How LipoLaser works
Som Visao’s LipoLaser targets the body’s fat cells
Som Visao uses the Lapex 2000 LipoLaser system developed by Meridian Medical. LipoLaser is an alternative to liposuction procedures for those seeking immediate inch loss and body contouring results (see LipoLaser before and after photos). LipoLaser treatments require no downtime and the maximal results are usually attained after a 6 -8 treatment course.
LipoLaser targets fat cells
The LipoLaser system targets 'hard to reach fats' through its intrinsic wavelength property. The LipoLaser's wavelength is scientifically enginereed to target the beam to the appropriate depth within the subcutaneous tissues where the fat cells are located.
LipoLaser interacts with fat cells
The LipoLaser beam interacts with the cell's surface receptor and initiates a process known as a "signal transduction cascade". Think of this in terms of a lightswitch analogy - when you hit your lightswitch (the 'receptor') your house (the cell) becomes lit since the electrical connection is 'turned on' between the switch and the lights.
LipoLaser's mimicking effect
LipoLaser mimics the body's natural hormone epinephrine. Think of the lightswitch analogy again to understand this - i.e., as long as the switch is hit (either by you, your friend, your pet, etc...) the house will become lit. Instead of a chemical interaction (between epineprhine and the cell receptor), the LipoLaser unit takes advantage of a photodynamic interaction - the end result is that the same signal transduction pathway is activated in hard to reach areas (where epinephrine can't usually reach due to impaired circulation, i.e., is less bioavaiable to act on the adipocyte).
How LipoLaser effects fat metabolism:
Once the fat cell is activated by the LipoLaser unit a downhill pathway is started between the receptor and the lipid droplet (where the fats are stored). The 'connector' between the cell surface and the lipid droplet is represented by a series of players that talk to one another (enzymes). Essentially, a key player known as hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) is one of these players. It interacts with the lipid droplet causing the fat molecule (triacyl glycerol) to be split into its backbone (glycerol which is sent to the liver for gluconeogensis, a fancy work for 'sugar making') and the tail ends which are sent into the circulation for metabolism (free fatty acids, FFAs). Try to visualize triacyl glycerol as a three-pieced haircomb, the backbone represents glycerol and the teeth represent the free fatty acidss (FFAs). The FFAs are delivered to skeletal muscle where they're metabolized through a process known as beta-oxidation. The end product of this metabolism is CO2 which we ultimately exhale.
Fat metabolism basics
Storage – Fats are stored in cells known as ‘adipocytes’these are targeted by the LipoLaser system
Fats are stored in a part of the adipocyte known as the lipid droplet. Chemically, they are stored as a chemical known as ‘triacyl glycerol, or TAG’. Triacyl glycerol (TAG) consists of a backbone (glycerol) and three fatty acids fused to it (see the diagram below).
Release – Fats are continuously being released and absorbed by the body’s fat cells.
This equilibrium is determined by our genetics and the amount of circulating epinephrine (released from the adrenal glands) in the blood stream. When epinephrine interacts with the cell surface, a process known as a ‘signal transduction pathway’ occurs resulting in the activation of an enzyme called ‘hormone sensitive lipase’ (HSL). This enzyme is responsible for liberating free fatty acids from glycerol and releasing them into the circulation for metabolism.
Metabolism - Fats are metabolized through a process known as beta-oxidation
Free fatty acids are delivered to the peripheral skeletal and cardiac muscle tissues where they’re metabolized to CO2 through a process known as beta-oxidation. Each round of beta-oxidation releases 2 molecules from the fat chain until it’s completely gone. Thus, we ultimately breathe out fats in the form of CO2 with each breath.