Q: I have fat bulges on my tummy, sides of my waist, inner thighs, and back that will not go away with diet and exercise. What are my options for removing the fat bulges?

A: Up until recently, the only available options for reducing body fat to improve the contour and shape of the body were liposuction and other invasive and aggressive surgical techniques. For those individuals willing to undergo an invasive procedure, liposuction remains a good option to remove fat bulges. However, medical science has now developed techniques to reduce fat and improve the contour and shape of the body using non-invasive non-surgical methods. These techniques have the advantages of being extremely safe and having no recovery downtime.

The Zeltiq Procedure is a new non-surgical method of reducing fat to improve body contour and shape. The Zeltiq Procedure reduces fat by cooling it. Ideal candidates for the procedure have discrete and localized fat bulges on the abdomen, love handles, inner thighs, and back. Zeltiq is especially helpful when the fat bulge cannot be reduced by diet and exercise. Zeltiq treatments result in noticeable and natural looking fat reduction in the treated areas. There is absolutely no down time after the procedure, and most patients resume all of their normal activities, including returning to work and exercise regimens, on the same day as the procedure.

The procedure is done by applying the Zeltiq applicator to the fat bulge for one hour. During this time, the applicator chills the fat. The exposure of fat cells to cooling begins a process of natural fat cell removal. Patients remain very comfortable during the time the applicator is on the skin and may do whatever they wish during this period, including reading, working with their electronic devices, or listening to music. The visible reduction in fat will appear gradually over the next two to three months following the procedure.

The Zeltiq Procedure represents a new and very exciting way of accomplishing fat reduction in a completely non-invasive manner! Because of its safety, consistent results, and easy recovery, we expect Zeltiq to become a very popular method of reducing fat. Anyone desiring removal of fat bulges to improve the contour and shape of their body should give consideration to this new method of non-surgical fat removal.

It is estimated that over 80% of women have cellulite. Over the years, many different treatments have been used to treat this condition, but none of the treatments were ever particularly effective. Cellulite has historically been a very difficult problem to treat.

Recently, the VelaSmooth device became available, giving patients a new option for the treatment of cellulite. The VelaSmooth is FDA approved for the treatment of cellulite. It is a laser-like device that combines radio frequency and infrared light energies with tissue mobilization. These three treatment modalities work together to safely and effectively improve cellulite and recontour the skin surface.

VelaSmooth treatments result in a noticeable improvement in cellulite. Generally, a series of 12 treatments twice a week for 6 weeks is needed to obtain the optimum result. Each treatment session takes 30-40 minutes. Exercise and a healthy diet, when done in combination with the VelaSmooth treatments, will further contribute to a good result. The VelaSmooth can be used to treat cellulite located in the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, or upper arms.

The improvement following the VelaSmooth treatment lasts for up to six months, and maintenance treatments can be done at monthly intervals after the initial series in order to sustain the results achieved beyond six months. The treatment is non-invasive, non-surgical, and very safe for all skin types.

VelaSmooth treatments have been described as a warm massaging sensation that is well tolerated. The treated area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short period following the treatment. Normal activities may be resumed immediately after leaving the office.

With warmer weather right around the corner, our office has decided to offer VelaSmooth procedures at a discount so that more of our patients can take advantage of this treatment. Although the regular price of a VelaSmooth treatment is $250 a treatment, during April and May we are offering the treatments at the discounted price of $75 a treatment for one area and $125 a treatment for two areas. In addition, we are offering a series of 12 VelaSmooth treatments, two areas per treatment, for $1300. This represents a $1200 discount from the regular price of $2500.

Any of our patients who would like to take advantage of this special VelaSmooth offer are invited to call our office and make an appointment with either Jonee or Barb.

It is estimated that over 80% of women have cellulite. Over the years, many treatments have been tried to treat this condition, but none of the treatments were ever particularly effective. Cellulite has historically been a very difficult problem to treat.

Recently, the VelaSmooth device became available, giving patients a new option for the treatment of cellulite. The VelaSmooth is a laser-like device that combines the energy of radio frequency and infrared light with tissue mobilization. These three treatment modalities work together to safely and effectively improve cellulite and recontour the skin surface.

Dr. Amerian is proud to announce that she has been chosen to be a VelaSmooth clinical investigator. As a result, our office is one of a very limited number of offices that have access to the VelaSmooth. We are currently treating patients under a protocol to accurately measure the effectiveness of the VelaSmooth for treating cellulite.

Patients who believe they would benefit from the VelaSmooth or who have questions about the device are invited to call the office for an appointment.