Commonly Asked Questions

How does the treatment improve the appearance of cellulite?

A combination of gentle light & radio frequency (RF) energies along with mechanical rollers & vacuum suction manipulate the superficial fat tissue layer that contributes to cellulite. The heat from the light and RF energies increases metabolism of this fatty layer and shrinks the size of fat cells, resulting in tighter skin and smoother appearance of the skin surface. The mechanical rollers physically break the fat cell clusters. The vacuum suction dilates the blood vessels & increases local circulation, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products and trapped interstitial fluid. This also shrinks the fat chamber & achieves a smoother, less dimpled surface appearance.

Is the treatment safe?

Treatment is very safe for all skin types I-VI and can even be done on tanned skin. There are no long-term health hazards from light or RF energies. All treatments are carefully monitored for your care and comfort & are physician supervised. The procedure is non-surgical, non-invasive, uses no drugs and has no side effects. There is no downtime following treatments.

Who can have this treatment ?

Anyone who is:

• Less than 30 lbs overweight
• in generally good health, following a healthy lifestyle
• motivated to exercise, has realistic expectations
• patients must commit to the full regimen of two 45 minute treatments per week for at least 6 to 8 weeks.

**CONTRAINDICATORS TO TREATMENT**

• Bleeding disorder, history of blood clots
• Phlebitis, varicose veins (in area to be treated)
• Dermatologic conditions in treatment area: eczema, acne, etc.
• Photosensitive/photoallergic
• Accutane within 6 months
• History of keloid scarring
• Pacemaker / defibrillator
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• History of cancer / malignancy
• History of hernia

What kind of results can I expect from the treatments?

Gradual improvement of cellulite in treated areas as well as firmer and tighter skin. Most patients achieve contouring of unwanted bulges and disproportionate fatty areas. Added benefits of treatment include improved circulation and relief from muscle aches and pains in the treatment areas. This procedure is not a weight loss technique, but many patients, however, look and feel slimmer because of the re-shaping and re-contouring that occurs. Expect optimal results at the end of the treatment protocol. Results can be enhanced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (eat well & increase aerobic activity) and maintaining their present weight.

How frequently do I need treatments?

The initial treatment series consists of 12-16 treatment sessions, twice a week for 6-8 weeks. Some patients see the improvements as soon as 10-12 treatments, others may need the full 16 sessions. Maintenance treatments are typically done once a month after initial series in order to maintain results achieved. Each treatment session can last from 30 to 60 minutes.

How can I be sure this treatment works?

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are no absolute guarantees. However, the VelaSmooth is the only medical device on the market that has gone through the exercise of clinical studies with more than 500 patients to verify it’s efficacy. Physicians reported that not only did their participants lose cellulite, they lost inches as well.

The success of our treatment has also been reported in various magazine articles (May Shape, June Fashion & August Elle to name a few) and it’s also being offered by Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons all over the US and Canada. More recently, the VelaSmooth System was featured on the Barbara Walters Show, “The View” in May/06, “Entertainment Tonight” in Sept/06 and in the February 2007 issue of FitnessRx magazine.

Does the treatment hurt?

It may feel like a warm, deep tissue massage for some patients, while it can feel uncomfortable or “pinchy” for others. The treatment settings are tailored to each patient according to individual sensitivity and gradually increased as tolerated. The procedure is completely non-invasive with no body suits, wraps, creams or painful injections.

What happens after each treatment?

The treatment area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short while, and may feel warm for several hours after treatment. You can resume normal activities immediately.

Who should get treatment at BodyImage Treatment Centre?

Anyone who wants improvement of the appearance of cellulite in the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen or upper arms. The effects of body contouring and reduction of girth for some patients may be enhanced by compliance to healthy lifestyle. Discuss your individual candidacy for treatment with our trained physician and technicians.

How does this treatment compare to other advertised cellulite treatment, such as Acthyderm & Mesotherapy?

This is the first and only *HEALTH CANADA approved medical procedure that has been clinically proven to work. In fact, the VelaSmooth is the ONLY medical device that has gone through clinical studies throughout North America.

Also, other types of equipment (like Endermologie) offer only massage & suction, rendering it less effective. We use the combination of IR light and RF that heat the fat cells, increasing metabolism, resulting in dispersal and removal of fat, not simply a loosening up of hardened tissue. There is NO other device on the market that reaches the depth of penetration subdermally for effective, controlled metabolism of fat tissue.

How do I start and how much does it cost?

Call and schedule a free consultation. During this time we discuss treatment areas and prices. Cost depends on the size of the patient, the number of treatment areas and patient response to the treatment. As it’s a medical procedure, we take a brief medical history to help us determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. A commitment must be made to keep your appointments for the full treatment regimen, so as to gain maximum benefits of the treatments. A test patch will be performed to assess response to the treatment. Shave the treatment areas the night before and use no lotion and wash the treatment areas well with a loofah the day of treatment.

* Health Canada is the federal department that provides national leadership to develop health policy, enforce health regulations, promote disease prevention and enhance health living for all Canadians.