If you’re considering Velashape treatment for cellulite reduction or body contouring, one of the first questions you might have is: “How long will the results last?” Understanding the longevity of results and the factors that influence them is key to planning your treatment and managing expectations.
VelaShape is a non-invasive treatment that combines infrared light, radiofrequency energy, and mechanical massage to smooth skin, reduce dimples, and improve body contours. While it offers noticeable improvement, results are gradual and can vary depending on your lifestyle, skin type, and adherence to maintenance recommendations.
In this guide, I’ll cover how long you can expect VelaShape results to last, what influences longevity, and strategies to maintain your smoother, firmer skin over time.
How VelaShape Works
VelaShape works by targeting the main causes of cellulite so you can enjoy smoother, firmer skin. Here’s what happens during your treatment:
– Targets fibrous bands under your skin: These bands pull down on your skin and create that dimpled appearance. VelaShape gently loosens them, which helps smooth out the bumps you see.
– Reduces fat volume beneath your skin: Using controlled heating, it helps shrink fat cells in the areas you’re concerned about. This makes your skin look more even and contoured.
– Boosts collagen and elastin production: VelaShape stimulates your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, which thickens the dermis and improves overall texture. Over time, you’ll notice your skin feels firmer and more supple.
– Improves lymphatic drainage: By encouraging your lymph system to remove excess fluid, VelaShape reduces swelling and fluid retention, giving you a sleeker appearance.
Because it works on multiple layers of the skin, VelaShape is especially effective if you have mild to moderate cellulite or areas of skin laxity. You’ll often see gradual improvements over a few sessions, making your skin feel smoother, tighter, and more toned.
Typical Results Timeline
When you start your VelaShape sessions, it’s important to remember that results happen gradually you won’t see dramatic changes overnight. Understanding how your skin responds can help you stay patient and motivated. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:
– After your first session: You may notice a subtle improvement in your skin’s texture. It might feel slightly smoother to the touch, and you could see the first hints of dimpling reduction. While these changes are small, they’re a sign that your skin is responding to the treatment.
– After 2–3 sessions: By this stage, changes become more noticeable. You’ll likely see a visible reduction in cellulite, with your skin looking firmer and more toned. The dimples that once bothered you may appear less pronounced, and your skin may feel tighter overall. Many people find this is when their confidence in the treatment starts to grow.
– After completing the full series (4–6 sessions): Most patients notice significant improvements in both the appearance and feel of their skin. Your contours will look smoother and more defined, and areas that previously had loose or lumpy skin will appear firmer. You may also start to feel more comfortable wearing the clothes you love, knowing your skin looks healthier and more toned.
– Long-term improvements (3–6 months post-treatment): One of the benefits of VelaShape is that results continue to evolve even after your sessions are complete. Collagen production keeps maturing, and your tissues adapt over time, leading to ongoing smoothing and tightening. Many patients find that their results are at their best a few months after finishing the series.
It’s also worth remembering that everyone’s body responds differently. Your results will depend on factors like your skin type, lifestyle, and the areas being treated. By keeping up with healthy habits like staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising you can support the treatment and help your results last longer.
Understanding this timeline gives you a realistic picture of what to expect, helping you plan your sessions and stay motivated as your skin gradually transforms.
How Long VelaShape Results Typically Last
You’re probably wondering how long the smooth, toned results from VelaShape will stick around. On average, most people enjoy their improvements for 6–12 months, but it’s important to remember that results can vary depending on your body, lifestyle, and the areas being treated.
Because VelaShape is non-invasive and non-permanent, your results aren’t set in stone like they would be with surgical procedures. That’s why many people choose to schedule maintenance sessions to keep their skin looking smooth and firm over time.
Here are a few key points to keep in mind about how long your results last:
– Results are gradual and cumulative: Each session builds on the last, so the more consistent you are with your treatment plan, the better and longer-lasting your results will be.
– Your skin and fat respond to changes in your body: VelaShape primarily works on the structure of your skin and superficial fat. That means if you gain or lose weight, it can affect how your results appear.
– Maintenance helps preserve results: Many patients schedule a touch-up session every few months to maintain smoothness and keep skin looking toned. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated can also support longer-lasting improvements.
By understanding how long results typically last and what affects them, you can set realistic expectations and plan your treatments in a way that helps you enjoy your smooth, contoured skin for as long as possible.
Factors That Influence How Long Your VelaShape Results Last
Several factors can affect how long you enjoy the smooth, toned results from VelaShape. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations and make the most of your treatment:
1. Age and Skin Quality
Your skin’s natural elasticity plays a big role in results. Younger skin usually responds faster and holds improvements longer because it has higher collagen and elastin levels. If your skin is older or less elastic, you might need extra sessions to maintain the effects.
2. Lifestyle Choices
Your habits matter. Weight changes can alter the appearance of cellulite, while regular exercise and a balanced diet help maintain skin tone and fat distribution. By staying active and eating well, you can help your results last longer.
