The Procedure
TRIACTIVE THERAPY
What is TriActive Laser Dermatology?
In the battle against cellulite, Cynosure, Inc. of Westford, Mass., has introduced a unique laser-based treatment into the non-invasive body-sculpting arena with TriActive Laser Dermology, a system that utilizes three separate mechanisms to make skin smoother and more beautiful.
Cynosure received FDA approval for TriActive in April, 2005, although the system, developed in Italy, has been used worldwide for several years.
An estimated 45 million American women between the ages of 20 and 50 have cellulite, the dimpled skin that occurs primarily on the hips, thighs and buttocks. TriActive attacks the problem by combining a low energy laser to increase circulation, localized cooling to reduce inflammation and suction massage that promotes lymphatic drainage and stimulates collagen growth.
Typically, 10 to 15 treatments (total cost is around $1,500) are required to achieve the desired outcome, although results differ in individuals depending on factors such as exercise, diet, number of treatments and the severity of the problem. TriActive can also be used as a followup to surgical procedures such as liposuction, which frequently causes a slackening of the skin in the neck, tummy, upper arms and “love-handles.”
Since there really is no permanent “cure” for reducing cellulite, monthly maintenance is recommended following the initial series of treatments. Patients don’t mind, since the massage-like treatment is pleasurable.
“A recent study conducted at our center showed that the TriActive laser and massage components improved the appearance of cellulite in 83% of subjects as compared to 17% improvement for massage only,”
In addition to temporarily improving the appearance of cellulite, TriActive treatments have also been shown to temporarily relieve minor pain and muscle spasms and improve circulation.
VELASMOOTH THERAPY
What is Velasmooth?
On the cutting edge in the rapidly expanding field of body sculpting is VelaSmooth from Syneron Medical Ltd . A modern, non-invasive treatment that utilizes an innovative approach to reducing cellulite and leaving skin smoother and less dimpled. The treatment combines infrared light and radio frequencies along with mechanical massage and vacuum suction to manipulate fatty tissue, resulting in reduction of collagen and improved circulation to the area.
VelaSmooth is safe for any kind of skin and particularly effective on large areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or upper arms. The initial treatment consists of 16 sessions over eight weeks with each session lasting 45 minutes to an hour. Best of all, there’s no down time. Patients can resume normal activity after the treatment.
Maintenance treatments are usually done once a month after the initial series. Patients say the treatment feels like a warm deep tissue massage; others say it’s mildly uncomfortable. Treatments cost from around $150 to $200 apiece.
The recently developed Contour Applicator makes VelaSmooth treatments even more effective. Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the user’s hand, the Contour Applicator facilitates spot treatments in hard-to-reach areas.
This Contour Applicator will allow these physicians to further enhance the VelaSmooth treatments.”
Since receiving FDA clearance in June 2005, more than 100,000 patients have been treated with VelaSmooth.