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

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

Because you wanted some more information on how to get things moving, I thought you’d like this little nugget of information.  I doubt that your doctor is doing this with you.  And doctors, start giving this to your patients and they will thank you.

So what is THIS simple do-it yourself procedure that can help take your Zerona results to the next level?

Stimulation and massage of your ileocecal valve.

Your probably thinking, “Stimulation of my what?!”

You ileocecal valve is the valve/sphincter muscle that allows your digested food to move from the small intestines to the large intestines (colon).

Stimulation of this structure can help get things moving PLUS massage of your intestines will also aid in getting things moving.  If you do it daily it will strengthen your intestine walls and also loosen all the built-up “crap” that is lining the walls of your intestine.  This is a great trick to break you from constipation.

So, here is what you need to do every day for just a few minutes a day to improve your digestive health and therefore your overall health and of course – your Zerona laser results.

Here’s how you do it:

• Lie down on your back.
• Put your over lapped hands/fingers on the right lower right side of your abdomen (just above the boney bump of your pelvis or Anterior Superior Iliac Spine or ASIS). It’s a good idea to use massage oil for this.
• With small circular (2-3 inch diameter) motions and good pressure (you will increase your pressure over days of doing this) – stay in this spot for 1 minute.
• Then slowly start moving up your abdomen to your rib cage. You are going to be following the course of your large intestines – you just massaged your ascending colon.
• Now for the Transverse colon; from your low right rib cage, go to your left lower rib cage. Be sure to keep the same pressure that you started with and maintain thoughs small circles.
• Now for the descending colon; from your left rib cage now move down to your left front boney pelvis bump (or ASIS).
• Now for the Sigmoid colon; from you left ASIS massage diagonally down to your pubic bone.
• This should take about 3 minutes of so.

This may be a little sore in some spots.  These spot tend to decrease in pain as you loosen this material and get moving again.

This in combination with more fiber and being well hydrated could make your life much happier.

Let me know how this works for you.

Blessings,

Dr. Don

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

If you are unable to exercise, you may be able to perform these stretches that will stimulate your lymphatic system.

I was directed to these stretches by the Medical Director at Erchonia. The information is from Brian Dorfman. Thank you both for your contribution. Brian Dorfman holds a BS in kinesiology from UCLA and has 25 years of experience helping world-class athletes and others reach their goals. His proven techniques keep athletes performing at their peak. You may order his DVD by calling 866-787-3348.

While Mr. Dorfman focus is athletic recovery in this article, the strategy holds true for you and your goals with Zerona Laser.

Read it, but more importantly…. Do these – it will help!

“There’s an art to athletic recovery. At some point, you have to stop and wait for your legs to recover, and for your body to feel sharp and responsive. Recovery balances the immune and hormonal systems, aids digestion and facilitates the removal of cellular debris.
In order to perform at your best, it’s important to develop a sound strategy for recovery. No athlete can achieve peak fitness all the time, so an effective recovery plan is just as important as a proper training plan.
Stretching and improving circulation through the lymphatic system, located in the inner leg and groin area, will help accelerate the recovery process. Although there are powerful muscles in the inner legs, the focus of these stretches is on the lymphatic system.
The lymph system needs movement, stretching and gravity in order to circulate properly. An imbalance in the lymph drainage will cause swelling due to fluid accumulation, which will prevent the return of proteins and vitamins to the cells. In addition, lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system.
Lymph stretches
This series of stretches improve overall lymphatic functioning and focuses on:
• Releasing the powerful leg muscles to access the lymph duct.
• Decongesting the lymph nodes by opening the inner legs — this position facilitates the process.
• Relaxing and lengthening the inner-leg muscles and using gravity to flush out accumulated fluid.
Perform the stretches in order to gain the greatest benefits.
#1 Passive lunge (Dr. Don Note: You can do this very well on the Power Plate in our office for added benefit)

Passive lunge

Relieving tension from the front (quads) and the inner-leg (adductors) muscles helps lymph circulation. The passive lunge accesses a number of powerful leg muscles. It should always feel good and shouldn’t require extra energy.
• Step forward with your right foot, the left foot remains behind.
• The ball or top of the back foot can be on the ground.
• Lower your left knee, padding it with a towel or cushion. Allow your left hip to drop toward the floor.
• Place your hands on the ground on the inside of your front foot.
• Remain in this position for seven to 10 breaths. Focus on relaxing your left hip towards the ground.
Slightly rotate the back leg in or out and stretch different areas of the inner leg, find the tight areas.
Next, lean your weight forward as if you’re sliding the left knee on the floor. This will stretch or pull the skin of the thigh. Then relax the hip and breathe easy. For a stronger effect, put your elbows on the floor. Another option is to do this stretch with your front leg on a chair; your back knee will be off the ground.
Repeat this series on the other side with your left foot forward, right knee on the floor behind.
#2 Open hips on wall
This stretch promotes relaxation and recovery. Lying on your back automatically relaxes you, and by directly stretching the lymph nodes, you’ll accelerate recovery. In this move, the inner legs stretch without supporting the weight of the torso.

