What is VelaShape?

There has been a dramatic increase of interest in the VelaShape (a device from Syneron laser company), much of it due to recent appearances on TV such as "Keeping up with the Kardashians", "Dr. Phil", and "Rachel Ray" shows, and because more and more clients are discovering it really works.  In our practice we've been very excited by the changes we are seeing for our clients as they smooth their cellulite and reduce unwanted bulges.  It is interesting because we see that many of the clients are very self-conscious about their cellulite, and it can be an emotional issue.

We were fortunate to be one of the FDA investigators for the original VelaSmooth in 2004-2005, and have seen that even with the first generation device, we were able to get consistent results with cellulite smoothing.  Initially, the protocols recommended were too weak and gave variable results, but once we revised the protocols and looked for certain proper clinical endpoints, the results were practically unavoidable.  As a positive side effect, the clients would also lose on average about 2-3 cm on the thighs, and an average of 3-6 cm on the abdomen.  Other patients would report improved health and energy, and attributed it to improved lyphatic flow caused by the massaging action of the treatment head.  For the VelaSmooth, we found that it would take around 8-10 treatments to achieve desired results.

In August 2008, the VelaShape was introduced, with significant improvements in its energy intensity and energy delivery.  The bipolar radiofrequency energy was increased 2.5 times over that of the VelaSmooth.  The improvements helped to make the VelaShape more effective, and brought the number of treatments down to 4 or 5 weekly treatments.  Practices that had difficulty hitting the endpoints with the VelaSmooth suddenly were able to reach effective levels more easily and consistently.  We have taken the current protocols for VelaShape, and when we enhance them we are seeing even better results, even after the 1st treatment.  After 5 treatments, we usually see at least 3 cm reduction of the abdomen, but many are around 4-7cm reduction, some as much as 10cm reduction. 

As the medical director for our offices, I am actively involved with all treatments, so we are able to make these changes in protocols and see the improvements quickly.  Some practices may not have an actively involved medical director, and therefore their staff may not have the authority to change settings and treatment approaches.  My hope is that everyone continues to raise their standards so that ALL the clients will get the best results possible.  In the circles of doctors that we know offering VelaShape, with the enhanced protocols, their patient satisfaction is over 90%.  My other hope is that these satisfied clients will take the time to find sites like RealSelf.com and post their experiences, and not just the unhappy clients that want to vent their frustrations.  Regarding unhappy clients, we need to get the training and education to those practices so that they can also provide the consistency of positive results.

That was the basic part, now for the academics:

Regarding the technical aspects of the VelaShape, this device utilizes a combination of multiple energies:

1.  Bipolar radiofrequency electrical (RF) energy -- 2 metallic contact points approximately 3-4 cm apart (depending on which treatment head used) where an electrical current oscillates at 1mhz (radiofrequeny level) between them.  There is no electrical sensation felt, just even heating of the skin down to approx 2cm depth in the fat.  It's important to note that RF energy is "color blind" and functions the same and heats the same way regardless of the color of your skin.  So this is safe for all skin colors.

2.  Infrared light energy -- technically not a "laser" which is only one single wavelength, this infrared energy is in the 700nm-2000nm wavelength spectrum.  These longer wavelengths of light penetrate more deeply into tissue than shorter wavelengths of light.  Some alternative medicine and Chinese medicine approaches utilize infrared light for healthful benefits too.  In the VelaShape, it works synergistically with the RF energy, and focuses the heating at the 2mm-20mm depth (collagen at 2.5mm, fat from 3mm and deeper) so energy is delivered exactly at the correct depth.  Infrared wavelengths are minimally affected by the color of skin, so it is also safe for all skin colors.

3.  Vacuum suction and massage -- there is a pulsating suction effect that helps to enhance circulation at the peripheral (outer) skin and tissue areas.  At these peripheral areas of the thighs, etc., much of the circulation of blood and lymphatics at normal atmospheric pressure is closed.  When the VelaShape device is passed over these areas, the circulation is opened and enhanced.  Some theories of cellulite formation attribute it to poor circulation at these areas.  This suction effect is also responsible for the many clients that report improved health and energy, as it improves and promotes the lymphatic circulation.

The mechanism of action that occurs with the combined energies is that the fat tissue is heated to 38-45 degrees Celcius.  It is important to note that the energies and focus of the heating is between 2-20mm depth.  Energies are not being radiated to other parts of the body which would cause unwanted collateral damaging effects (which sometimes occurs with monopolar RF devices or ultrasound-based devices).

When the fat tissue is heated to this level, there is a shift of metabolism to a higher rate (more than doubles).  Also, the fat cells shift from consuming glucose in the blood to consuming fat in the cells.  The heating also changes the viscosity of water and diffusion rate of oxygen so that oxyhemoglobin (oxygen) is easily and quickly transferred from the capillaries into the mitochondria of the cells.

The effect is that the fat cells shrink as they consume the fat on the areas treated.  The other effect is that there is a tightening of the skin, because when collagen (at 2.5mm depth) is heated to around 40 degrees Celcius, it actually contracts, tightening skin, and the body is stimulated to produce more collagen.  This makes the skin softer, more elastic, and overall younger.

Unofficially we also believe that the heat levels reached in the fat also are affecting the cell membranes, and along with shrinking the cells, there is a reduction in number of cells.  The mechanisms including destruction of fat cells and also down-regulation in the number of cells. (the body can multiply the fat cells easily when you gain weight, but it normally only reduces the number very slowly, VelaShape increases the reduction rate)

In addition to treatment of cellulite and unwanted fat, the VelaShape is used to treat stretchmarks which tighten and shrink as the client loses inches.  Tightening of skin occurs as the fat is reducing, so the VelaShape will not cause you to have looser skin like Lipodissolve, liposuction, or Endermologie.

Areas treated include the obvious buttocks, thighs, abdomen, love handles, "bra-fat pad", arms, and we also use it on parts of the neck and lower jaw.  Some Asian countries also use it on their face for firming and fat reduction, but that is not typical here.

If you have other questions about the VelaShape or other treatments, please ask, as I could go on and on.  We love this stuff, mostly because of the positive changes we are able to give to our clients!