VellaShape Burns - Denver, CO
I am an extreamly active 35 year old female. I...
I am an extreamly active 35 year old female. I wear a size 4, 133pds, 5'6", medium shoulder frame. I have run in over 18 organized half marathons in the past 16 months.
I had a 3 year old boy who stretched the skin on my belly by about an inch. I cannot physically get this skin tighten with diet or exercise. So,after speaking with American Laser Center about it, they reccomended 8 treatments of the VellaShape to help tighten this area. Yes, this was for my own satisfaction and not a weight loss method.
The first treatement was on Friday, 09/09/11, The sucking and heat was tolerable during the first pass, which lasted 20 minutes of back and forth movements.
Apparently, the heat increased for the second 20 minutes session a few minutes later, because as soon as it touched my abdomin, I felt a "Pinch" which I later learned was burn. The technician lifted the machine immiatly and moved to my other side not realizing that she just burned me and put the maching onto my left side and I immiatly relized that i was burned!
She stopped and said that the first pass should be good. I asked for some ice and she said that I would be just fine. Since I was red from the first treatment, the burn was not noticable...but, I felt it.
I went back to show them the burns today (friday was the procedure, today is monday) and they said that once the burn heals they can do an EMatrix procedure on the scar to help that go away. They asked to see my doctors papers for their records and took some pictures. I asked for a refund of the $1000 for the Vellashape treatment...fingers crossed that I see the credit within a few weeks....Pictures are attached.
Probably not a good thing to invest in.
Melissa HR's provider
Update: After visiting my doctor the following...
I was extreamly surpised to only get a 3/4 refund, which left me paying $250 for this service. I expected American Laser Skincare to be thrilled that I was not charging them for any of my costs with the doctor or med's...
We tried to use Ematrix on the smaller scar and I have yet to notice ANY difference.
I am sad to say that I am not only left with 2 scars on a very visable area, but also with a $250 charge for it.
Replies (29)
Hi Melissa,
Wow, those are pretty noticeable burns/scars. I can't believe they would not refund all your money back. I'm glad you posted pictures for the community, though it helps when explaining something like this. Are you considering going to another doctor to see if they will do ematrix?
Thanks for the post,
-Britt
American Laser Skincare will not only NOT refund my money...they wont even call me back! The doctor reccommended some scar gel that is around $95.00 Ugh.
I wonder if there is a statement in the agreement you signed that they are not responsible for any damage the treatment might do. Then it is useless to go to the court.
Thanks for your review, it is very helpful. Now I know that even if I decide to make such thing on me, I should find out where and who does, how long they provide people with the service and so on... Thanks again
I have been using Burt's bees "dr burt's res-Q ointment and clayton shagal's collagen plus . it is looking better but now I am afraid. I have one session plus the option to upgrade to velashape if I trade another body service
I have had Velashape done many many time and you are going to get bruises but you should not get the burns. The technician was not experienced enough. What they are supposed to do is but lotion on and work the area in circular motions and up and down strokes. When it gets to hot you need to say so and they stop and rub the skin a little to cool off before they begin again. I have had great results with Velashape. You should find a better place to do it.
I'm planning on getting the Vela Shape Treatment next month.
I'm very active-I work out about 3-4 times a week. When I received my consultation-they said that I should avoid hot showers, bikram yoga, and working out. I want to prevent the vela shape burns and was wondering if you had an advice for me. I'm planning to do my love-handle area only.
Should I avoid bikram yoga and working out during my treatments?
I would appreciate your advice and input.
Thank You.
Many of my patients have worked out or ran before coming to see me and find the warmth from the vela soothes their sore muscles (VelaShape is actually indicated to treat sore/stiff muscles and improve circulation). You will however want to avoid hot showers, hot tub, sauna, hot yoga, et... AFTER the treatment. The next day, you should be able to return to your normal activities. Hope it helps!
I found that increasing my weekly workouts and limiting my sugar intake tightened up the skin on my belly from having my boy nicely....as did other area's tighten:)
My advice, save your money on this one if you are looking for long term results. Like Al said, it will feel like a warm massage if done right...and like a massage, it is short term relief between hard workouts.
This is a great question. I'm going to post it in our Q&A section so we can hear from the board certified doctors who volunteer on RealSelf. It usually takes 24-48 hours for answers to be posted. You can click here to check for them.
Replies (2)