VelaShape™

Advanced Dermatology announces the arrival of the VelaShape™, the next generation of the VelaSmooth™ device.

The VelaShape™ is a device that combines ELOS (light energy between 700-2000nm and radio frequency energy) with mechanical manipulation of the skin using gentle vacuum suction with or without mechanical manipulation. It is designed for use in medical and aesthetic-medical practices and is indicated for a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Body contouring benefits and reduction in circumferential measurements may also be achieved in some, but not all patients. The application of ELOS is intended to heat the adipose tissue contributing to cellulite. The hyperthermic effect on these fat cells increases the metabolism of stored energy (lipolysis), thereby reducing or shrinking the size of the actual fat chamber. Shrinkage of the fat chamber reduces the bumpiness of skin, which is caused by distended fat cell protruding up from the anchored connective tissue. The mechanical action of the rollers gently kneads the skin and facilitates deeper penetration of heat. This may also stretch the connective tissue temporarily giving the skin surface a smoother appearance as early as four treatments. The suction that is applied to the skin dilates the blood vessels and improves local circulation to the skin.

There are two applicators that may be used during the VelaShape™ treatment. The VSmooth Applicator utilizes infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical manipulation by vacuum and massage rollers. It is designed for the treatment of large body areas such as thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Calves and arms that area large enough may be also treated by the VSmooth Applicator.

The VContour Applicator utilizes infrared, radio-frequency, and mechanical manipulation by vacuum only. It is designed for the treatment of small body areas such as calves, arms, bra-line, under-chin, and face, as well as for reinforcement of results achieved by the VSmooth Applicator. 

 

 
 

What is VelaShape™?

The VelaShape™ is the next generation of the VelaSmooth™ technology.  VelaShape™ is the first FDA-cleared non-invasive treatment for circumferential reduction and cellulite reduction. VelaShape™ precisely targets problem areas including: posterior thigh, buttocks, outer thighs and hips, anterior thigh, inner thigh, and saddlebags. Featuring the revolutionary elos combination of Bi-Polar radiofrequency (RF), infrared light energies, plus negative pressure and tissue manipulation, the VelaShape™ increases the oxygen intracellular diffusion by heating the skin while vacuum and specially designed rollers manipulate and smooth out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient energy delivery. The net result increases the metabolism of stored energy (lipolysis), increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat chamber. The result: A reduction in the circumference of the treated area and a smoother appearance of the skin’s surface.
 
The treatment protocol is an initial 4-6 sessions over a 4-6 week period. After the initial series, maintenance treatments will be needed.
 
The VelaSmooth™ was FDA approved for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite.  The scientific principle involves the increase of oxygen to the fat cells which result in an increase in metabolic activity.  The treatment program consists of 2 biweekly treatments for 7-8 weeks.  Maintenance treatments need to be performed monthly to retain the effect.  Many devices have been marketed in the past for the reduction of cellulite yet most have not lasted due to the lack of reproducible results and maintainable results.  The VelaSmooth™ represents a new generation of high tech medical spa equipment that has measurable, reproducible, and maintainable results and a wide appeal to many people of all ages.

  

The VelaSmooth™ was FDA approved for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite and for the relief of minor muscle aches, pain, and spasm, and the temporary improvement of local blood circulation on June 13, 2005.

 

Who is a candidate?

Anyone who wants improvement of the appearance of cellulite and/or contour in the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, or upper arms who understands the risks, costs and time necessary to achieve the full benefit of the procedure and who has realistic expectations of the ultimate outcome.

 
Because there is deep tissue heating (up to 10mm), patients who have any superficial metal or conductive implants, rods, plates, or pins in the treatment area should not undergo VelaShape™ treatments. We also cannot perform treatments on the abdomen in patients who have a hernia. You should not have these treatments if you are pregnant, or nursing as well as 3-6 months post-childbirth or until normal hormonal balance is regained. If you have a pacemaker or internal defibrillator, you may not have this treatment.

What is VelaShape™ like?

