Several published studies have revealed a unique biological effect in adipocytes following low-level laser stimulation. Dr. Rodrigo Neira and coworkers were able to demonstrate that low-level laser light at 635nm emulsified isolated adipose panicles. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) revealed the collapse of fat-filled adipocytes in panicle arrangements following 6 minutes of laser irradiation.

Dr. Niera identified the formation of an aperture or transitory pore within the membrane of adipocytes following LLLT, and showed the movement of stored adipocyte contents across the membrane and into the extracellular space.

Dr. Niera concluded that adipocyte collapse was the result of the disrupted adipocyte membrane induced by laser irradiation. Work published by Dr. Solarte (2002) studied the visible light transmission spectra for different dissolution concentrations of adipocytes and observed changes in the optical transmittance of irradiated samples, and confirmed that morphological changes of adipocytes were the result of laser therapy.

A placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical investigation revealed that low-level laser irradiation could serve as an independent, non-invasive instrument for the reduction of subcutaneous fat tissue.​