come out.

If you are constipated, by my definition I will send you home to get things moving. Here are some things that I recommend:

-          a cleanse with many servings of raw fruits and vegetables; more fiber

-          hydration

-          massages

-          Exercise such as walking

-          no caffeine or other diuretics (careful, you may be on med’s for your health conditions)

If those things don’t work, you might want to be evaluated for under active thyroid issues or underlying digestive infections (dysbiosis, parasites, tapeworms, etc. – you’d be surprised!)

If you are considering the Zerona laser program for yourself – address this issue first. You’ll thank me later.

If you are a doctor, you may want to maintain a standard such that you wont accept a patient unless they address this problem first – it will bring your patients much better results!

Like I said… this is so important, its worth repeating…

Blessings,

Dr. Don

Choosing a Zerona Laser Doctor

How do you find the right doctor – for any condition? Most people like referrals; self included. I know that if a friend or family member refer me to a doctor then my trust increases.

I get inquires from around the world as to who I recommend in their particular area – so I know that they also are look for me to refer them to. On many instances I’m able to speak with the doctor before referring the potential patient to that doctor. Though I get nothing in return by doing that – its just how I’d like some doctor to treat my mother. Know what I mean?

Some times I cant speak to the doctor, but I let you know a head of time.

So this blog is about how to choose the right Zerona doctor for your treatment. Remember, the Zerona Laser is a tool. Just like a scalpel – it’s a tool. In the right hands I can perform amazing things. In the wrong hand, less than favorable. You with me?

Here are a few pointers…
First, it should feel right. When you visit the office you pretty much know if you are in the right place. Right? Women have a blessed ability – a sixth sense if you will – to know if something feels right, or wrong.

Second, even before you go to the office do your homework on that doctor. Nowadays you can “Google” a person and find out all you know.

Third, the success of their patients. It should be evident to you that they have raving fans.

Forth, credibility. Your doctor should be credible. And I’m not talking about their degree on the wall – that’s a bare minimum. In fact, you have to be a licensed doctor to even own a Zerona Laser.

And this actually leads to another topic/question I’m asked.

I was recently asked by a visitor to my website if I could address the issue of chiropractors versus plastic surgeons in using the Zerona Laser.

Let me simply post my reply to her because it’s worth mentioning.

Hey Dr. Troy,
I looked him up and notice that he is a chiropractor. From my research, it seems that they are recommending it be done by a plastic surgeon. Can you comment on this?

Hi MaryAnn,

I would love to comment on this.
Yes, he is a chiropractor. As am I.
I don’t know what reference you found that said it should be done by a plastic surgeon – as that is incorrect.
Chiropractors have been using “cold” laser technology for many years. So it’s nothing new to chiropractors. “Cold” laser therapy is new to the plastic surgeons in that they have used “burning” “hot” “cutting” lasers as their tools for many years. The predecessor to the ZERONA laser is a LipoLaser that was used DURING surgical liposuction and that helped patients get better safer results from the surgical liposuction. That surgical Lipolaser was used by a cosmetic laser anesthesiologist. Now, the surgical aspect is not longer needed.
Having talked to Erchonia and the Medical Director there he reports to me that the Chiropractors using the ZERONA laser are getting significantly better results. He attributes it to the Chiropractors’ knowledge, understanding, and training in nutrition and supplementation to aid the Zerona Laser via lymphatic and digestive stimulation. While I cannot say that it’s true that we are getting better results than the plastic surgeons – I will say that he is correct in that our training and schooling gives us much more training in this department.
I commend your researching.
If you look at other blogs out there, you’ll find a Dr. Alan Bauman, MD from Boca Roton, Fl. He actually comments on the idea of Chiropractors using cold laser – his statement was something to the effect of what I mentioned: Chiropractors have been using cold laser for years. He goes on to say that when he went to a Cold Laser post graduate seminar he was the only MD there… the rest of the attendees were chiropractors. Interesting, huh?
I hope you find this helpful.
I’d love for this to be a post on my blog – if you are ok with it.
Thank you for your comments. Keep me posted.

Look… I know the public has a poor opinion of chiropractors. Though I can only control a patient experience in my office and make a change for the better – I totally understand where most people are coming from. Heck, I’ve been to chiropractor’s offices AND medical doctor’s offices and I think to myself – “THIS is a health care office?… gross!”

I’d be a bit concerned if I walked into a doctor’s office and felt that Zerona was something that that they just did to make money as opposed to specializing in that. You want a doctor that understands the fine details to managing your case – whether that’s a chiropractor, a plastic surgeon, or any medical doctor.

Follow the recommendations above and I’m sure you’ll find the right place.

By the way… I know I’m going to get a bunch of emails from chiropractor and medical doctors on this blog.

But – this stuff had to be shared.

MaryAnn – thanks again for asking…

Blessings,
Dr. Don (btw… my first name is Troy and my last name is Don )

Zerona Vs. Velashape

Last week an interested patient submitted a question.

The question was this, “Zerona or Velashape, which is better?”

First of all, I have a bias opinion. Right? After all… the name of THIS website is www.SoCalZeronaLaser.com.

Well, rather than give you my biased opinion, let me simply present a comparison.

But before I do, I wish I knew how the person submitting the question defines “better”.

For those of you who don’t know what either are, this will be a simple overview of each.

First Zerona…

The Zerona Laser is a low level energy laser that produces no heat to the tissues. In fact, patient cant even feel the laser on them. The Zerona laser has been shown to produce a reduction of the circumference of the waist, hips, thighs of on average (with the laser alone) of 3.5 inches after 2 weeks. Oh, and that’s without the patient changing their eating or exercise habits. It is FDA cleared. It’s the non-surgical option to SmartLipo or Lipo-suction. There are no side effects.

Second Velashape…

From the company website: VelaShape is a non-invasive medical device based on elōs™ technology – a combination of heat, light, suction and massage – and is specifically designed to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite and target localized fat deposits. It’s FDA approved.

Velashape did a study on women post-baby… the results are these: after 5 weekly treatments, the average circumferences (combined for waist, hips, thighs) was a reduction of 5.93 cm (that’s 2.38 inches).

The comparison…

Again, without knowing what the person submitting the question meant by “better” let me give some scenarios.

If you want results, Zerona is over twice as affective. In my office, 6.5 inches is average lose.

If you want speed, Zerona is done in 2 weeks, half of the time as Velashape.

If you want comfort, Zerona is painless and completely comfortable – you can’t even feel it. Velashape is a device that will suck and massage your tissue as the technician rolls it over the target area. Having not experienced it, I can only imagine that its like when you apply a vacuum cleaner to your skin, it kind of latches on. The machine looks like a vacuum cleaner. You can see it for yourself on the company website.

If you want fast, effective, and comfortable results, then Zerona is the way to go… but then again… I have a biased opinion.

If you compare cost, the prices are comparable based on a survey found on RealSelf.com. Velashape had an average cost of $3,692. Zerona in my office starts at $3,300.

I’d love to hear from people who have had Velashape. Looking at survey of 15 reviews – 20% said they’d do it again… leaving the rest saying never again. Many complaints was that it was very uncomfortable and most important not effective.

Thank you to the person who submitted the question…. I expect this was helpful for you.

Blessings,
Dr. Don

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Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California