The blurb
After a hard day working out in the gym, the best way to unwind is with a nice long massage. So when I read that Dr Ariel Haus’s VelaShape III body treatment not only soothes your aches and pains, but also contours, shapes and treats cellulite, I decided to give it a try.
The process
After all the paperwork was completed, we discussed the treatment process and what area I would like to be treated. They cover the full body, with the exception of the face, neck, hands and feet. I picked my thighs, their most requested body part apparently, as this is where clients tend to see the best results. ‘Before’ photos are taken so that you can see your progress—they prefer not to take measurements.
A cream was used to cover the VelaShape treatment area. The therapist then used the VelaShape III, a mechanical vacuum suction machine, to massage over and around my thighs. This provides precise delivery of pressure and stimulates lymphatic drainage, which is how your body rids itself of waste products.
Gradually the VelaShape heats up to around 42 degrees, at which temperature your cells start to make collagen, which helps to tighten your skin. There are also two rollers inside the massage tool that move in a circular motion, assisting in breaking down fatty tissues, toxins and cellulite. The temperature and vacuum sensation were not unpleasant or too hot—in fact I felt so relaxed that it reminded me of a heated deep-tissue massage.
The treatment lasted 30 minutes, but the time can vary, depending how many areas you have treated. Once the treatment was finished I was given a hand massage and then was free to go. My thighs did feel a bit warm after, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.
The results
Dr Haus
It can take the body up to 12 weeks to get rid of toxins, so you are advised to avoid alcohol and drink water to aid in the release of any excess waste, but in theory you can expect to see a reduction of 1–3cm just three weeks after the first treatment. In my case even by my second session, just ten days later, I could feel a difference in my jeans, which was very encouraging.
The clinic recommends an initial course of three to six treatments 10 days apart, maintenance courses, plus a follow-up assessment. It’s not a miracle cure for a laissez-faire lifestyle, but if you enjoy working out and maintain a healthy diet then you would definitely benefit from having the VelaShape treatment alongside to help kick-start change.
