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How Far Apart Should VelaShape Treatment Be?

Sometimes working out and eating well aren’t enough to give you the shape and smooth complexion on your body you’d like. Stubborn pockets of fat and cellulite can be frustrating when you’ve worked so hard for your shape. If you’re unhappy with the contours of certain parts of your body, reach out to Finesse Cosmetic and ask about the revolutionary VelaShape treatment.

What Causes Cellulite?

The medical community doesn’t know exactly what causes cellulite, but they do know its behavior. Women are far more likely to develop cellulite than men. Between 80 and 90 percent of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. The reason for this genetic disposition is the way fat is distributed in women and how women’s connective tissues are attached to the fat layers underneath.

Though it’s most likely to affect people as they get older and/or gain weight, cellulite can even be found in people under the age of 25 and who are in great shape.

Stages of Cellulite

Cellulite has been classified into one of three stages according to the Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale.

Stage 1

Clients with this stage will experience no dimpling when they’re either standing up or lying down. When they pinch areas of their bodies, they will see an “orange peel” appearance to the pinched area.

Stage 2

These clients may see spots of cellulite dimpling happen spontaneously when they are standing. They won’t see any signs of an orange peel appearance when they’re lying down.

Stage 3

These clients are experiencing a more severe appearance of cellulite and will see dimpling when they are both standing and lying down.

Distribution of Fat

Women are more likely to gain weight in their thighs, hips, and buttocks which are the areas where cellulite is most commonly seen. Men tend to gain weight around their middle section, and that area of the body is less likely to experience cellulite.

Weight gain or being overweight isn’t always a factor in the appearance of cellulite, but it can be. Some very lean and active people also experience what has been dubbed “orange peel” because of its texture and appearance.

Connective Tissue

In the middle layer of skin or the dermis, collagen holds all of our skin cells together. In women, the fibrous protein is connected to the fat layers in the deepest layer, the hypodermis, by being arranged vertically. In men, this tissue is arranged in a crisscross structure.

The vertical anchors in women are more likely to let fat cells from below protrude into the layer of skin just below the surface. This can give the skin a lumpy appearance. In men, the tight structure of the tissue doesn’t allow for a lot of open space where fat can make its way to the surface.

Hormones

Another theory about why women are more likely to develop cellulite revolves around estrogen. When women approach menopause and their estrogen levels drop, the blood flow to their connective tissue drops. This causes the middle layer of collagen fibers to weaken, possibly allowing for more fat to break through and appear under the surface of the skin.

When we age, our collagen levels drop, and its production declines. Women approaching menopause have a more significant drop in collagen. This causes their skin to lose elasticity, and become thinner and sag. This weakened structure of the skin sometimes isn’t enough to hold fat deposits at bay in the deepest layer of the skin. As estrogen levels fall, fat cells enlarge, further adding to the problem.

Genetics

If you have family members who suffer from cellulite, you may have a greater chance of developing it too. Our genes play a role in our body’s speed of metabolism, circulatory system function, and distribution of fat. Any of these attributes could be a contributing factor in the development of cellulite.

Other Factors

The medical community can only study people with cellulite and find commonalities to draw from when explaining its development. They’ve been able to draw certain correlations, but it’s always important to remember that correlation is not causation and no actual research has been done to establish or prove a scientific theory. Some of the correlating factors are:

  • Smoking
  • A diet high in fat and carbs
  • Too much salt
  • Not enough fiber
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Wearing tight clothing that limits blood flow
  • Sitting or standing in one position repeatedly

 

Treatments

There are a lot of products and treatments out there that claim to either improve or eliminate cellulite. Topical creams and lotions that contain caffeine or retinol purport to increase blood flow to reduce cellulite’s appearance. These have been found to have only a minimal effect on cellulite appearance with no effect on the circumference of the area.

There is one innovative treatment that is getting dramatic results for clients seeking cellulite and circumferential reduction while restoring a more youthful contour: VelaShape.

What Is VelaShape Treatment?

VelaShape treatment is an FDA-approved non-surgical, non-invasive body contouring treatment that’s been shown effective in:

  • Reducing localized deposits of fat
  • Smoothing and reducing the appearance of cellulite
  • Toning skin

Clients love that they can achieve transformative results without the expense or downtime of liposuction or other invasive surgeries. Results are also not dependent on diet weight loss. This treatment uses a combination of technologies to contour areas of your body that have been diet and exercise-resistant.

