Velashape III

Riverchase uses VelaShape® III to provide treatment options for a variety of conditions including:

• neck rejuvenation
• body contouring
• cellulite reduction

The VelaShape® III combines bi-polar Radio Frequency, 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.

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 3 to 6 months.

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 or Ultrashape®.

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 in order to allow the VelaShape® device to 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 3-5 treatments given once weekly. Once the desired result has been achieved, most patients return 2-4 times per year to maintain their smooth new look.

Since VelaShape® is completely noninvasive, recovery is very 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 top-most layer of the skin.

Before you decide on VelaShape®, it’s important to go through a consultation 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 such as Ultrashape® for permanent fat reduction and body contouring may be a good combination option for you.

VelaShape® is a very 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.

How long will my results from VelaShape® last?
It depends on your lifestyle. In most cases, results will last for three to six months before a touch-up appointment becomes desirable.

For patients that exercise regularly, remain hydrated, and eat healthily in order to maintain a healthy weight, they can see results that last as long as six months or more.

Are there any people who should not get VelaShape®?
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.

Will VelaShape® help me lose weight?
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.

Can VelaShape® lead to loose skin?
No, in fact, it does the opposite 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 smooth out the contour irregularities.

Where can VelaShape® be used?
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.