Laser + Massage More Effective than Massage Alone for Treating Cellulite, Study Says
A combined treatment of low-level laser therapy and massage is more effective at reducing fat and improving the appearance of cellulite than massage alone, a new study reports.
The study, which appeared in the Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, randomized the thighs of 102 women to either laser treatment (dual wavelength of 65+/-20 nm and 915+/-10 nm) and massage or to massage alone. The 74 women who completed the study received a mean of 14.3 treatments over 4 to 6 weeks. Fat was measured with magnetic resonance imaging scans before and after the final treatment.
The results: The thickness of the fat in the leg treated with laser-massage decreased by a mean of 1.19 square centimeters while the thickness of the fat in the massage-only leg increased by 3.82 square centimeters. This was a statistically significant difference.
“Among those who completed the study, 82.26% responded to treatment. Individuals reported looser-fitting clothing and satisfaction with the procedures and results,” the authors concluded.
Source: Lach E. Reduction of subcutaneous fat and improvement in cellulite appearance by dual-wavelength, low-level laser energy combined with vacuum and massage. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2008;10:202-209.
