They might start calling it ?Wonder Laser,? but for now medical offices around the country are becoming familiar with its actual title-- the Erchonia 3LT? Laser.

The 3LT? is the first series of lasers to receive FDA approval for use during liposuction, acne treatment, and wound/scar healing.

Although the idea of laser beam technology has an almost Star Wars quality to it, the results are firmly grounded in reality and may be just the solution you need for your next surgery.

The word laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. All lasers have varying degrees of intensity, which translate to an output that is both highly concentrated and incredibly accurate. As such, almost all laser treatment involves an output of heat that may be painful to patients.

The 3LT series is different from traditional methods because it works as a ?cold laser.? Using a lower-level to penetrate beneath the skin, the treatment stimulates the body's cells and causes them to speed up the healing process.

According to the Erchonia website, because there is no heat sensation associated with treatment, 3LT procedures are entirely pain free.

Cold laser treatment is especially beneficial for burn patients. By running the beam over damaged skin cells, pain and swelling can be dramatically reduced. It also helps improve the range of motion that is sometimes lost from nerve damage.

Many hospitals and rehabilitation centers are incorporating the use of 3LT lasers because of the successful results that have been recorded with its use.

Average pain reduction has been documented between 60 and 80 percent.

Erchonia entered the acne market with the conception of the dermaLaser?. Unlike most laser skin treatments which use heat, the dermaLaser does not adversely affect healthy skin cells while it kills off acne-causing bacteria.

Until now, most acne medications were so abrasive that they caused severe drying of the skin as well as red blotches and other dermal irritation.

Treatment is typically done twice a week, over a period of six weeks, with many recipients showing progress by the second week. The laser is placed over areas where acne is present and used for upwards of six minutes, depending on the severity.

More studies need to be conducted, but so far the results on patients have been a permanent acne solution.

Erchonia also markets the Niera4L Liposuction laser. This technique is done prior to liposuction surgery to help liquefy fat, thus making it easier to remove during the actual procedure.

By physically breaking down the fat cells, swelling and discomfort are reduced, and recovery time is reduced.

Treatment takes only a few minutes and can greatly increase results for liposculpture patients.

The cost of use depends on many factors, specifically how many treatments are required and what type of procedure is being done. Some doctors offer it as a total packaged fee, while others charge by time and treatment.

For example, a pain management procedure at 30 minutes could cost as little as $40.00, while a 60 minute treatment could go for $80.00. However, the number of treatments could range anywhere from five to 20.

For some, the benefits of a pain free solution outweigh any cost.

Doctors who currently use 3LT in their practices:

Dr. Kenneth Stein, MD, FACS (Dermatology)

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