VASER® Shape

None — Weighty Issues

Weight is often measured in terms of body mass index (BMI). A healthy body weight is a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Adults with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are considered overweight and those with a BMI of 30 or higher are obese.

Researchers estimate more than one-third of adults in the US are obese. The extra weight increases the risk for heart attacks, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and a number of other health problems. On the other hand, losing the extra weight, and maintaining a healthy weight can greatly reduce the risk for chronic healthy problems and premature death.

Getting Into "VASER®" Shape

For weight loss to occur, the body has to take in fewer calories (diet) and burn more energy (exercise). It's not an easy task. Many people struggle in their weight loss attempts. Some manage to successfully take off a few pounds, but then gain them back. In other cases, unwanted bulges stubbornly persist, despite dieting and exercise.

Now there's a device that may help patients lose those last few inches. It's called, VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Shape. VASER Shape combines two different types of treatment: high frequency ultrasound and lymphatic massage.

The high frequency ultrasound focuses two beams of ultrasound energy from a single handpiece. Two beams, one from each side of the device, are aimed in a V-shaped angle. The beams converge on a single focal point inside the body (the target cellulite). Shana Lawrence, Laser Instructor with the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, says each beam of ultrasound energy is harmless to the surrounding tissue. But on the target point, where the two beams meet, the tissue is heated sufficiently to melt the fat. The temperature is also constantly monitored to ensure the breakdown of the fat cells without damage to the skin and healthy tissues. The handpiece is moved over the contours of the body to reach all areas of the cellulite pocket.

The second part of the treatment is lymphatic massage. Lawrence says once the fat is melted, it needs to be eliminated by the body. Normally, excess fluid is drained through the lymphatic system, processed by the kidneys and excreted as waste. The lymphatic massage handpiece uses tiny vacuums to suction the skin and underlying tissue. As it pulls and massages, the technique helps open up the lymph nodes, increase circulation of blood and enable fat and toxins to drain more readily from the target site. Lymphatic massage may be used before and after ultrasound.

Lawrence says VASER Shape is good for just about anyone who wants to get rid of small areas of cellulite or fat. Patients have one treatment a week and it takes three to five treatments to see results. VASER Shape doesn't actually remove the fat cells, so if a patient doesn't follow a healthy diet and gains weight, the cellulite will eventually reappear. In fact, the manufacturer claims VASER Shape is a temporary solution to cellulite, not a permanent solution. Lawrence suggests that patients who are looking for a more permanent solution, or who have larger pockets of fat, consider other options, like liposuction.

The costs for VASER Shape is about $600/session, but varies according to the location of the clinic and the body area to be treated. For information, or to locate the nearest clinic, go to vaser.com/patients.

WSOC