November 24, 2009

It looks kind of like an octopus, with its long tentacles reaching out over Vicki Kroeger's body.

It's called the Zerona, a cool low level laser treatment that doctors say stimulates the fat cells to liquefy the fat inside.

"Patients are able to lay on the table with no incisions, no cuts and no pain. The laser penetrates the fat cells and releases that fat into the system where it is absorbed and excreted, " said Dr. Paul Cheatum who runs Innovative Vein in Wichita.

The Zerona promises patients losses of a combined three to nine inches from the waist, hips and thighs.

Vicki hopes to lose around her tummy and hips.

The laser targets the areas where she wants to lose, for 20 minutes every other day for a total of six treatments.

"We're simply shrinking these cells, and they should never return so its a perminant thing," said Cheatum.

Throughout the treatment time, the patients take recommended vitamins, avoid alcohol and caffeine and doctors urge them to walk.

In all Vicki lost eight and a half inches from her stomach and hips, and she dropped a pants size.

The Zerona is available at Innovative Vein. The treatments cost about $2,000.

Innovative Vein is located at 2350 N. Greenwich. The telephone number is (866) 578-6384.