Are you looking to eliminate those extra inches of fat that remain even after hitting the gym? Welcome to Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where our beauty specialists are here to help with a VelaShape® treatment. This body contouring treatment is proven to reduce fatty deposits in hard-to-target spots. With it, you will experience a smoother contour, firmer skin, and cellulite reduction with no downtime after each session.
What Is a VelaShape® Treatment?
To understand how this treatment works, you’ll first need to know what cellulite is. Cellulite is an accumulation of fatty tissue beneath the skin, resulting in a lumpy appearance. Cellulite is caused by fibrous connective cords that form between the skin and muscles. While cellulite can occur in both men and women, it tends to be more common in females due to higher body fat percentage and estrogen levels.
VelaShape® uses a combination of various technologies, including vacuum suction, mechanical massage, and infrared light and radiofrequency. These three technologies work in tandem to reduce cellulite and fatty deposits. The vacuum suction lifts the skin from the tissue below it to allow for better absorption of any heat generated by the infrared light and radiofrequency energy.
The heat breaks down fat cells to reduce cellulite. It also causes cell metabolism and stimulates collagen production. Vacuum suction helps to reduce tension on the skin and tissues underneath, which increases blood circulation and promotes collagen growth. Additionally, mechanical massage relaxes and stretches the stiff fibrous bands under the skin. Combining these three unique technologies provides effective results without pain or downtime.
What Causes Fat Accumulation and Cellulite?
Fat accumulation and cellulite are closely related, as cellulite is only present when there is excess fat. Below are some common factors that lead to the accumulation of fat:
Aging
Aging can contribute to fat storage in the body because as one grows older, muscle mass decreases, and fat accumulates in its place. Lean muscles contain lower amounts of fat and higher percentages of proteins, minerals, and water. However, these lean muscles are replaced with more fatty tissue as we age.
High Estrogen Levels
High estrogen levels can slow down metabolic processes and cause fat to accumulate. Estrogen is a hormone produced by both men and women but tends to be higher in women due to their reproductive cycles. Estrogen binds to receptors in fatty tissues, signaling certain enzymes to slow down fat metabolism, thus storing more fat instead of burning it off.
Poor Lifestyle Habits
Poor lifestyle habits such as lack of exercise and poor diet are two other contributors that lead to fat accumulation. Eating too much unhealthy food with high levels of sugar or saturated fats while not exercising can cause extra calories to be instead stored as fat deposits around your body.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is quite common for women to experience weight gain and fat accumulation in particular areas, especially the abdomen, thighs, and hips. This fat accumulation is caused by natural biological changes occurring during pregnancy. These changes include the release of hormones that cause your body’s metabolism to slow down, increasing fat storage. Additionally, a shift in the diet as cravings occur can also increase caloric intake and cause weight gain.
Consultation
The treatment process begins with scheduling an appointment with a reputable clinic. During the meeting, we will discuss what areas you would like to treat and assess your medical history and aesthetic goals. We will also answer any questions you may have about the treatment process.
Once we agree that this treatment is right for you, we can schedule an appointment date for your initial session. However, if there is no time constraint, we can immediately begin the treatment in our doctor’s office without making any appointments beforehand. Typically, each session takes around 20-40 minutes, depending on how big or small the area of concern is.
Treatment
Our specialist will apply a specialized gel and use the VelaShape® machine to target the treatment area during the treatment. We’ll use controlled heating energy to break down fat cells and reduce cellulite while stimulating collagen production for smoother skin. The entire process is designed to be virtually painless and does not require a recovery period.
Post-Treatment Care
Below are some of the things you should do to maximize the results achieved with this treatment:
Exercise in Moderation
Mild exercise helps to promote lymphatic drainage, which is the movement of lymph fluid from an area of high concentration to an area where it can be drained away. This lymphatic flow helps the body naturally eliminate the destroyed fat cells.
Avoid Tanning
It is crucial to avoid tanning for at least one week after treatment as this could cause uneven color in the treated areas. Exposure to UV rays can interfere with tissue repair, potentially leading to light or dark patches in treated areas.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet that comprises all food groups ensures that you consume enough nutrients and vitamins while avoiding excessive calories. Furthermore, eating foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce appetite and enhance digestion, which could help maintain fat reduction results that you achieved through the treatment.
Drink Plenty of Water
Water helps flush out toxins from the body due to its ability to support proper kidney function by acting as a medium for waste elimination through urination. Aside from aiding toxin removal, drinking plenty of water helps maintain hydration levels to keep cells functioning optimally and prevent dehydration-related complications such as headaches or fatigue.
Additionally, adequate water intake allows for better absorption of nutrients consumed through food. It also allows enhanced circulation throughout the body, which helps maintain healthy skin elasticity achieved during the treatment.
VelaShape® FAQs
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
Most patients require a series of treatments to see noticeable results. Depending on your case, you can start seeing results within six weeks after the first session. However, several factors can influence the amount of time it takes to see results, such as your current body composition, the area you’re treating, and even the number of treatments you receive.
For instance, those who engage in healthy eating habits and exercise regularly during their treatment course may find that they begin to notice results in less time than those who need to pay more attention to their lifestyle choices.
Does It Tighten Loose Skin?
Loose skin is a common problem caused by many things, including weight fluctuations, aging, and genetic predispositions. Fortunately, this treatment is specifically designed to combat loose skin. It works to tighten and contour the skin and stimulate collagen production within the body through controlled heating from infrared light.
Radiofrequency energy also helps to break down fat cells for optimal results. After about four therapy sessions, patients can expect to see tighter and beautifully smoother skin with a more even texture and tone.
Does It Work on the Stomach?
Yes, it does. This body contouring treatment is specifically designed to address areas of cellulite and fat accumulation around the abdomen, buttocks, legs, and outer thighs. It works by combining different technologies to reduce the size of fat cells while also helping improve skin elasticity throughout your stomach area.
Does It Hurt?
No, it doesn’t hurt. Patients often describe the experience as pleasant and soothing, with some reporting that it feels like a warm massage. Others report mild tingling sensations during treatment and no significant pain or adverse effects.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
This treatment is ideal for those struggling with sagging skin and cellulite in their abdomen, thighs, and legs. However, it is important to understand that VelaShape® is not a solution for dramatic weight loss. Instead, it helps to contour the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite. During your initial consultation, we will be able to determine if you are an ideal candidate for this treatment.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate
Individuals with active skin infections or breakouts, such as acne, are unsuitable candidates for this treatment. Additionally, those who have pacemakers or metal implants in the target area should not pursue treatment due to the potential interference with the device.
Give Your Silhouette a Subtle Makeover
Make a commitment to yourself and look and feel your best with a VelaShape® treatment. We strive to provide the highest level of care for every patient and are committed to helping you reach your aesthetic goals. Contact us at Mariposa Aesthetics & Laser Center in Oklahoma City, OK, to schedule your initial consultation.
