Cellulite Treatment FAQs

What is cellulite?

Cellulite occurs mainly in women, but it also appears in men. Cellulite appears as a lumpy substance on body parts such as stomach, butt, and thighs. It is also known as “cottage cheese” as it is a collection of fat accumulated beneath the skin.

What are the procedures available to reduce cellulite?

Cellulite can be reduced using liposuction, mesotherapy, Thermage NXT, and VelaSmooth. Liposuction is the surgical removal of fat and mesotherapy is performed by injecting drugs into the cellulite. Both Thermage NXT and VelaSmooth are alternative non-invasive treatments used for the reduction of cellulite.

What is the Thermage NXT procedure?

The Thermage NXT procedure is an FDA approved non-invasive procedure that uses radio frequency energy for the treatment of cellulite. The procedure helps in tightening and contouring the skin by making it smoother. It also provides a youthful appearance to the skin. Thermage NXT treatment provides a natural look to the skin and it is effective on all skin colors. It can be used to treat most of the body parts affected by cellulite such as the thighs, buttocks, and tummy.

What other conditions can be treated using Thermage?

Thermage is also used to treat loose jowls, sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can be used to bring definition to lips and jaw line. The procedure can also be used to treat rough texture of eyelids, hooding eyes, and eye bags.

How does the Thermage procedure work?

All the three layers of the skin can be tightened using this procedure. It works to improve both tone and texture. It also renews collagen by using Capacitive Radiofrequency which safely heats the layer beneath the skin and also the collagen present in the inner layer of the skin resulting in immediate tightening. The skin will continue to improve and because of the growth of new collagen, the results will be more visible after 4-6 months after the procedure. Thermage works on all skin types and colors. There is no need for recovery time and the patient can return to their daily activities.

What can I expect during and after the Thermage procedure?

The patient may experience warm sensations on the area during the procedure because radiofrequency waves are delivered on to your skin. The heating sensation indicates that the collagen of your skin is being stimulated and in the process of tightening. Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank will decide on the amount of energy to be used in order to achieve maximum possible results. Before beginning the treatment, anesthesia will be applied to the area to be treated. Pain medicines are also prescribed by the doctor before the treatment. After the procedure, you will notice a tremendous improvement in skin texture. Your skin will feel tighter and smoother. The improvement will continue for several months after the treatment. The results of the procedure will last up to two years.

How long does it take to complete the treatment?

Based on the size and condition of the area, the treatment time will vary from about a few minutes to one hour. Extra time is required in some cases.

How many Thermage procedures are required to complete the treatment?

In most cases only one thermage procedure will produce the desired results. New York Dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank will decide on the number of procedures required depending on the skin texture and area to be treated.

What is the VelaSmooth procedure?

VelaSmooth is an FDA approved procedure for cellulite treatment. It is a device that uses elos technology to reduce cellulite. Elos technology is a combined technology of bi-polar radio frequency energy, infrared, suction and massage that can be used effectively and safely to shape the surface of the skin. VelaSmooth goes deep into the skin to treat the cellulite effectively and is safe for all skin types and colors.

How does the VelaSmooth work?

The light energy from the VelaSmooth device will pre-heat the area to be treated. The massage rollers and suction power of the device will manipulate the top layer of the fat tissue that causes cellulite. The heat from the device increases the metabolic rate of the fat layer. The increased metabolism of the fat shrinks the area accumulated with fat cells. The rolling and suctioning movements break up the fat resulting in smoother and younger looking skin.

What can I expect after the VelaSmooth procedure?

The patient can experience a gradual improvement in the treated area with tighter and firmer skin after the procedure.

How many VelaSmooth sessions are required to obtain desired results?

Patients can experience positive results after 5 or 6 procedures. You can expect desired results within the initial month. Every session requires one hour to complete. To get significant improvement, it is recommended to undergo 8-12 sessions, two per week. Treatment sessions are flexible based on the availability of the patient. Sometimes, maintenance procedures are required to maintain the effects of the treatment.

Who benefits from the VelaSmooth procedure?

Patients with cellulite in the hips, abdomen, upper arms, thighs and buttocks benefit most from the VelaSmooth Procedure.

Can Thermage and VelaSmooth help to lose weight?

These procedures do not help with weight loss, but most patients will look slimmer as both the procedures are meant for reshaping the body. The effects of reshaping can be enhanced by following a healthy lifestyle.

Do I have to follow any guidelines before and after the procedure?

Both Thermage and VelaSmooth do not require any preparation before the procedures. You will only have to practice basic skin care and use sunscreen regularly after the procedure.

What are the side effects of Thermage and VelaSmooth procedures?

Some patients may experience a minor swelling or temporary redness, but these will disappear within 24 hours.