3. Severity of Cellulite
VelaShape works best for mild to moderate cellulite. If your cellulite is more severe, you’ll still see improvement, but complete elimination is unlikely without combining the treatment with other options.
4. Frequency of Treatment
Following the full recommended treatment series makes a noticeable difference. Skipping sessions or putting off maintenance treatments can shorten how long your results last. Consistency is key.
5. Genetics and Hormonal Factors
Some people are naturally more prone to cellulite because of their genetics. Hormonal changes, like pregnancy or menopause, can also affect fat distribution and skin texture, which may influence how quickly cellulite returns.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can plan your VelaShape treatments and lifestyle choices in a way that maximises and prolongs your results.
Maintaining Your VelaShape Results
Once you’ve gone through your VelaShape sessions, you’ll want to do everything you can to make your results last. Here’s how you can support your smoother, firmer skin:
Regular Maintenance Sessions
To keep your results looking their best, most people benefit from touch-up sessions every 2–3 months. These maintenance treatments help tackle any new cellulite that might appear and ensure your skin stays smooth and contoured over time.
Healthy Lifestyle
The choices you make every day play a big role in maintaining results:
– Balanced diet: Eating plenty of protein and antioxidant-rich foods supports your skin’s health and helps maintain tone.
– Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water improves skin elasticity and helps tissues repair more efficiently.
– Exercise regularly: Strengthening your muscles and keeping fat under control in the treated areas helps prolong the benefits of your VelaShape sessions.
Skin Care Routine
Caring for your skin can enhance and preserve your results:
– Moisturise daily: Keeping your skin hydrated maintains elasticity and a firmer appearance.
– Exfoliate gently: This improves circulation, supports healthy skin turnover, and can boost the effects of your treatments.
Avoiding Weight Fluctuations
Large changes in weight either gain or loss can affect how fat is distributed and may reduce the visual benefits of your VelaShape treatment. Sticking to a stable, healthy weight helps you enjoy smoother, firmer skin for longer.
By combining regular maintenance sessions, a healthy lifestyle, consistent skin care, and stable weight, you give yourself the best chance of keeping your VelaShape results looking great for months to come.
Combining VelaShape With Other Treatments
If you’re looking for enhanced or longer-lasting results, VelaShape can be even more effective when combined with complementary treatments. Here’s how you might boost your outcomes:
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): This targets stubborn fat bulges that can contribute to uneven contours. By combining it with VelaShape, you can achieve smoother, more defined areas.
Radiofrequency Skin Tightening: While VelaShape stimulates collagen and elastin, adding radiofrequency treatments can further firm your skin and improve elasticity, giving you a tighter, more toned appearance.
Topical Cellulite Treatments: Applying creams or serums that support collagen and circulation can help maintain your results between sessions, keeping your skin looking smooth for longer.
Many dermatologists recommend a combination approach because it tackles cellulite and skin laxity from multiple angles. By layering treatments thoughtfully, you can maximise results and enjoy a more noticeable, long-lasting improvement.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It’s important to have a clear picture of what VelaShape can and can’t do so you feel confident and satisfied with your results. Here’s what you should know:
Subtle, natural-looking results: VelaShape isn’t a dramatic makeover. Instead, it gently smooths and firms your skin, giving you a more even and toned appearance that still looks natural.
Measurable improvements: Most people notice changes in the form of centimetres lost around treated areas, along with visible smoothing of dimples and bumps. You’ll see improvement, but it won’t transform your body overnight.
Best for near-ideal body weight: VelaShape works most effectively for people who are close to their ideal weight and have localized areas of cellulite. It’s not designed as a weight-loss solution but rather as a way to refine your contours and improve skin texture.
By understanding what VelaShape can realistically achieve, you can approach your treatment with the right mindset and enjoy your results without disappointment. Setting realistic expectations helps you appreciate the gradual, lasting improvements you’ll see over time.
Recovery and Comfort
One of the biggest advantages of VelaShape is how easy it is to fit into your life. You don’t need to plan for significant downtime, and most people can return to their normal activities immediately after a session.
You may notice some temporary side effects, but they’re usually mild and short-lived:
– Redness or warmth in the treated area, which typically fades within a few hours.
– Mild swelling or tenderness, similar to how your skin might feel after a workout.
– Slight bruising from the mechanical massage, which usually disappears within a couple of days.
Because these effects are so minor, VelaShape is ideal if you have a busy schedule and don’t want to take time off work or social commitments. Most people find the treatment comfortable, and many even describe it as a relaxing, warming massage.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Longevity
If you’re curious about whether VelaShape really delivers lasting results, clinical studies provide reassuring evidence. Research shows that the treatment can offer measurable improvements that you can maintain with consistent care.
– Noticeable circumference reduction: Studies have found that treated areas show a significant decrease in size, helping your body look smoother and more contoured.
– Improved skin tone and elasticity: By stimulating collagen and elastin production, VelaShape helps your skin become firmer and more resilient over time.
