VelaShape III
Get the treatment you need at Riverchase Dermatology.
What is VelaShape III?
At Riverchase, we use VelaShape III® to provide treatment options for a variety of conditions including:
- neck rejuvenation
- body contouring
- cellulite reduction
VelaShape III combines bipolar radiofrequency, infrared light energy and mechanical massage/vacuum to safely and effectively improve sagging skin in the chin and neck region. The VelaShape III treats the sagging skin along the chin, commonly referred to as “double chin,” and contours the area to create a beautiful, natural neckline. With this treatment, patients see a smoother, thinner and more contoured chin and neck.
VelaShape III works by reaching a specifically targeted temperature within the skin, causing fibroblasts in the dermis to promote new collagen production and increase in the metabolism of fat. This increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers. Treatments are recommended every other week, with three to five sessions delivering optimal results.
VelaShape III FAQs
Good candidates for VelaShape include patients who are normal weight or slightly overweight but wish to minimize the appearance of cellulite, slightly reduce the size of the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms, or decrease the size of specific fat deposits to produce a smoother contour throughout the treatment area. Patients with loose skin on the arms, abdomen, neck, buttocks, knees, saddlebags, flanks or thighs may be good candidates for this treatment depending on the severity of skin laxity.
While VelaShape has been approved by the FDA for both male and female patients of any age or skin type, patients should be reasonably healthy and should understand that VelaShape is not a weight-loss treatment, is not permanent, and should be used primarily for skin tightening and re-contouring once a healthy weight has already been achieved through diet and exercise. Once the desired results are achieved, they may be maintained with booster treatments every three to six months.
It depends on your lifestyle. In most cases, results will last for three to six months before a touch-up appointment becomes desirable.
Patients who exercise regularly, remain hydrated, and eat healthily to maintain a healthy weight can see results that last as long as six months or more.
While VelaShape is quite safe, it’s not recommended for patients who are pregnant or photosensitive or for those with diabetes or an anticoagulant condition. It should also be delayed if your skin is currently broken or irritated in the treatment area.
Unfortunately, no. VelaShape is used primarily to smooth out the contours of a body that is already at a healthy weight. Before beginning treatment, it’s ideal to use a healthy diet and exercise to reach a weight that you’re satisfied with and can maintain.
VelaShape is a safe procedure. The most common complication is unexpected scabbing or blistering for a few patients, primarily in those with looser skin, but this is relatively uncommon. There is also a slight chance of burning if the hand piece has improper contact with the skin.
No, in fact, it tightens the skin. Any treatment that removes fat can theoretically lead to loose skin.
Unlike liposuction, however, VelaShape gently tightens the skin as it removes the fat, which reduces the risk of loose skin. The risk is further lowered if your skin elasticity is already good. The best results are seen when combined with Ultrashape Power, which kills fat, while VelaShape tightens the loose skin and smooths out the contour irregularities.
VelaShape is useful practically anywhere where you have loose skin and or small amounts of excess fat or cellulite that you’d like to reduce. Most commonly, it’s used to smooth or tighten loose skin on the hips, neck, saddlebags, knees, thighs, upper arms, abdomen or buttocks.
Consultation
Before you decide on VelaShape, it’s important to go through a consultation with your Riverchase provider to determine if the treatment is right for you. At your consultation, you’ll be able to point out the problem areas that bother you and talk about your goals for the procedure as well as any medical or aesthetic concerns that you may have.
The consultant will examine the extent of the problematic fat deposits and cellulite as well as other relevant factors like skin elasticity and tissue density. After the examination, it will be decided if VelaShape is an appropriate options for your case. At that time you’ll also be able to discuss whether other treatments may be a good option for you.
Treatment: What to Expect
VelaShape can smooth your body, and even reduce the circumference of the treatment area for better-fitting clothes and a trimmer appearance. Its ability to tighten loose skin makes it an excellent treatment when used in combination with permanent fat reduction devices such as CoolSculpting.
Once it’s time to begin the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down on a table. A special lotion will be applied to the treatment area so the VelaShape device will glide smoothly. The appropriate handpiece will then be selected for the area. As it moves evenly across your skin, the VelaShape handpiece will pull your tissue closer to the machine’s energy source using a pulsed vacuum. The radiofrequency energy improves collagen and elasticity and the infrared light heats the targeted fat cells, increasing their metabolism and leading to smoother skin and an overall reduction in the appearance of fat and cellulite in the treatment area.
While results are often visible after a single treatment, most patients are best served by a course of three to five treatments given once weekly. Once the desired result has been achieved, most patients return two to four times per year to maintain their smooth new look.
Since VelaShape is completely noninvasive, recovery is easy. In most cases, the treatment area will feel slightly warm and turn pink for a few hours after the procedure before returning to normal. In a few cases, there may also be small amounts of swelling or bruising. Patients may return to work and regular activities immediately following the treatment. There is no need for anesthesia and no surgical incisions are made, therefore there is no risk of surgical scars. VelaShape III is safe on all skin types and causes no additional risk to the epidermis, or uppermost layer of the skin.
Before & After Photos