Open hips on wall

The most common stretching injury occurs when the inner leg is isolated, lengthened and required to support weight.
• Lie on your back while resting the weight of your legs on the wall (if done without a wall, hold your shins).
• Let your heels slide down the wall toward each other until the bottom of your feet touch.
• Move your knees away from each other.
• Place the palms of your hands on the inside of your knees.
• Hold for seven to 10 breaths.
If you’re tight, start with your hips farther from the wall. Let the heels move away from the hips/pelvic girdle. You should feel relaxed — if you don’t, change your position. This stretch helps promote recovery of the lymph nodes at the upper leg/lower pelvic area. Never push this stretch — simply spending time in this position will give you the benefits.
#3 Inner-leg lengthener
This stretch may be challenging for some athletes, so if it’s difficult for you, go slowly. Begin by separating your legs until you feel a light stretch. Wait and allow gravity to aid circulation. Weight on the sacrum will decrease nerve tension in the lower legs and invigorate circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid.

Inner-leg lengthener

• Lie on the floor while resting the weight of your legs on the wall (if done without a wall, hold onto the inner legs).
• Place the outside edges of your feet on the wall. Keep your knees bent and your ankles straight above the knees, perpendicular to the floor.
• Support the inside of the knees with your hands.
• Focus on moving your toes toward the shins and your heels away from your hips.
• Bring your chin towards the chest and elongate the neck.
• Hold this position for seven to 10 breaths.
This position should feel good — relax. Bring your legs closer together to feel more comfortable — find a position that doesn’t challenge you. Implement steps 4, 5 and 6. As you inhale, expand your chest; when you exhale, move the lower abdomen toward the floor. This will elongate the over-worked lower-back muscles.
Your legs will become more flexible as you use these stretches. The power of movement is dependent upon recovery, and slow recovery can prevent you from reaching your goals. Relax, recover and race and train forever.” – Brian Dorfman For Active.com

Thank you again Mr. Dorfman… if you do these 3 exercises… AND walk 30 minutes 6 times a week for the 2 weeks you are working with me… you’ll be thrilled with how you feel and the inches you shed.

Blessings,
Dr. Don

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

Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.
Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California

First of all… currently there are very few of us out there. And I imagine, all of us get great results.

After all, the Zerona laser is the key ingredient. I think more doctors use the laser and that’s it – getting the average results 3.5 inches (which is still good!).

My Zerona laser program is a whole assessment of your situation. I take into consideration all of your circumstances – your activity level, your current diet, your health history, your risk factors for less than excellent success, and your goals.

My Zerona program is getting 6.5 inches of reduction on average. That’s like 2 times the average of the Zerona laser alone.

I don’t accept everyone… And everyone doesn’t just get the same procedure/program.

I look at you as a person and help you reach your goals.

I also use personalized nutrition recommendations in my Zerona Laser programs.

My Zerona laser program gets advanced results – and I stand by those results. While I cannot guarantee results, I do guarantee satisfaction. To learn more about that you’d have to come in for a consultation.

If a doctor feels strongly about their product or service then the should be willing to reduce your fear and suspicion. Stand by their work. I do. It is my reputation after all.

That’s why my patients refer their friends and family. That’s why my patients share their story with others.

I’m sure your doctor is the same way.

Without going into details… that’s my Zerona program.

Blessings,
Dr. Don

Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.
Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California

It was a great segment and showed how effective the Zerona Laser really is. The patient’s story was nothing new… she had kids and couldn’t lose the weight in her mid section.

Why don’t you just watch it here…

Now I have to say that the Zerona Laser being featured is a great thing for…

… helping the world to know more about it

… It’s giving patients a safe and fast and effective alternative to surgical options

… It’s giving patients a boost and kick-start to getting in shape and starting a healthy life style!

These are all great things!

Unfortunately…

When the showed aired people started to do their own research, that lead them to my website, www.SoCalZeronaLaser.com and then rather than read the content on the website, interested patients and doctors from across the nation flooded my office with calls and emails asking questions that were already on the website.

We are busy enough that we don’t need to be a call center for information. So you could imagine my irritation when it’s affecting my staffs’ normal duties. So let me say here publicly – “My staff is the best! Thank you for helping all of the interested patients and doctor get the right information and direction.”

