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THE VASER® SHAPE CELLULITE AND BODY CONTOURING PROCEDURE AT THE LUMEN LASER CENTER

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 


What are the VASER Shape Treatment Areas?

One treatment area is 8.5 x 11 inches, which is the size of a standard piece of paper. Any region that requires bilateral treatment (any area but the abdomen), the treatment area is divided into 2 (4.25 inches x 5.5 inches). For example, it would be 1/2 the size of a regular piece of paper on each flank region.


  • Abdomen - The abdomen region is: approximately the area above and below your belly button, and we will treat an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). If your abdomen is larger than an 8.5 x 11 area, then we will still treat the 8.5 x 11 area.
  • Arms - We will treat two areas under the arms, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). So, 1/2 of a piece of paper is the treatment area on each arm.
  • Flanks / lovehandles / muffin top - We will treat two areas of the lovehandle regions, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). So, 1/2 of a piece of paper is the treatment area on each flank.
  • Midback / brafat - We will treat the midback region, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper).
  • Outer (lateral) thighs (also referred to as saddle bags) - We will treat the outer thigh region, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). So, 1/2 of a piece of paper is the treatment area on each thigh.
  • Inner (medial) thighs - We will treat the inner thigh region, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). So, 1/2 of a piece of paper is the treatment area on each thigh.
  • Posterior (back of the thighs, under the buttocks) thighs - We will treat the back of the thigh region, equalling approximately an 8.5 x 11 area (which is the size of a standard piece of paper). So, 1/2 of a piece of paper is the treatment area on each thigh.
  • Knees

 

What is VASER Shape and how does it differ from other non-invasive treatments?

VASER Shape is a non-invasive ultrasound and massage therapy treatment that smoothes, firms and shapes the body. VASER Shape temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite, and increases local blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

The treatment uses ultrasound waves to warm the targeted problem area and treat the underlying fatty tissue. It then uses zonal lymphatic massage to drain away excess toxins and lipids for removal from the body.

Unlike other non-invasive body shaping procedures, VASER Shape is a comfortable, pain-free massage-like treatment that only requires one session to see results, with three to five sessions for maximum noticeable results.

 

This is what has been published about the VASER Shape:

"While tumescent liposuction remains the gold standard for immediate gratification for fat reduction and removal, non-invasive body liposculpting that truly delivers significant clinical results has been a  holy grail among aesthetic physicians. Over the years, there have been various technology and medical devices that have attempted to deliver consistent body contouring, e.g. Endermologie, VelaSmooth, VelaShape. I believe that we are embarking on the dawn of non-invasive body sculpting evolution based on the new ultrasound cavitational technology. Cavitation describes the ultrasonic phenomenon where lipolysis of fatty acids from fat-laden cells occurs due to the formation, growth, and implosive collapse of bubbles in liquids irradiated with high-intensity sound. During the final stages of cavitation, compression of the gas inside the bubbles produces enormous local heating and high pressures. In effect, emulsification of fat tissues from ultrasonic cavitation can result in immediate reduction of circumference of the treated areas.

There are currently three major players in this new wave of ultrasound based fat melting technology, i.e. LipoSonix, Ultraphase and Vaser Shape. Liposonix utilizes high frequency ultrasound technology and may be the most aggressive among the three; however, the treatment may be associated with significant discomfort . VASER Shape is the first FDA approved medical device approved for cellulite reduction and can achieve significant clinical result even just after one treatment., though the protocol calls for a series of 6 weekly treatment session."

 

What does the VASER Shape treatment feel like?  Are any incisions made?

The treatment feels like a hot stone massage. You will feel warmth.  No incisions are made. The treatment is only topical.

 

How often should I have treatment?

You may have treatment as little as 5 days apart (so as not to overload your lymphatic system), so treatment once a week, or up to two weeks inbetween is recommended  A series is recommended.

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What Results Can I Expect from my VASER Shape Treatment, and How Soon Will I See My Results?

You can expect either mild, moderate or dramatic inch loss (we have had patients lose less than an inch, and other patients lose up to four inches after one treatment), and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Areas treated with VASER Shape appear more smooth and "natural-looking" than before the treatment.  VASER Shape is excellent to focus on small, hard to get rid of, fat deposits and to address mild skin laxity (crepiness, loose skin).  While you may see results after the first treatment, patients typically see the most visible results after a regimen of two to five sessions.

 

How long will my treatment be?

  • You may schedule a 45 minute free consultation and evaluation for the VASER Shape and return for treatment at a later date.  
  • At your treatment, you will change into garments, take "before" photographs, pre-measuring, treatment, taking "after" photographs, post-measuring, and changing out of the garments.
  • Treatment time for the abdomen region and knee region is 30-45 minutes but you need extra time pre- and post-, so plan on being in our office for 1.5 - 2 hours total. If you are having an area done other than the Abdomen or knee region, plan on being on our office for 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time with all of your completed forms so that we can check you in. If you don't have your forms with you, you must arrive 25 minutes early to complete them.

 

Who does the VASER Shape treatments?

We have four experienced practitioners who administer the VASER Shape under the training and guidance of Dr. Andrew Kwak. (Dr. Kwak performs VASER Lipo and Smart Lipo.)

  • Nicole Deri, Licensed Medical Esthetician
  • Jessica Wheeler, Licensed Medical Esthetician
  • Jessica Goerig, MS, PA-C, Certified Physician Assistant
  • Anita Kraus, NCTMB, PDMT, Certified Personal Trainer, Nationally Certified Massage Therapist & Bodyworker and Certified Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapist

 

How do I prepare for the treatments and obtain the best results?

  • Bring water with you and drink ample amounts (1 liter before and 1 liter after) each treatment. The treatment makes you thirsty.
  • Consider compression garments to wear after your treatment, to cover the treated areas. Spanx are a popular light compression, as well as garments on www.MarenaGroup.com.  We can order garments from Marena for you, please contact us so that we can obtain your measurements.
  • Participate in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise for 3-4 days after treatment (Exercise helps your lymphatic system function better.)  If you do not exercise, start with 15 minutes of fast walking per day and increase it by 10 minutes per day. Exercise makes your lymphatic system function better.
  • Avoid high fat snacks and meals.
  • Avoiding alcohol, which compete with your liver in processing fat cells.

 

How does VASER Shape work?

VASER Shape uses high-frequency sound waves for local heat therapy and zonal massage to drain away excess toxins and fats. Heat therapy warms the treatment area and creates a "micromassage" effect on the fat cells. Zonal massage works with the lymphatic system to drain away excess toxins and fats, and increase local blood circulation.

VASER Shape achieves noticeable results without surgery. The key? Combined ultrasound and massage therapy that treats fatty tissue underneath the skin.

Together, these two processes:

  • Smooth and shape the body by reducing the appearance of cellulite, and
  • Improve local blood circulation

 

How do I maintain my results long term?

  • Long term clinical results out of Italy on the VASER Shape show that as long as patients maintain their healthy lifestyles, results are not temporary. You can help maintain your results by:
    • Eat high protein, high fiber, low fat foods. Calculate your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) on http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/ and adjust your daily caloric intake. Consider consulting a nutritionist for a customized diet plan.
    • Exercise as much as possible, 3-4 times a week.
    • Avoid alcohol and high fat foods and snacks.


Where Can I View News Coverage about VASER Shape?

 

Click here to return to the home page about VASER Shape.

Click here to see VASER Shape before and after photos..


Call us at 610.525.0606 to schedule your free consultation.