So I waited a few weeks before writing this review to see if I saw results and I do think it helped. I forgot to measure the before and after and I'm not going to take pictures because I'm not too comfortable posting. So I guess my point is that I don't have any solid data other than my opinion. It took about a week to receive this and the gel so I couldn't start using it right away. While I was waiting, I did change my diet (I cut out snacks and increased my water intake) and I started to increase my activity (I started walking more), so I can't say that the changes I saw were 100% due to this product. However, I will say that I have done diet and exercise before and did not see results so quickly. After using this, I still don't snack and I hit my step goal most days, I noticed my legs are tighter and I think my abs look better. I did try using it on my arms and upper chest and I noticed that those areas were more sensitive than my hamstrings and abs and I could only handle level 3, while other areas were only able to handle level 8. The heating element is not hot enough to burn the skin, it's actually just a little hot. There is a slight electric sensation every 5 seconds or so, which I'm guessing is the alternating laser pulses. I've only used the fat burning setting so I'm not sure if the other settings would feel that way. It wasn't a painful feeling, the first time I thought I had pulled out a hair. I've been using it every other day for almost three weeks now and I'm very happy with it so far. I'll continue to use it as I feel every little bit helps.