i-Lipo is a device produced by a UK company called Chromogenex. It is a low-level laser device that is said to cause fat cell breakdown without surgery, anesthesia, needles, pain, or downtime. Multiple treatments are "needed" for maximum benefit, and oh, by the way, "A period of exercise post treatment will ensure the complete metabolism and thus elimination from the body of the freed fatty acids." (copied from company website)
Actually, here is more direct copy from the website describing how this device reportedly works:
"The i-Lipo emits low levels of laser energy, which creates a chemical signal in the fat cells, breaking down the stored triglycerides into free fatty acids and glycerol and releasing them though channels in the cell membranes. The fatty acids and glycerol are then transported around the body to the tissues that will use them during metabolism to create energy. This process of fatty acid release is a natural response of the body when the body needs to used stored energy reserves, thus i-Lipo is not creating any unnatural reaction in the body nor does it affect or damage any surrounding structures such as skin, blood vessels and peripheral nerves. A period of exercise post treatment will ensure the complete metabolism and thus elimination from the body of the freed fatty acids."
Chromogenex recommends 2 treatments per week for 4 weeks, and claims a 2-4cm loss (1%) in abdominal circumference per each treatment session. Each session lasts 20 minutes (10 minutes per side of the abdomen), followed by a recommended 30-minute exercise session to "metabolise the fatty acids freed from the adipose cells during treatment."
These 650nm laser array treatments are not yet available in the US (that I am aware of) and have not been reported in the peer-reviewed scientific or medical literature. While I am skeptical of this device in particular, and this company in general (they produced the N-lite pulsed dye laser for wrinkle treatment years ago--this seemed scientifically reasonable, yet proved to be of minimal clinically-visible benefit in real patients in my hands), the potential effectiveness of this device remains to be proven in actual patients.
If you were to be offered "free" or very-low-cost treatments as part of a study protocol or surgeon's evaluation for consideration of purchase or lease, I see no potential side effects from low-level non-ionizing 650nm red laser light. But my advice at this point is to pay little or nothing, expect little to no response, and be prepared to waste your time (except for the exercise part). Best wishes.