How Much Does VelaShape Cost?
VelaShape costs $1,100 on average, though the cost can range as high as $2,225, according to 59 reviews from RealSelf members who’ve had the procedure.
VelaShape is FDA-cleared to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and the circumference of the thighs and abdomen. Because it’s an elective cosmetic procedure, it’s not covered by insurance.
Read on to find out why VelaShape treatment costs can vary so much and whether actual patients think their results were worth what they paid.
Is VelaShape worth the money?
VelaShape has a 83% Worth It Rating on RealSelf, so most people who reviewed their experience think their results are worth what they paid.
“I’m really happy with the treatment,” says 48-year-old Orlandomom1, who paid $1,000 for a series of six sessions with VelaShape 3. She reports seeing tighter skin and an improvement in cellulite on the backs of her legs.
Among the reviewers who don’t think VelaShape was a good investment, some say they saw no results after multiple treatments, while others say they looked worse afterward or suffered burns, possibly due to an inexperienced technician.
To help determine whether VelaShape will be worth the investment for you, it’s important to consult with and be examined by a physician who offers a range of cellulite treatments.
VelaShape works best if you’re at a healthy weight, with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30 and mild to moderate cellulite, so there may be better options for meeting your goals.
It’s important to also be aware that there’s no cure for cellulite: VelaShape will only temporarily reduce its appearance and any skin-smoothing benefits will need to be maintained with follow-up treatments every one to three months.
What affects the cost of VelaShape treatment?
The key factors that will determine the cost of VelaShape treatment include:
1) The location of your provider
Providers who practice in major metro areas, such as New York City or Los Angeles, will charge more due to the higher costs of living, though you may find deals due to the greater volume of VelaShape practitioners.
More affordable areas will have lower average prices, and costs can even vary by neighborhood, so it may be worth your time to compare personalized price quotes.
2) Your provider's credentials and expertise
VelaShape is a medical laser, so any provider must operate under the license of a physician. The treatment itself can be administered by a wide range of trained professionals, including medical aestheticians, nurses, physician’s assistants, and doctors—the rules vary from state to state.
The manufacturer of the device, Syneron, offers formal training and provides a certificate of completion. Patients can ask to see this prior to treatment.
Your provider's certifications and level of experience will play a big part in the price of your VelaShape treatment. If you're booking your session with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, expect to pay more than you would if you scheduled it with a medical esthetician at a med spa.
When you’re choosing your provider, remember that VelaShape treatments are very technique-dependent. It takes time and effort to reach the appropriate clinical endpoint (twice) during each treatment, to get good results.
Providers on RealSelf note that it’s entirely possible to have a series of treatments with an inexperienced operator and see no results at all. At the end of the procedure, your skin should be pink and warm to the touch, and you should feel like you’ve had a vigorous hot massage.
In the hands of an inexperienced provider who’s not attuned to the proper settings, possible side effects include burns that may lead to scarring.
Pay close attention to patient reviews and before and after photos before choosing your provider, to make sure you’ll be in good hands.
3) The size and number of treatment areas
VelaShape is FDA-cleared to help reduce excess fat and tighten mild skin laxity under the chin, as well as improve the appearance of cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and abs.
Treatment on a small area (like under the chin) is less time-consuming for your provider, so it will cost less than a session to help smooth your thighs.
If you opt to treat multiple areas simultaneously, your total cost will increase, but you may get a discount on each additional area.
4) The number of treatments needed to achieve optimal results
VelaShape is not a one-and-done cosmetic procedure—you’ll need multiple rounds of weekly treatment sessions and ongoing maintenance treatments to achieve (and preserve) your desired look.
Expect to book a minimum of three VelaShape treatments to start. Once you've achieved your goals, you'll also have to book three to four “touch-up” treatments annually. (Sticking to a regular fitness routine and eating a healthy diet will help your results last, too.)
These appointments will add up, so consult with your provider to come up with a treatment plan that works for your budget, and ask if they offer special pricing if you buy a package of multiple treatments.
5) Whether you choose to enhance your treatment with any other procedures
VelaShape can be paired with other firming and skin-tightening treatments. For example, many providers suggest combining it with radiofrequency microneedling, for smoother and tighter results.
Adding on another type of procedure will add to the bottom line, but again, your provider may offer a discount on a combination of procedures.
RealSelf Tip: Providers often offer seasonal VelaShape deals or discounts. If you frequently browse coupon sites, you may see discounts on VelaShape treatments there, too. Just do your research on the provider who will actually be performing your treatment before booking.