– Sustained results with maintenance: While VelaShape isn’t permanent, patients who attend regular touch-up sessions and maintain healthy habits often enjoy visible improvements for months and even over a year.
These findings demonstrate that, when approached consistently, VelaShape can provide long-term benefits that go beyond just a single session. By combining treatments with lifestyle choices that support your skin and body, you’re giving yourself the best chance to maintain the smooth, toned results you’re looking for.
Who Should Consider VelaShape?
Ideal candidates for VelaShape include:
– Individuals with mild to moderate cellulite
– Those seeking non-surgical body contouring
– Patients looking for gradual, natural improvement
– People who can commit to a series of sessions and maintenance
A consultation ensures your treatment plan is tailored to your body type, goals, and expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About VelaShape:
1. How soon will I see results after my first VelaShape session?
You might notice a slight improvement in your skin texture after the first session, such as minor smoothing or a softer feel. These early changes are subtle, so it’s important to be patient. Real, noticeable results usually start to appear after a few sessions as your skin gradually responds to the treatment.
2. Is VelaShape painful?
Most people describe VelaShape as a comfortable, warming massage. You may feel gentle suction, heat, and rolling during the session, but it shouldn’t be painful. Some areas may feel slightly tender afterwards, similar to mild post-exercise soreness, but this usually resolves quickly.
3. How long does a typical session take?
A standard VelaShape session usually lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated. You can comfortably schedule sessions during a lunch break or before work, as there’s minimal downtime involved.
4. How many sessions will I need for optimal results?
Most patients achieve the best results with a series of 4 to 6 sessions spaced a week apart. Your skin and cellulite respond differently depending on your body type, lifestyle, and skin quality, so your dermatologist may adjust the number of sessions to suit your needs.
5. Are there any side effects I should expect?
Temporary side effects are generally mild. You may notice redness or warmth in the treated area, slight swelling, or minor bruising from the mechanical massage. These effects usually fade within a few hours to a couple of days, allowing you to resume normal activities immediately.
6. How long do results last, and will I need maintenance?
On average, VelaShape results last between six to twelve months. However, longevity depends on factors such as your skin quality, lifestyle, weight stability, and how regularly you attend maintenance sessions. Scheduling touch-ups every 2 to 3 months can help maintain smoothness and skin tone over time.
7. Can VelaShape be combined with other treatments?
Yes, combining VelaShape with complementary treatments can enhance results. For example, fat-reducing procedures like cryolipolysis can help refine body contours, while radiofrequency skin tightening can further firm the skin. Topical cellulite treatments can also support ongoing skin smoothness. Many dermatologists recommend a combination approach to maximise outcomes.
8. Who is an ideal candidate for VelaShape?
VelaShape works best for people with mild to moderate cellulite who are near their ideal body weight. It’s designed for those seeking gradual, natural improvements rather than dramatic body transformations. A consultation ensures your treatment plan is tailored to your body type and goals.
9. Can I expect permanent results?
VelaShape is non-permanent, but consistent treatments combined with a healthy lifestyle can provide long-lasting improvements. Maintaining stable weight, staying active, and following a good skincare routine all contribute to prolonging your results. Regular maintenance sessions also help keep your skin smooth and contoured.
10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should follow to maximise results?
Yes, adopting certain habits can help you get the most from your VelaShape treatments. Staying hydrated supports skin elasticity, while a balanced diet rich in protein and antioxidants helps maintain tone. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and helps prevent fat accumulation in treated areas. Avoiding significant weight fluctuations also ensures your visual improvements last longer.
Final Thoughts: Extending the Life of Your VelaShape Results
VelaShape offers a safe, non-invasive way to smooth cellulite, improve skin tone, and subtly contour your body. While results are gradual and non-permanent, there’s a lot you can do to make them last longer. Regular maintenance sessions, a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and a good skincare routine all help preserve the smoother, firmer results you’re aiming for.
At the London Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, under the expertise of Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, patients receive personalised treatment plans tailored to their body type, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. By following a structured VelaShape programme and staying committed to lifestyle habits that support your skin, you can enjoy long-lasting improvements and a confident, rejuvenated appearance.
If you’re considering Velashape treatment, you can contact us at the London Medical & Aesthetic Clinic to discuss your goals with Dr Ayham Al-Ayoubi.
References:
1. Adatto, M.A., 2014. Reduction in adipose tissue volume using a new high-power version of the VelaShape device. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 16(5), pp. 232–237. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4149887/
2. Sadick, N.S., 2007. A study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the VelaSmooth system in the treatment of cellulite. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 9(3), pp. 145–148. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17506136/
3. Gabriel, A., 2023. Cellulite: Current understanding and treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(1), pp. 10–17. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10324940/
4. Sadick, N. (2019). Treatment for cellulite. ScienceDirect. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647518300418
5. Nassab, R., 2015. Evidence behind noninvasive body contouring devices. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 35(3), pp. 279–285. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/35/3/279/200894
