Frequently Asked Questions

Celluma V LED Devices from Other Brands

We believe most LED devices sold on eBay, Amazon and many more outlets are imports from undisclosed origins with no industry standard credentials, meaning they have not been reviewed by the FDA, TUV, UL, CE, ISO or any other agency that regulates the manufacture of medical devices for safety and efficacy. One serious red flag is that they are available under different names all over the internet as well on eBay, Amazon and many more outlets. The price range is from approx. $150-$320. In addition, they may purport to use green and yellow, or amber wavelengths which have no basis for treating skin conditions in scientific research.

As the manufacturer of Celluma, a Class II medical device, BioPhotas is registered and regulated by the FDA, ISO (International Standards Organization) and many other regulatory agencies. Celluma is also medially CE-Marked as a Class IIa device in Europe, and is the first device of its kind to receive this status. We cannot compare a medical device like Celluma to this kind contrivance and we would advise anyone who is considering purchasing this machine to be forewarned as it is certainly not proven to do anything. There are well-understood and proven parameters that affect the efficacy of a light therapy device, and no other device on the market meets these parameters like Celluma. We are happy to provide additional information on these parameters if you desire, just let us know.

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What makes Celluma unique compared to other devices on the market?

The most significant difference is that Celluma devices are flexible and shape-taking, without the need to hold it in place or the need to use a stand or cradle. Almost all Celluma devices can be contoured to the treatment area. Several devices are battery powered meaning they do not need to be plugged into a power outlet to be used, making them extremely versatile. The Celluma SERIES is the most medically credentialed LED device in the world as well as the most award winning. The Celluma PRO and iPRO (battery powered) are popular and versatile devices.

What is low-level-light therapy?

Low-level-light therapy or photobiomodulation is based on Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology and is the application of light energy to the body for therapeutic benefits. It promotes a natural photobiochemical reaction similar to the process of plant photosynthesis. The energy delivered by the LEDs has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism, accelerate the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulate the production of collagen — the foundation of healthy, smooth skin. Research has shown that LED light therapy may help smooth skin texture, improve skin firmness and resilience, increase lymphatic system activity, restore skin’s natural cellular activity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and superficial hyperpigmentation. The treatment is for all skin types, and is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime. Patients or clients can return to their normal activity immediately after the treatment.

For what purpose is light therapy used?

Based on extensive research, low-level-light therapy devices have been cleared by the FDA, and shown to manage:

  • Muscle spasm
  • Hair restoration
  • Body contouring
  • Facial wrinkles and rhytides
  • Minor muscle and joint aches
  • Mild to moderate acne vulgaris
  • Minor muscle, joint and arthritic pain
  • Pain and stiffness associated with arthritis
  • Sub-optimal local blood flow and circulation
  • Superficial, benign vascular and pigment lesions
  • Minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of a musculoskeletal origin

What do you feel during a light therapy session?

Light therapy is non-invasive and painless when used as intended.

Can the Celluma touch the skin?

Absolutely! The closer to the skin the better. The only time you won’t want Celluma totouch the skin is when you are treating open wounds and concerned about cross-contamination. In these cases, we recommend using the Celluma disposable hygienebarriers.

How does one know that Celluma works?

The Celluma brand has the most medical credentials and clearances of any LED device on the market anywhere in the world. It is FDA-cleared and medically CE marked as well as ISO certified.

Is a LASER the same as an LED?

No, LASER machines are different than LED devices and generally not cleared for use in the home. However, there are different categories of LASERs. Cold and soft LASERs are categorized as low-level light therapy devices just like LED devices. LED and cold LASERs are cleared for the same indications. However, LASERs have inherent drawbacks including extremely small treatment areas, and they are much more expensive to manufacture and maintain. Some companies market their LED devices as LASERs which is both misleading and dangerous.

Are there any harmful side effects to low-level light therapy?

LED devices are considered extremely low risk when used as intended.

Does Light therapy hurt?

No. Light therapy is non-invasive and is painless when used as intended.

How safe is light therapy?