I… we… still have not gotten back to everyone who asked for my personal attention.

Its understandable that we got some many calls seeing as this is the only website of its kind.

I think I’ll ask some other doctors to contribute to this site. Readers, what do you think?

I have a feeling The Doctors TV Show is just the beginning…

Blessings,

Dr. Don

Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.

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

Exercise!

Though this program will work without changing your exercise program, exercise certainly helps you to achieve your goals faster.

We all know exercise is important for overall health and wellness.  It is also important for maintaining long lasting results with any weight loss or body contouring program.

There are 3 things that exercise will help your body do.  Let’s briefly discuss each…

#1 – The Obvious, exercise burns more calories.

Exercise Increases calorie usage. Obviously when you exercise you are burning more calories than if you are NOT exercising.

You know the basic equation for losing or gaining weight.

If you eat more calories than you burn you gain weight.

If you eat less calories than you burn you lose weight.

If you eat the same amount of calories as you burn you will stay the same.

So more exercise, more calories burn, and better results.

#2 – Exercise Stimulates the Lymphatic System

Exercise Stimulates the lymphatic system.  Exercise gets your blood and lymphatic system pumping. Remember the lymphatic system?  This system collects the fat that is floating out of the cell. And then transports it to the digestive system.  Even simple walking is effective to achieve this. Also, gentle bouncing on a trampoline.  It’s the oscillation of the blood, the contracting of the muscles, the moving of the limbs that helps get the lymphatics moving.

#3 – Exercise Stimulates the Digestive System

Exercise also stimulates the digestive system. When you are breathing deeply… in and out, you’re using your diaphragm. The diaphragm goes down and puts pressure on your bowel and that gets things moving better.  Cardio vascular exercise gets you breathing heavily and deeply.  If you can’t do high intensity cardiovascular, there are other exercises that involve proper breathing.  Tai chi and yoga are exercises that are great for this.  Plus the twisting and turning from exercise helps the digestive system as well.

Exercise need not be strenuous.  In fact, if you can’t exercise due to medical or physical limitation, there are some stretches that can help achieve these goals too.  There is technology out there that achieves the same goal for patients who have some physical disability or challenge, with the guidance and supervision of a trained doctor.  I use it in my office, and patients love it.

So there is no reason, why you can’t exercise to help this process.

If you’ll walk for 30 minutes every day, you’ll get great results.

This program could be THE thing to jump start your life style to a fitter you. It has for so many of my patients.

Blessings,
Dr. Don

Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.

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

I think the reason why too little attention is give to this topic is because of the societies low standard related to this topic.

What is this key factor?

Healthy Digestion and Elimination!

I heard a JOKE from another doctor… well it was more like an experience he had with a patient.  He was telling me about a geriatric patient he was managing and the patient said, “Doc, if I wake up in the morning and if I have one bowel movement that day… THAT was a GOOD DAY.” (Thank you Dr. Alan Rousso)

Yes, it is good to wake up to live another day! BUT to have only one (if that is some cases) bowel movement a day!… that’s not so good.  In fact, that’s constipated!

Remember, the Zerona Laser emulsifies the fat in the cell. Then it makes the fat cell porous temporarily for the emulsified fat seeps out of the fat cell, where it will then hang out.  Its you lymphatic system that will pick it up then transport it to you digestive system, where it is eliminated from the body with your bowel movements.

So if you are the type of person who is “lucky” to have one bowel movement a day, then we need to get your system ready for the Zerona to do its job.  Because, if you are having bowel movement problems… that can slow your progress and results from the Zerona Laser.

Ideally, you should have a bowel movement after every meal.  So that means 3 bowel movements a day.  If you are eating the right foods, this is not a problem.

At the very least you should have one bowel movement a day.  If you have only one OR LESS, then we need to help your digestive systems work more smoothly.

So how do we do that?

There are many natural and healthy ways to go about doing this.  All of which I suggest the supervision and support of a trained health care provider.

It could be as simple as eating (notice I didn’t say drinking) more fiber. You can get that from you dark green leafy vegetables or even nutrition bars (ie FiberOne bars).  I prefer eating lots of vegetables with every meal.  Do that and you shouldn’t have a problem.

If you are in need of a major bowel “overhaul”. A cleansing may be required.

There are many cleaning programs out there… some safe, many not.
There are apple fasts, raw-fruits and vegetables fasts, special shakes or special supplements, pills, and the list goes on.

It is very important to have a healthy digestive system for best results on the Zerona Laser program.

Blessings,
Dr. Don

Thank you, and I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. And Please fill out the form on the right to receive our monthly e-Newsletter and Weekly Health Report.

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