
Curva | FDA Approval | ZERONA®-AD | Terms and Conditions
Laser Body Sculpting
Dr. Steele is a recognized Certified Non-Invasive Lipo-Scultping Clinician in North America with more than 2.5 years of experience with FDA cleared 635 nm wavelength treatments for liposculpting. Dr. Steele is the only Physician ever listed separately on the Zerona® brochure. Dr. Steele of Rittenhouse Laser was the first to offer Zerona® in Philadelphia. Dr. Steele of Rittenhouse Laser was the first to offer Illumiwave®635 LipoConto
ZERONA® is a non-invasive body sculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery. ZERONA®, allows the patient to continue their daily activities without interruptions from surgery, pain, or wounds. After each treatment, the patient is able to participate in their normal daily activities. This means no time off from work and no days away from the gym.
Over 40,000 patients have been treated since the introduction of ZERONA and no adverse effects have been reported.

Low Level Lasers have been in use for over 40 years for treatment of many different conditions such as chronic pain, wound healing and many other orthopedic conditions.
ZERONA® Laser Scanner allows for the emulsification of fat from adipose tissue, which is released into the interstitial space. From the empty space between cells, fat is then taken into the lymph system, transfers to the blood vessels and is processed in the liver for energy or elimination. The excess fat released passes through the body during its normal course of detoxification. As with many other cold laser or low-level laser treatments, such as Illumiwave® 635 this procedure simply uses the natural bodily processes already in use, meaning it is natural and harmless.
The ZERONA® procedure was proven through a double-blind, randomized, multi-site, and placebo-controlled study in which patients, on average, lost 3.64 inches from their waist, hips, and thighs. Most participants that lost inches with the ZERONA® procedure were pleased with their results.
Combined with a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet and exercise, the ZERONA® procedure is a great way to get started toward your body sculpting desires. Click here to schedule your initial consult today!
Learn more about the science behind Zerona®
Zerona In the News
ZERONA® is a non-invasive body contouring procedure using the Erchonia® Laser Scanner. The multi-site clinical trial conducted by Erchonia® to validate the process focused on the abdomen, hips and thighs. The Zerona low-level laser therapy is approved for use on these target areas. In the doctors’ office, during the basic protocol, the patient lies on a comfortable table for 20 minutes once on their back and once on their abdomen while the lasers are applied to the target areas simultaneously. Clients who desire longer sessions or “spot” reduction may have their sessions tailored to their requests.
Tens of thousands have tried this procedure, and have lost an average of 3.64 inches around the waist. Some patients have lost as much as eight inches, which is the equivalent of approximately 4 sizes. Imagine going from a large to a medium, or a medium to a small, just by relaxing for forty minutes, a few times a week for a few weeks. Please read our testimonial and review pages for feedback from our amazing “shrinking” clients.
As a logical conclusion, the science behind ZERONA® can also be applied to other parts of the body that require the removal of fat to the interstitial spaces in the body. Using the Erchonia® Laser Scanner we have had efficacy with ZERONA® treatment when used on a variety of other areas of the body, including any locations of cellulite as well as the upper back and arms.
For a noninvasive, alternative medical solution to the traditional fat removal procedures and surgeries such as liposuction, invasive laser lipo sculpting, consider the ZERONA® laser procedure. While imitation is the highest form of flattery, as a consumer be aware of imitators and imitations that have not done their own research nor do they get significant comparable results.
How ZERONA® Works

Treatment with the ZERONA® laser is easy, painless, and carefree. Each session can take less than an hour unless longer sessions are requested; the low-level laser is used for a total of 40 minutes during the basic protocol. The laser is first applied to the targeted area from the front, which is generally a combination of the waist, hips, and thighs, for 20 minutes. The patient then turns over and the very same treatment is applied to the opposite side. The minimum suggested treatment period is two weeks, with three full sessions each week and sessions never more than 72 hours apart. You will consult with Dr. Steele before beginning your course of treatment to discuss the results you may expect for your body type, weight, and target loss.
Many patients have described the sessions as relaxing. Some clients catch up on phone calls with friends and loved ones as they lay down or conduct business calls. You simply lay in a comfortable, stationary position for twenty minutes at a time, in a relaxed environment, while the low level laser does all of the work. You are welcome to listen to music, or just close your eyes and rest during the procedure. Listening to white noise such as running water or ocean waves is a relaxing way to spend the forty-minute sessions. Ultimately, the treatment with a Zerona laser is a stark contrast to traditional methods of fat reduction procedures such as liposuction and gastric-bypass surgery. With Zerona, you can simply lie down, relax, and let the laser do all the work. Since the ZERONA® uses “cold” not “hot” laser technology, you feel nothing during the procedure. Unlike other lasers that use heat to achieve results, ZERONA uses minute amounts of light to stimulate fat cells. The amount of light used by ZERONA is minimal, so there is no risk whatsoever to the skin. In fact, patients of all skin types may be safely treated with ZERONA.
