How long do VelaShape results last?

The results from the VelaShape often last several months but vary depending upon the clients' exercise and dietary habits.  I always tell the patients that even though we have reduced the fat in the unwanted areas with the VelaShape, the body does not lose the potential to create/store new fat, increase the number of fat cells, and form cellulite again.  Unfortunately, the typical American diet and lifestyle seems to promote increased fat and cellulite.  However, with good exercise and dietary habits, clients can maintain their results.

For example, one of my patients was a professional football cheerleader who had cellulite.  Lipodissolve helped reduce some fat in unwanted areas of the thighs, but the cellulite persisted.  The Vela treatment resolved the cellulite, and she was able to maintain the results for over 1 1/2 years by keeping up her diet and exercise.  Previously, she was exercising and dieting, but was not able to rid herself of the cellulite.  The Vela treatment resolved the problem for her, and she is now able to maintain it with her regular routine.

In the early studies with the VelaSmooth in 2005, it showed that patients retained at least 50% of their results after 6 months.  What we saw was that it varied with their lifestyle and habits.

In our office we typically ask patients to return in 3 months for re-evaluation.  So far, we've been doing a few 1 treatment maintenance treatments after 6 months.  Realize that its not because the patient has lost all of their results.  The maintenance treatment is performed because there may be a slight decline and the patient does not want to return to their "old" self again.

Of course we do weigh the patients in the office, because if they are in a weight gaining mode, they are only working against the VelaShape treatment.  People who maintain their weight, again with good diet and exercise, will have the best result and longevity with the VelaShape treatment.

I hope this is helpful,

John Shieh, MD

On average, we recommend patients come in once every 2-3 months for a touch up treatment to keep their skin smooth.