How Does VelaShape Work?

VelaShape treatment combines several successful modalities into one transformative treatment. This therapy uses infrared light, bi-polar radiofrequency, vacuum, and mechanical massage to cause a gentle and deep heating of collagen fibers in the dermis, fat cells, and their surrounding connective tissues. This simultaneous heating and vacuum stimulates your body’s natural healing process and revs up your collagen production.

When you have stronger collagen fibers and increased elasticity, you’ll experience a tightening of your skin, a reduction in the treated area’s volume, and an overall improvement of your skin structure and texture. This leads to reduced fat bulges, and many clients find they can wear a smaller clothing size.

Where Can VelaShape Be Used?

Only your doctor can determine which areas of concern would be best treated by this therapy. This treatment is designed to address both large and small areas on the body so can be a fantastic solution for cellulite and fat deposits found on the:

  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Love handles
  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Back
  • Arms
  • Neck
  • Chin

 

What to Expect

From start to finish, the VelaShape experience is a comfortable and positive one. Clients rave about the process and, of course, the results.

Consultation

During this meeting with your doctor, the two of you will discuss your areas of concern and the results you’d like to achieve. Your doctor will examine the potential treatment areas to assess which treatment would be best suited for you.

You’ll review your health history, medical background, allergies, and any other treatments or procedures you’ve had. Once you’ve both decided this is the right choice for you, there isn’t any preparation for you to do before this non-invasive treatment. If there are any specific instructions unique to you, you’ll be given them during this consultation.

During Treatment

Most clients describe the actual treatment as comfortable, and it is generally very well tolerated. Radiofrequency and infrared light will precisely target the fatty deposits and chambers below your skin. You will feel the sensation of the vacuum and the massaging action of the device.

Clients describe this treatment as like getting a deep tissue massage with heat. This treatment is designed with your sensitivities and comfort in mind, so always let your doctor know how you’re feeling throughout your session.

Post-Treatment

You will immediately be able to return to your normal routine after treatment because there is no downtime. You may experience a warm sensation in your skin for a few hours, and that’s normal. Treatment times will vary according to the areas you’re having done. Most appointments last around 30 minutes.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions you will need to achieve the results you’re looking for will depend on the condition of your skin, what results you’d like to achieve, and how your body responds to treatment.

Most clients start with three treatment sessions but may choose up to six to maximize their results. Each client’s needs are different.

How Far Apart Should Treatments Be?

Each of your appointments will be scheduled approximately two weeks apart from each other. This will allow your body to heal and more collagen to be produced. After two weeks, the same treatment will be done, but you’ll be starting with your skin in a healthier place and with less fat than the time before.

Velashape Results

Most clients will see results after their third session, about six weeks after their first treatment. Results are gradual and cumulative. Your results will continue to improve, with the best results being most apparent two to three months after your final treatment. This is when the circumference and cellulite reduction will be at its most significant. You may see results like:

  • A smoothing of the lumpy appearance of cellulite
  • A smooth contour where problem bulges used to be
  • Tighter skin
  • Reduced local fat bulges
  • Reduction in the circumference of the treatment area

Clients can expect to lose between .5 and 3 inches in circumference after treatment, with many even wearing a smaller clothing size depending on the area treated. Individual results vary. It’s recommended that once you reach your optimal results you come in for follow-up or maintenance treatments every one to three months depending on your body’s response to treatment.

What Can I Do to Maintain My Results?

People who follow a healthy lifestyle are best able to extend or maintain their results. Eating a diet low in fat, carbohydrates, and sugar while maintaining an exercise routine will help to keep you at a steady weight to avoid the expansion of your fat cells.

Like all non-surgical treatments, results are temporary unless you follow your doctor’s recommended routine of follow-up sessions. Clients consistent in scheduling these appointments enjoy the most seamless results.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Only your doctor can decide if this is the right treatment for you. If you’re in generally good health and want to improve the appearance of cellulite while reducing fat bulges and the circumference of trouble areas, this could be the perfect match. This is designed to be safe for all skin types and tones.

This treatment is not designed to be a weight-loss tool. While you may lose circumference, you shouldn’t expect to lose a significant amount of weight. Talk to your doctor about the results you can expect.