Vaser Shape

Non-Invasively Reduces Cellulite

Article by Sean McKinney, Contributing Editor
THE Aesthetic Guide November/December 2010, www.miinews.com

As a non-invasive ultrasound and massage device, the VASER Shape MC1 from Sound Surgical Technologies LLC (Louisville, Colo.), has obtained FDA approval for relief of minor muscle aches, pains and muscle spasms, temporary improvement in local blood circulation and temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Moreover, many practitioners have also discovered VASER Shape MC1's potential to expand body sculpting applications.

(Photos courtesy of Marie N. DiLauro, M.D.)

According to Marie N. DiLauro, M.D., medical director of Reflections in Columbus, Ohio, the VASER Shape MC1 can reduce localized fat deposits while also tightening the skin. "In addition to observing impressive results after a few weeks of treatments in most patients, we have often noticed immediate and lasting improvement in the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and skin laxity, as well as localized fat reduction."

For Joseph Cervone, M.D., medical director of Concierge Skin Care in West Orange, N.J., treatment is ideal for patients who either cannot undergo invasive procedures due to health conditions, or prefer not to undergo invasive procedures to avoid downtime or surgical marks. "With the VASER Shape MC1, I have seen improvement in the appearance of cellulite during the first three treatments," he said. "I have also achieved good results when treating tendon or muscle injuries."

Featuring a dual transducer head, the VASER Shape MC1 device delivers a double beam of overlapping ultrasonic energy at a frequency of 1 MHz. The ultrasound beam overlaps and treats fatty tissue between 1 cm and 5 cm below the skin's surface. Energy is delivered continuously, resulting in acoustic thermal and acoustic mechanical effects that warm the treatment area and temporarily change the underlying tissue matrix. A vacuum handpiece stimulates the lymphatic system to drain away excess toxins and lipids, increase local blood circulation and help open lymph nodes.

"I usually administer one ultrasound treatment per week, followed by the lymphatic drainage massage four to five days later," said Dr. Cervone. "I repeat this cycle three to five times."

Dr. DiLauro typically uses a series of four to six treatments every four to seven days. "Areas with large amounts of fat and cellulite, or skin laxity, may require additional treatments," she noted.

In Dr. DiLauro's experience the VASER Shape MC1 offers rapid results, achieving 1" to 4" of circumferential reduction within a few days of the first treatment, whereas, "cryolipolysis modalities typically take several months to produce results." Dr. DiLauro also feels that results with the VASER Shape MC1 seem to be more predictable than those obtained with low level lasers or radiofrequency. "Treatments with radiofrequency devices are usually very painful, while patients find VASER Shape treatments to be quite comfortable."

"Most patients want to be able to quickly and comfortably reduce stubborn fat deposits, improve cellulite, and tighten and firm their skin without experiencing any downtime," Dr. DiLauro added.

Additionally, both Dr. DiLauro and Dr. Cervone believe VASER Shape serves as a useful adjunct treatment before, and within a few weeks after, liposuction. "After liposuction, the system promotes lymphatic drainage, hematoma resolution, softening of induration and tightening of skin," Dr. Cervone observed.

Marie N. DiLauro, M.D.
Founder and Medical Director Reflections
Columbus, Ohio

Joseph Cervone, M.D.
Medical Director Concierge Skin Care
West Orange, NJ