July 6, 2011

It's summertime and that means a lot of people become a bit self-conscious about bathing suit season. However, aside from a healthy diet and exercise, there is now a new way to shrink that stubborn cellulite.

For this week's segment of Sargent Solutions, CBS19's Tiffani Sargent took a look at a new laser treatment that is getting rave reviews.

VelaShape looks and sounds like a giant vacuum cleaner, however it is actually a relatively new laser treatment. The treatment does not remove fat, but rather reduces the size and appearance of cellulite.

The treatment is now offered at Signature Medical Spa in Albemarle County. For clients like Mandi Petroka, who said they just needed a little fine tuning, it's a new option.

"I just needed some smoothing in some areas that I just wasn't able to achieve on my own," said Petroka. "It wasn't painful, it felt like a deep tissue leg massage with a little sucking."

"A roller is creating some lymphatic drainage while the radio frequency and infrared are attacking and surrounding the fat cells with heat," said Leigh Walsh a Master Esthetician. The longer the heat stays with the fat cell, the more it will shrink down

Walsh says the average client may see cellulite reduction of up to three inches. She says in most cases, the results are very noticeable when it comes to firming and smoothing cellulite.

However, she says clients should not expect dramatic weight loss.

"My biggest piece of advice would be go to a trusted physician, do your research and then make sure your procedure is being done by someone who is board certified in their specialty," suggested Dr. Bonnie Straka, the Signature Medical Spa Medical Director.

Dr. Straka says most of their clients do see results within as little as two treatments.

The cost for the recommended six treatments depends on the size of the target area. A small stomach treatment starts at about $1,500 dollars, while a larger area such as the thighs could set you back $2,400 for the six treatments. It's also recommended that clients come back three or four times a year to maintain those results.

Results are not guaranteed. And the procedure is not covered by insurance.

For more information visit the Signature Medical Spa online or VelaShapeonline.