Low-level-light therapy is based on light emitting diode (LED) technology developed for NASA-manned space flight experiments. In comparison to lasers, the patented LED technology generates negligible amounts of heat and is not considered a significant risk device.

Does light therapy utilize UV light?

No. Celluma utilizes a combination of blue, red, and near-infrared (not visible to the naked eye) light emitting diodes (LEDs) only.

How long does a Celluma session last?

Thirty (30) minutes.

Are there any special preparations required before using Celluma?

Celluma should be in close proximity to the area being treated. Skin should also be free of clothing, makeup, or anything else that may deflect light away from the skin.

How close should Celluma be placed to the treatment area?

Position Celluma as close to your skin as possible, the closer the better. One key advantage to Celluma is its patented flexible design, which allows for close positioning to the skin, and may lead to more effective results.

Why do I need to remove my makeup?

Many makeup formulas contain minerals that may deflect light. Clean, freshly washed skin is recommended for best results.

Can I apply makeup after a Celluma session?

Yes. You may resume all normal activities immediately following use.

Can I travel with Celluma?

Yes. Celluma is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for travel. For travel outside of the U.S., be sure to check for correct power source and electrical input. An International Celluma Adapter Kit is included with all devices.

Who can use Celluma?

Celluma should not be used on children under 12, or over the breast or stomach of a breast-feeding or pregnant person. Please refer to the User Manual for a complete list of contraindications.

Which wavelengths are used in Celluma?

Celluma emits blue 465nm for acne, red 640nm for skin conditions and wound healing, and infrared 880nm for pain and inflammation. Any blue, red, or near-infrared wavelength within an acceptable wavelength range will be capable of achieving similar results.

Why does Celluma not use other wavelengths such as yellow, green, or amber?

There is no credible research to support the therapeutic value of wavelengths other than blue, red and near infrared. Blue, red and near-infrared wavelengths are supported by thousands of peer-reviewed clinical research studies to have significant therapeutic value when utilized correctly.

What is the most effective wavelength (color)?

It’s important to choose a device emitting evidence-based wavelengths (colors); blue, red and near-infrared. These wavelengths have been widely shown to increase ATP production in cells which are compromised due to aging, illness, disease, or just poor lifestyle choices. Blue addresses acne issues, while red and near-infrared decrease inflammation and increase micro-circulation to bring more oxygen and nutrients to the area. In aesthetics, red and near-infrared are particularly desirable for their ability to stimulate fibroblast activity and boost collagen and elastin production. No other wavelengths are more broadly supported incredible scientific research.

What’s the difference between near and far infrared?

On the electromagnetic spectrum, infrared wavelengths are between 700 nm to 1mm and divided into 3 ranges; near, mid, and far-infrared. Only near-infrared wavelengths are used in Celluma because these wavelengths are capable of being absorbed by the mitochondria to increase ATP so compromised cells do their job more effectively. Mid and far infrared cannot penetrate the cells and cannot be absorbed by the mitochondria, so these wavelengths do not upregulate mitochondrial activity. For this reason, they are not used in LED devices. However, mid-, and far infrared are used in heating lamps and in saunas as they emit thermal energy which can have a detoxifying effect on the body. The near-infrared wavelength used in Celluma does not emit thermal energy.

Are More LED’s better?

Not necessarily! What’s important is that an LED device emits between 2 and 10 joules per centimeter squared, at or close to the surface of the skin, to improve cellular energy and increase tissue repair and healing

Can you explain the flash I see while under the Celluma?

During the initial phase of the treatment program, the power output of the device ramps up from about 1% output to 100% output, or what is called “peak” output. This happens in the first minute of the 30-minute treatment period. Thereafter, the device varies in output from30% to 90% of peak output, never again reaching 100% output. Think of this as a jet plane rolling out onto the running way and revving the engines to full power, before initiating a normal take-off. The flash people see is the device reaching max output before the device settles back into the regular treatment algorithm and is completely normal.

Have a Question? Let Us Help!

Speak with a trained Celluma expert today. Call 1.877.624.4476