At Rittenhouse Laser, Dr. Steele will suggest that you increase your fiber and water intake leading up to the procedure to increase the speed of results; A supplement, Curva, will also be recommended to enhance results and protect the liver as it increases its fat processing workload. At Rittenhouse Laser complimentary rebounding and massage follow immediately after treatment; these are voluntary.
ZERONA® FAQ’s
How does it work?
Through clinical studies it has been demonstrated that the Zerona® low level laser stimulates the fat cell to emulsify (liquefy) the fat within the cell. Then the liquefied fat moves from inside the cell through a temporary pore formed in the cell membrane to outside the cell where it is in the interstitial space until absorbed by the lymphatic system. The pore begins to close again in 42 hours and is fully closed again at 72 hours. Zerona® low level laser results in millions of fat cells becoming smaller so inches are reduced off the waist, hips and thighs. The fat cells are not injured in any way by this process, maintaining their ability to do other bodily functions other than fat storage without interruption. Emptied fat cells result in an overall efffect of body sculpting that is more noticeable than the weight that is lost; the procedure is designed to decrease inches more than pounds. Think of it like turning a grape into a raisin or deflatin a balloon. The fat cells are not injured in any way by this process.
Is it safe if I have a medical condition such as diabetes?
Yes, while ZERONA® may not be as effective on patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders where the metabolic system is potentially impaired, the results achieved may also include improved sugar control, improved cholesterol profile, improvements in blood pressure and less stress on joints. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, ZERONA® should be deferred until you are no longer pregnant or breast feeding. As ZERONA® depends on a well functioning organ system, if you have a significantly impaired heart, liver, kidneys or lymph system, this treatment may not be for you. Additionally, if you have a pacemaker, this treatment may not be for you. Certain medications work well in conjunction with ZERONA®, while others make achieving results slower.Consultation with Dr. Steele will help determine whether you are a good candidate for ZERONA® treatments based on your medical history. Dr. Steele will gladly consult with your primary care physician or specialist to discuss concerns that you or they may have.

What can I expect at my appointments?
For the basic protocol: You may expect 40 minutes to relax, read, listen to music on your iPod or do absolutely nothing. The Zerona® treatment is completely painless. There is no heat or any significant sensation felt whatsoever while being treated. At each treatment you will be met by the physician or her technician who will position the laser to focus on the desired areas of the body containing subcutaneous fat. They will step out for 20 minutes while the front of your body is treated and then will return to reset the position for the posterior side of your body for an additional 20 minutes. After you are done you may return to your normal activities without interruption, pain, swelling or discomfort.
What happens if I miss an appointment?
It is not recommended that you miss an appointment. Prior to starting the Zerona® treatment, it is important that you are committed to the recommended lifestyle protocol which includes at least the FDA approved 6 treatment sessions, every other day for 40 minutes and not to exceed 72 hours between treatments. If more than 72 hours intervenes, some of the fat may be taken up by the fat cells again, instead of being eliminated from the body.
How is it different than liposuction?
Liposuction is an invasive procedure that removes the entire area of fat cells from deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Liposuction can be accomplished either with the use of general anesthesia, or with IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia. In contrast, the Zerona® treatment is a 100% non-invasive procedure that uses a low level laser applied externally to stimulate the fat cell to liquefy and release fat. There is no use of anesthesia, nor any gels, creams, numbing agents, or needles. There is no pain, discomfort caused or time needed for recovery.
How is it different from other “non-invasive” body slimming techniques?
The Zerona® laser is the only completely safe and effective non-invasive treatment for body slimming on the market today and Rittenhouse Laser is the first to offer it in Philadelphia. There is no possibility of injury. No technician will be pushing on you or using any device against your body. You simply lay beneath the Zerona® lights.
Is there any work or social down time?
Absolutely ZERO down time. During the treatment you will feel no discomfort. No anesthesia will be used and you can resume normal activities immediately following each treatment session.
Does it work for everyone?
Zerona® is effective, please see our reviews, testimonials and our photo gallery. Your adherence to the protocol will enhance the results you achieve with Zerona®. Most individuals are good candidates. Even people who are not overweight can lose inches. Clinically overweight and obese patients will also benefit from Zerona®. A significant improvement in body shape and better fitting clothing achieved over a short period of time is a great motivator for compliance with an overall weight management program.
What areas of the body can be targeted?
The Zerona® treatment can be used effectively on essentially every part of the body where localized subcutaneous fat deposits exist, especially those that remain even after diet and exercise. Most female clients start with treating the waist, hips and thighs (muffin top, saddle bags…) and male clients begin with the torso and waist (love handles, beer belly, moobs…) which can all be targeted at each treatment session. Other areas that may be targeted include upper arms, bra-line fat, inner knees, ankles, back fat, double chin and buttocks with additional spot treatments.
