The safety and effectiveness of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with light-emitting diode (LED) bed system and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on grades 1–2 thigh/buttock cellulite: a randomized, comparative-controlled split-thigh/buttock IRB study

ABSTRACT

Background

Cellulite of the upper lateral and posterior thighs and lower buttocks represents a common unwanted condition.

Objectives

The author sought to comparea LLLT-LED bed therapy and a novel topical anti-cellulite gel on one thigh/buttock cellulite vs light therapy for cellulite to the opposite side.

Methods

Eight healthy female subjects were randomly treated with a LLLT-LED bed twice weekly for 20 minutes in prone/supine positions with twice daily application of a novel anti-cellulite gel to one randomized thigh/buttock.

Results

At the end of the 3-month trial, skin elasticity increased after combined therapy on one thigh but decreased with only LLLT-LED bed treatments on the opposite thigh. Thighs treated with active gel and LLLT-LED bed, were downgraded to a lower cellulite grade, while monotherapy did not demonstrate any change from their baseline cellulite grading. Changes in thigh circumference did not correlate with either treatments regimens.Subject and investigator questionnaire evaluations at month-3 were assessed as “satisfactory” results. There were no adverse reactions to treatments.

Conclusions

The use of LLLT-LED bed therapy and an anti-cellulite gel demonstrated an efficient alternative in the treatment of cellulite-involved thighs/buttocks over similarly affected thighs/buttocks that were treated only with LLLT-LED bed therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Cellulite
• Light Emission Diode Bed
• Topical Anti-cellulite Cosmeceutical
• Skin Elasticity
• Intradermal Fat

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges the assistance of Mellissa Avitea (IRB manager), Margaret Gaston (statistical, photographic, and monitoring measurements), Sharon Cuellar (surgical technician), and Roger Der, M.D. (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Arcadia CA).

Disclosures

The author is a consultant and scientific advisory board member for LightStim® but does not receive any royalties or honorarium.

Additional information

Funding

This study received no financial support from LightStim® but was provided the use of the LLLT-LED bed and the supply of anti-cellulite gel for the duration of the trial;LightStim® [Provided the use of the LLLT-LED bed and the suppl].