Joining the list of cellulite treatments is Velashape.
This is the most recent “cure” for reduction of cellulite to hit the market and the talk show circuit.
While many famous Hollywood stars have publicly admitted to using and often “loving” the results of this deep tissue massage, the ultimate question still stands:
Do some of the marketing claims for elimination of cellulite stand up under scrutiny?
Does Velashape Live up to the Claims for
Cellulite Reduction?
What is Velashape?
Velashape uses the same deep tissue massage concept as Endermologie yet adds an element of heat through a combination of Bi-Polar Radiofrequency (RF) and Infrared Light Energy. It has been called “Endermologie with added oomph.” A body sock is not required during the treatment as in the older version of the deep tissue massager.
Velashape Massage Device
– “Increases the metabolism of stored energy”
– “Increases lymphatic drainage”
– “Reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers”
– “Gradual smoothing of skin’s surface with a noticeable reduction in cellulite”
– “Circumferential Reductions, with noticeable reshaping of the treated area”
What are the Benefits of Velashape?
Well, according to one website Velashape has the ability to enhance your body, improve your lifestyle and feel better about yourself. They go on to say that in as little as 4 treatments, you will look and feel more youthful.
Treatments seem to run upwards of $300 per session with multiple sessions required and monthly follow-ups. Celebrities with cellulite seem to have embraced the temporary benefits of this treatment. It’s reported that actress Jennifer Aniston paid about $2000 each month to keep her cellulite at bay while dating a younger John Mayer.
And, there was much fanfare when television beauty Kim Kardashian underwent Velashape procedures on both TV and YouTube; however, there was another perhaps more quiet reflection of her cellulite fight when the Orange County Register reported that the celebrity had abandoned her cellulite-fighting laser treatment after only one session.
They went on to report that “More recently she has focused on working out and trying to control her diet.”
As with its predecessor, Velashape claims to provide reduction of the appearance of cellulite. It also claims an overall reduction in the body’s circumference most notable in the butt and thighs. The amount of overall reduction has been reported as little as .4 inches (1 cm) to 2.8 inches (7.2 cm).
According to the FDA approval, the Velashape massager is approved to market itself for the following benefits:
* Relief of minor muscle aches and pain
* Relief of muscle spasm
* Temporary improvement of local blood circulation
* Temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite
* Temporary reduction of thighs circumferences
Are the Results of Velashape Permanent?
An article in Glamour Magazine noted:
“You should have dramatically less cellulite and lose up to two inches in six once-weekly treatments. Laura was noticeably smoother and slimmer in just three sessions. However, the results aren’t forever, so you’ll need to commit to upkeep (one session six weeks later, then one per month for at least three months) or make it part of your yearly pre-holiday body prep.”
LOL… Seriously????
This reporting is in line with the approved language from the FDA. The results are temporary. You will however find many enthusiastic reports and advertising that fail to include the word “temporary” in their story.
Additionally, some will also claim that Velashape is the “first and only” FDA approved device for cellulite; however, as you know from this site the device used in Endermologie was approved almost a decade earlier.
As least one Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon was impressed with the results. Dr Michael A Persky, MD said that he was “impressed with the before and after results with Velashape.” He went on to say, “Exercise, diet, and healthy living are important components of any cellulite treatment, but it is reassuring that as we continue to find better and better deserts to eat, the non invasive laser companies are manufacturing better and better technologies to ‘smooth’ out the ‘pudding’.”
Really???? Come on now…
Is Velashape Safe for Everyone?
Most of the advertisements for the Velashape procedure show attractive, happy, and fit looking people comfortably going through the treatment. Comments have been made that it feels like a deep tissue massage with a bit of heat.
However, at least one report to the FDA in January of 2009 reported that the patient experienced “excessive bruising on the legs” to the point where it required her to keep the area on ice and wear compression pants in order to “function”.
Other side effects, aside from the bruising, could be crusting, blistering and burning which is possible with any sort of laser treatment. If burning does occur, the area should be closely monitored so that it doesn’t become infected.
Are There Any Other Options to Velashape?
Once again, this is a temporary treatment for the appearance of cellulite. The only real, lasting solution are specifically targeted, three-dimensional exercises which firm, tone, lift and sculpt the muscle layers in the cellulite trouble zones, so they push outward against the skin making it tighter and smoother, the way it should be.
Cellulite is a reality for about 90% of women. And worse, because it is a stubborn problem that affects so many women, the beauty industry is quick to offer easy solutions. Yes, we all want easy solutions; however, it’s also best when easy and lasting work hand in hand. This is what the right knowledge and targeted exercise efforts can do.
These gentle, multi-dimensional body movements are NOT done with typical weights and machine type exercises. Most regular fitness instructors don’t even know about this type of targeted cellulite-killing method. (click to watch video)
Joey Atlas, is also the creator of “Naked Beauty/The SYMULAST Method for Targeting Cellulite”, which includes the following items when purchased:
1 – “The Main NB/SYMULAST Method” – online private access video, compatible with ipads, laptops, desktops and most other devices (with option to upgrade to DVD and Book set)
2 – “Tightly Toned Arms and Flat Sexy Stomach” (2 online private access videos)
3 – Weekly Sample Schedules of when to do the Method and the other toning sessions (printable pdf)
4 – “Total-Body Toning in 20 – Level 1” – online private access video (with option to upgrade to DVD and Book set)
5 – “Total-Body Toning in 20 – Level 2” – online private access video (with option to upgrade to DVD and Book set)
6 – Plus 5 other Special Secret bonuses for Women Only (bonus pdf’s and e-guides for health and wellness)
Click here to learn more about the method, in a video about getting rid of cellulite (NOTE: for women ONLY)
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Resources:
FDA Adverse Event Report:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/detail.cfm?mdrfoi__id=1293884
FDA Approval:
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf7/K071872.pdf
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
We do NOT endorse, promote or suggest any of the resources below. We simply list them here to show what was referenced in this article.
Dr. Persky’s comment: http://www.realself.com/question/what-velashape
http://inyourface.ocregister.com/tag/velashape/
http://www.shrinc.com.au/shrinc-velashape-media.html
http://www.velashape.com/how-velashape-works