The VelaShape™ treatment is described as a warm, massaging sensation.  The mechanical rollers and vacuum suction “pull up” the skin so there is gentle stretching of the skin surface as the applicator is passed over the area.  If the radiofrequency coupling is broken with the skin during a pass, a pinching sensation may be felt.

 

The treatment protocol is an initial series of 4-6 treatments over 4-6 weeks.  Treatments are performed once a week.  After the initial series, maintenance treatments will be necessary.  The frequency of maintenance treatments is slightly variable but the average is one session per month.

How does VelaShape™ work ?

The application of elos is intended to heat the adipose tissue contributing to cellulite.  The hyperthermic effect on these fat cells increases the metabolism of stored energy (lipolysis), thereby reducing or shrinking the size of the actual fat chamber.  Shrinkage of the fat chamber reduces the bumpiness of the skin, which is caused by distended fat cells protruding up from the anchored connective tissue.  The mechanical action of the rollers gently kneads the skin and facilitates deeper penetration of heat.  This may also stretch the connective tissue temporarily giving the skin surface a smoother appearance which may be visible in as little as four treatments.  The suction that is applied to the skin dilated the blood vessels and improved local circulation to the skin.

What type of equipment is used?

There are two applicators that may be used during the VelaShapeTM treatment. The VSmooth Applicator utilizes infrared, radio-frequency and mechanical manipulation by vacuum and massage rollers. It is designed for the treatment of large body areas such as thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Calves and arms that area large enough may be also treated by the VSmooth Applicator.

The VContour Applicator utilizes infrared, radio-frequency, and mechanical manipulation by vacuum only. It is designed for the treatment of small body areas such as calves, arms, bra-line, under-chin, and face, as well as for reinforcement of results achieved by the VSmooth Applicator.

What desired results can be expected?

Understanding cellulite and the contributing factors helps to explain why the condition can only be temporarily improved.  Body fat levels, diet, lifestyle, fluid retention and distribution, hormones, and genetics all affect the appearance of cellulite.  In clinical trials, cellulite was improved from the VelaShape™ treatments without any other lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.  While this indicates when the VelaShape™ efficacy is not necessarily dependent upon patient compliance to a diet and exercise regime, patients should expect that improvement in the appearance of cellulite is temporary and a maintenance program should be continued.  Healthy eating patterns, adequate water intake, regular exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices are recommended for maximum results.

Are there any negatives?

There are very few negatives with this treatment program.

 

If the radiofrequency coupling is broken with the skin during a pass, a pinching sensation may be felt.  The treatment area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after treatment.  Bruising is also uncommon, although the risk increases if you take aspirin products or are on blood thinners.  Bruises are temporary and resolve in 1-2 weeks.
 
Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters, burns and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days on average. Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing. There is a <0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar. It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is usually not broken.

What happens after VelaShape™?

The treatment area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after the treatment.

 

After the initial series, maintenance treatments will be necessary.  The frequency will depend on how much improvement was achieved from the initial series of treatments.  Maintenance is generally recommended on a monthly interval.

Is there another way to get the same effect?

Alternatives to VelaShape™ include VelaSmooth™, liposuction, mesotherapy, endermology, and ionithermie.

How is this different than other procedures?

The VelaShape™ treatment is non-invasive with minimal risks and no down-time, like the VelaSmooth™, but is ten times stronger than the VelaSmooth™ technology, resulting in faster and better results. 
 
Liposuction is a surgical procedure involving anesthesia, injection, and potential risk of infection.  In addition, liposuction is for reducing fat pockets and doesn’t usually help cellulite.  Mesotherapy may be effective but there are few if any clinical trials, it is not approved for use in the United States by the FDA and there isn’t much agreement on what the key ingredients or their concentrations should be.  Therefore, due to lack of safety data on this option, we do not offer it at Advanced Dermatology.  Topical treatments may help improve the results but usually give less degree of results.  Ionithermie and endermology give some more modest results and in many cases require more maintenance visits.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

This treatment program may be combined with other treatment methods such as topical therapy to potentially increase results.

What is the cost of VelaShape™?

The cost of these procedures is based on a program rate.  Please call Advanced Dermatology for a consultation and the Cosmetic Coordinator will develop a personalized treatment protocol with you.

 

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