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What is the
VelaSmooth™?
The VelaSmooth is the first medical device for cellulite
approved by the FDA, for the treatment of cellulite. The VelaSmooth
combines vacuum suction, mechanical rollers, and elos heating
through infrared light and bipolar RF energy. Reduction in
cellulite and contouring of lipodystrophies (unwanted lumps,
bumps and bulges) are the treatment goals for VelaSmooth;
most patients achieve some reduction in circumferential measurement
around treated areas.
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What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a phenomenon which occurs primarily in women
but sometimes in men as well. Uneven tension within the hypodermal
layer of fat creates an uneven skin surface and dimpling.
Hypertrophied adipocytes, trapped lymph and poor circulation
all contribute to the cellulite phenomenon.
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How does the VelaSmooth
work?
Vacuum suction and massage from the mechanical rollers draw
circulation into the local area for increased oxygen availability,
as well as manipulation of the tissue for drainage of trapped
fluids through the lymphatic system. Heat from the infrared
light source and the bi-polar RF is deployed into the hypodermis
to facilitate the use of energy from adipocytes in this layer.
Use of these stored triglycerides results in the shrinkage
of the actual fat cell and reduces the total volume within
the fat chamber. Focal aggressive treatment to specific lipodystrophic
areas such as “love handles” and “saddlebags”
results in contouring of the area. There is often visible
and measurable contouring of the lumps and bumps as evidenced
by post-treatment photos, girth measurements, and what most
patients love the most….how their favorite pair of jeans
seem to fit much better! Men seem to respond very well to
VelaSmooth treatments for contouring of torso and abdominal
areas.
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Does it hurt?
No. Cellulite treatment with VelaSmooth is painless.
Many patients compare treatments to a warm, relaxing massage.
Treatments require no sedation, so this is a no-downtime procedure.
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How many treatments
are needed?
Most patients achieve noticeable changes in contouring and
skin tightening after 10 sessions, and first start seeing
a difference after the first 5-6 treatment sessions. Treatments
are performed twice weekly. Some patients with more severe
cellulite or lipodystrophy would benefit from continuing the
twice weekly protocol for up to 16 sessions. Maintenance treatments
are done monthly thereafter.
The recommended program is: sign up all patients for 16 treatment
sessions. For those who achieve a satisfactory result by 10-12
sessions, they can apply the remaining sessions toward maintenance
program. Some patients may need to go to 16 treatment sessions
for optimal results, starting out with a package of 16 simply
helps to manage patient expectations.
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How long is
the treatment?
Treatment times may vary depending on how many treatment
areas and the total surface area treatment areas. Typical
treatment time ranges from 45-60 minutes.
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How does the
patient tolerate VelaSmooth treatments?
The treatment can feel like a warm deep tissue massage for
some patients, while it may be uncomfortable and “pinchy”
for others. The discomfort is usually related to low tolerance
to aggressive skin manupulation and stretching from the rollers
and the vacuum suction. In these cases the vacuum suction
is reduced to a tolerated level, and progressively increased
according to individual patient tolerance. There is some pinkness
to the skin and the areas feel warm for a short while after
a completed treatment session. Normal activities are resumed
the next day. Some patients may experience bruising in the
treated areas, especially if they are prone to bruising easily.
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