Contour Light Therapy – What is it and How Does it Work?

Contour light therapy is one of the buzzwords of 2025. But why is it gaining so much popularity?

Contour light therapy is done using LED light. This recent discovery aids in pain management, weight loss, and even skin tightening of specific areas of the body. The non-invasive nature of this therapy and its long-term, measurable results are the two reasons behind its popularity. So, unlike traditional weight loss and contouring methods, LED-based therapies, especially red light and infrared or near-infrared light, target the fat cells in a safe way. 

But what is it, and how does it work? In this article, we answer these questions so you can learn what LED-based light therapy is all about and whether it is for you.

What is Red Light Therapy?

Our skin is made up of connective tissue. One of the major components of this connective tissue is collagen. When we are young, our skin has tons of collagen, making it elastic and flexible. However, as we age, collagen production decreases. The result? The skin loses its elasticity and sagging. 

Research shows that LED light helps stimulate the production of collagen in areas of the body. Increased collagen means the skin’s elasticity is restored, reducing the wrinkly look of loose, sagging skin. For example, one area of the body, the upper arms, has been shown to have noticeable improvement using red light therapy.

Red light or low-level laser light therapy is the wavelength of light energy that ranges from between 620 and 750 nanometers (nm). This longer wavelength means the light can penetrate deep into the cells, enhancing cellular energy and promoting healing, skin rejuvenation, and contouring. 

Red light therapy is used to alleviate chronic pain and boost skin appearance. The treatment also helps protect against cellular damage from the sun and tackle different skin problems.

How Does Red Light Therapy Work for Weight Loss?

Red light therapy for weight loss is done using specialized pads. In most red light therapy products, the light-emitting diodes are attached to a flexible pad. 

Some devices also have a unique pad design to boost effectiveness. For instance, some have a reflective coating on the pads of the contour light system. Contour light’s proprietary reflective coating reflective surface traps any deviating red light and redirects it back to the tissue.

Some red light therapy devices consist of lenses that diverge the red light. This allows the device to deliver concentrated red light that penetrates deep into the tissue. 

Many similar devices also use a dual red light source of 650nm red light and 850nm near-infrared light. Devices that combine the beneficial aspects of both frequencies are quite new. This latest advancement allows deeper penetration into the cells. But how does it work for weight loss?

Clinical studies show that when a fat cell is exposed to mid-600 nm light, it releases 99% of its contents. The light also stimulates the mitochondria during the process. The mitochondria go through a process called photobiostimulation. 

The photobiostimulation process makes the cell wall open and allows the cells to drain out the fat content. The fat content is then drained from the body through the lymphatic system. It makes use of the liver and kidneys to drain it out.

However, red light therapy alone cannot produce dramatic results. A healthy diet can work on weight control while red light therapy can offer a non-invasive body contouring for perfecting your appearance.

Contour Light vs. Liposuction 

Contour light therapy and liposuction are two popular methods for body contouring. However, both their approach and impact vary greatly. 

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that physically removes fat through suction. Contour light therapy is a procedure that uses LED light to stimulate fat cells. Meaning that it involves no surgery, needles, or downtime. 

While liposuction requires anesthesia and a recovery period, it does provide impressive results. The results of contour therapy are gradual. So, you won’t see a visible difference after the first session. But, through gradual treatment, contour therapy promotes skin elasticity. 

Pricing is also a major difference. Liposuction, being a surgical procedure, is expensive. Red light therapy is an affordable alternative. 

Because contour therapy or red light therapy is an affordable, pain-free method without the risks of surgery, it is an attractive choice for many individuals who prioritize safety and convenience.

​To Sum It Up

Contour light therapy is a non-invasive body contouring treatment. It uses LED red and near-infrared light to boost weight loss and body contouring. Clinical studies show that this skin rejuvenation technology effectively improves skin texture. Red light is also used to relax muscle tissue, which aids in pain relief. However, the pain relief LED-based system is more compact and targeted for results.

For weight loss, red light technology offers gradual results over multiple sessions. However, the procedure’s non-invasive, drug-free, and side-effect-free nature makes it quite appealing. There are no risks or recovery time of traditional methods like liposuction. So, for those who want to improve their skin’s appearance and contour their body, red light therapy is the best alternative. 

About the author
Shannon M
Shannon M's extensive experience in addiction recovery spans several decades. Her journey started at a young age when she attended treatment aftercare sessions for a family member and joined Alateen meetings, a support group for young people affected by a loved one's addiction. In 1994, Shannon personally experienced the challenges of addiction and took the courageous step of joining Alcoholics Anonymous. This experience gave her a unique perspective on the addiction recovery process, which would prove invaluable in her future work. Shannon's passion for helping others navigate the complexities of addiction led her to pursue a degree in English with a minor in Substance Abuse Studies from Texas Tech University. She completed her degree in 1996, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective support to those struggling with addiction. Shannon M both writes for Sober Speak and edits other writer's work that wish to remain anonymous.