Velashape III Body Contouring
Velashape III is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that will reduce cellulite and decrease the circumference of the thighs and abdomen. It has FDA approval to be used for this purpose. This article explains what the Velashape III is, how it works, the pros and cons of the technology, when you can expect to see results, and how long they will last.
Key Terms
Skin Laxity is when the skin begins to sag and lose its tightness. It occurs as part of the normal again process; however, there are several factors that play a role in skin laxity. They include genetics, diet, lifestyle, sun exposure, stress, and smoking. Staying healthy will keep your skin healthy.
Skin Elasticity is the ability of the skin to stretch and then snap back into place without sagging or wrinkling. Elastosis causes the skin to look wrinkley or sag
The skin structure is made up of two key layers, the superficial epidermis and the deep dermis. The dermis is made up of connective tissue and contains the collagen and elastin fibers that play a key role in the appearance of the skin. The dermis also contains adipose tissue which is used for fat storage and protection. It is this layer that the Velashape III targets.
Velashape III
The technology used by the Velashape III combines infrared light, energy, vacuum, and bipolar radiofrequency to deep heat fat cells and the surrounding connective tissue and dermal collagen cells. The effect of this deep heating in combination with the vacuum stimulates the growth of elastin and collagen. When the growth occurs, it results in the reduction of skin laxity in the local area and an improvement in the texture and appearance of the skin.
It is important to note that Velashape III is not a weight-loss treatment. Contouring is designed to be used in combination with a healthy weight loss program, reaching the spots that diet and exercise just don’t seem to work on. Velashape III contouring works best on those who have a BMI of less than 30 and is considered stage one or two on the Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale.
Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale
The Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale divides cellulite and its appearance into three stages:
Stage One: A pinch test reveals the orange peel like appearance of cellulite but otherwise there is no dimbling while lying down or standing.
Stage Two: The orange peel like appearance of cellulite is evident when standing but not while lying down.
Stage Three: The orange peel like appearance of cellulite is spontaneous appearing when the person is standing and while lying down
Cellulite
Cellulite is dimpled skin that develops in the buttocks and thighs primarily. It affects both menand women but is more common in women due to the distribution of fat, muscle, and connective tissue. The exact cause of cellulite is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of an interaction between the connective tissue in the dermal layer and the layer of fat that lies beneath it.
The factors that contribute to cellulite include the following:
Hormones such as estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin which partially explains why cellulite is more prevalent following menopause.
Age causes the skin to sag which makes cellulite more visible.
A healthy diet and lifestyle have been shown to reduce the likelihood of cellulite.
Genetics play a role in cellulite especially those relating to metabolism and fat distribution.
Pros of Velashape III
As a non invasive treatment, there is no downtime following treatment. This means that appointments can be scheduled at your convenience without the need to juggle your schedule to arrange a quiet period or downtime after the treatment. A session could occur during your lunch break and you could easily return to work straight after without any issues.
The combination of three technologies in one treatment produces results that are usually only seen in invasive treatments. There are virtually no side effects to the treatment, and as it has been approved by the FDA you can be confident that it is safe and you will not suffer adverse effects.
The technologies, when used in combination, increases the number of collagen deposits in the target area, which improves the overall structure of the skin. In addition, using the three technologies in combination results in faster heat penetration, which increases cellular metabolism, lymphatic drainage, collagen depositing and circulation. This results in a reduction in the skins laxity in the target area.
One of the major pros of the Velashape III is it produces superior results when compared to other products or treatments claiming to achieve the same results, including acquostic wave therapy, laser therapy, subcision, vacum assisted precise tissue release, carboxytherapy, and endermologie. Several of these treatments are invasive and there is limited evidence to support their efficacy.
The procedure is not painful or uncomfortable. Those who have undergone treatment have described it as being similar to a hot stone massage.
Velashape III is able to treat all skin types and is available for use in all climates. A typical session will last between 20 and 40 minutes.
Cons of Velashape III
Unlike some of the other available treatments, the Velashape III does not offer a permanent solution. Those undergoing treatment will have to return frequently to maintain the results.
The need for ongoing treatment adds to the cost of the treatment, with most people having a spending limit at which they will no longer be able to afford further treatments.
Due to the temporary nature of the results, when the treatment stops the skin will return to its previous condition. For some people, this is off putting as they do not see that the treatment serves any purpose, given this, and question whether it is the best use of their hard earned cash.
The treatment can cause a noticeable redness to the skin during and after the treatment. While this fades relatively quickly, it does mean those undergoing treatment should be wary booking a session on the same day as a big event.
One of the rare side effects is that the treatment can cause a burn. As with any burn, there is a risk of infection associated with it, which may mean the person needs to take a course of antibiotics to treat.
Although there are no contraindications to the Velashape III, if you have one of the following it is strongly recommended that you consult with your doctor prior to commencing treatment. These conditions include having a pace maker or defibrillator, being pregnant, or any other serious health concerns. While there is no evidence to suggest treatment with the Velashape III will be an issue in any of these conditions, caution is nonetheless strongly recommended.
The Velashape III is not a weight loss treatment. Although, your appearance might suggest weight loss, the treatment is not a solution to those who are trying to lose weight.
Expected Results
Those undergoing treatment can expect to see a decrement in the appearance and the total area of cellulite in the target area after three to six treatments.
The results depend largely on the treatment plan and the frequency of the sessions. The treatment plan is worked out after you have discussed you goals and objectives with the treatment provider. Typically, the initial sessions are bi-weekly until the goal is achieved. Once you are happy with your appearance, a maintenance plan will be worked out for you, so that you can maintain that appearance.
In clinical trials, some participants reported dropping an entire dress size; however, the results are not uniform. A number of different factors can effect the results you can expect to see.
The Velashape III is not a weight loss treatment. Although, your appearance might suggest weight loss, the treatment is not a solution to those who are trying to lose weight.
Duration of Results
It goes without saying, the results achieved by the Velashape III vary from person to person; however, generally speaking most people can expect the results to last between two to three months.
The amount of cellulite to start, the overall skin elasticity, and the persons tolerance of the treatments are the key determinative factors.
Velashape III is a safe and effective treatment for cellulite, that will improve its appearance. The primary disadvantage is the results require ongoing maintenance treatments. The results are seen relatively quickly and when the treatment is used in combination with a healthy diet and lifestyle is an effective way of ensuring your skin always looks its best.
In New York, the Beauty Factory Spa is one of the key providers of theis treatment. If you are interested in finding out more about Velashape III, contact them directly or check out their website which contains further information regarding this and other treatments.
