ABSTRACT
Low-level laser (or light) therapy (LLLT) is characterized by utiliza-
tion of photons to alter biological activity. Tissue chromophores such
as cytochrome c oxidase are excited by light within a certain range of
wavelength, thus bringing about a series of cellular events. Although
many potential mechanisms of action have been proposed for LLLT,
the largely accepted mechanism of action of LLLT is through the
activation of mitochondria. The components of electron transport
chain in the mitochondria serve as targets for the action of LLLT
(chromophores) and lead to mitochondrial activation and, in turn,
stimulation of ATP production. These events further lead to the
generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of nitric
oxide, which ultimately result in the stimulation of redox-sensitive
transcription factors and expression of gene products. With the
cumulative effect of these events, LLLT results in the inhibition of
apoptosis, wound healing, tissue repair, and other long-term effects.
Non-thermal, coherent light sources (lasers) or non-coherent light
sources consisting of filtered lamps or light-emitting diodes (LED)
are used in this type of therapy. LLLT is being increasingly used
for the acceleration of tissue repair and regeneration, reduction of
inflammation and pain, and prevention of tissue damage (Chung et
al., 2012; Gupta et al., 2012). In this chapter, we will briefly discuss
the application of LLLT in fat reduction procedures and cellulite
treatment.