Is it safe?
Yes, it is a safe alternative to invasive procedures such as tumescent liposuction, lipodissolve and other non-invasive devices such as Accent, VelaShape, and Thermage, and others that rely on heating or rolling the tissue which may cause discomfort or harm. None of these have the proven data showing how fat cell size is reduced as does Zerona®. The Zerona® treatment is 100% non-invasive and causes no bruising, scarring or lost time from daily activities. During the treatment you will feel no discomfort, no anesthesia will be used and you can resume normal activities immediately following each session.
Are there any side effects?
No. The treatment process is completely non-invasive and there are absolutely no side effects beyond loss of inches and fat. Some clients have had improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol ratios, glucose control and joint discomfort.
How long do the results last?
By maintaining a healthy diet and exercise you can expect long-term results. Zerona® is especially ideal for 2 types of people: those that already follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and want to remove localized pockets of fat OR those who want to use the Zerona and the recommended lifestyle protocol to “jump start” their slimming efforts as motivation for maintaining a healthier and slimmer lifestyle.
Can I do the procedure multiple times? And how soon after my last treatment can I do a second treatment?
Yes, with additional treatments you can expect to see additional results. You can start an additional series of Zerona® treatments immediately following your last treatment. At Rittenhouse Laser, our clients have lost up to 31 total inches with a extended treatment sessions and extended treatment series or a combination of both. You can also maintain your results with periodic Zerona® treatments series and schedule sessions for touch-ups should you stray from your healthy living program.
Zerona FDA-Approved For Body Slimming
Zerona is the first non-invasive fat reduction device to receive FDA-approval!
The Zerona, a Low Level Laser Therapy, is the first non-invasive aesthetic device to receive FDA market clearance in the U.S. for circumferential reduction of the waist, hips, and thighs. ZERONA has been featured on the The Doctors, CBS Early Show, Rachael Ray, Dr. Oz and many other national & local news segments. The FDA granted market clearance following the completion of a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi-site clinical investigation evaluating sixty-seven study participants. The results obtained from that study demonstrated an average inch loss reduction of 3.65 inches across patient’s waist, hips, and thighs in as little as two weeks. The clinical trial, absent of diet restrictions, exercise requirements, or any other adjunctive components properly illustrated the clinical utility of the Zerona and set the precedent on how aesthetic devices should be evaluated. FDA clearance for body contouring is just the latest clearance in a long line for Erchonia’s low-level laser devices having already earned FDA market clearances for breast augmentation (2008), acne (2005), liposuction (2004), and chronic pain (2001).
The procedure works by shining a specific light wavelength at the treatment area. The fat cells in the body, under the influence of this specialized laser light, of low energy, with no heating, causes fat cells to leak fat safely. Treatments are performed every other or every 3rd day for 2 weeks or more weeks. During that time fat that has come out of the fat cell is pulled by the body’s lymphatic system away into the circulatory system and into the liver to be metabolized. The result is body slimming: inches are lost over the entire body.
Having no predicate devices to base FDA clearance on, the Zerona had to undergo a review process called de novo, which is completed by the FDA in an average of 750 days. Erchonia submitted clinical data in August 2008 and was granted approval for safety and effectiveness nearly two years later.
The FDA also went so far as to describe the Zerona’s mechanism of action as the “disruption of the adipocyte cells within the fat layer for the release of fat and lipids from these cells for non-invasive aesthetic use” and as a Class II device: “Low Level Laser System for Aesthetic Use.”
Terms And Conditions
Zerona Fine Print – Please Read:
By consenting to Zerona sessions or purchasing a Zerona package, you are agreeing to adhere to the recommended protocol and the following terms:
• Appointments are required and subject to availability
• A $25 rescheduling fee will be due before next session for each missed, cancelled or changed appointment.
Fee must be paid prior to receiving the next session or Client may choose to forfeit the missed visit completely.
• All services must be used by same client; cannot be shared
• Must be 18 or over
• Not applicable toward prior purchases
• May not be combined with any other offer.
To help us achieve this, we have the following policy in place:
* If you schedule your initial or final Zerona Consultations and are a no show for your appointment, or cancel/change your appointment without 24 hours notice, you will be subject to a $90 fee. Thank you.
* If you schedule a Zerona Session and are a no show for your appointment, or cancel/change your appointment without 24 hour notice, you will be subject to a $35 fee. Thank you.
Regarding purchasing Zerona packages, we have a no refund policy: All sales are final. The $60 Zerona consultation fee is waived when package purchased or Curva supplement $60 purchase is made at initial visit.



