Case Study
Having recently lost some weight I decided it was time to do something about my cellulite. I’ve always had quite bad cellulite on my bottom, thighs and legs, even as a teen and I felt that being in my 30’s it was time to sort it out once and for all!
A friend suggested Velashape, she’d had the treatment and had had great results. I msut admit that I am a bit of a skeptic about these sorts of treatments and it’s only after my friend dropped her trousers and showed me the results she’d had that I felt convinced (yes, we really do these things over coffee!)
I’m a bit of a coward and knew that lipo wasn’t for me and this seemed like a great option. She sang the praises of Sharon at UMA and after a chat with her on the phone I felt totally at ease.
Sharon can only be described as slightly bonkers, she’s bubbly and really calming. She puts you at ease and I knew I wouldn’t be embarrassed about getting down to my pants in front of her. In fact, once I found out she was an ex Intensive Care Sister I figured she’d seen just about everything so my bottom wouldn’t scar her for life!
Photo taken at Week 1
Week 1
A few days before my treatment Sharon sent me an email outlining the does and dont’s. I was asked to shave and exfoliate the area and not to fake tan or moisturise.
So the day arrived. I went along to the clinic and was welcomed by Sharon and her team. I was taken upstairs into the consolation room and offered a coffee. Sharon chatted about the process and gave me some literature to read. I was then asked to fill in a form, simply outlining some medical history and providing my consent to the treatment.
Then it was time to bare all, eeeeek! Sharon asked me to stand with my face to the wall whilst she took a few photos and measurements. These are used for their records so they can document the progress of the treatment. It was also a chance for Sharon to have a good look at the area and see which parts needed the most attention. I don’t spend much time looking at my bottom so I was relying on her expertise.
We then moved through to the treatment room. This is a really nice room, not overly clinical. It’s a cross between a spa room and a medical room. I lay down on the bed, got comfortable and Sharon started the treatment.
The Velashape machine is almost like a vacuum with rollers. It is passed over the skin and sucks the skin up so it gets closer to the laser. It’s quite a nice sensation, like a good massage but the laser warms the area. Sharon had explained that some areas can be more sensitive and the area around the back of my knees smarted a little (this is because the skin is a little thinner and it’s closer to the bone – she explained) but not overly and a small squeak/twitch alerted Sharon. I’d done quite a lot of research beforehand and had read some horror stories of it really hurting and burning but this couldn’t be further from the truth, it’s actually quite relaxing. I really am a wimp but found it a nice experience. In fact the worst part for me was having to keep still, I love to fidget so making me stay still for an hour is no mean feat!
I wasn’t left with any painful areas afterwards and I must say my skin feels really smooth and soft. I am booked in for another session in a weeks time and I’m looking forward to it. I don’t expect to notice any difference for the first few weeks but I really can’t wait to complete the course.
Week 2
I must admit I have become a bit bottom obsessed this last week, not only with my own but also with everyone else’s around me. My husband keeps catching me checking girls out in the supermarket and I’m sure he’s starting to question my sexuality but no, it’s all in the name of research!
You see that’s what Velashape does to you as you start to notice the changes (yes even after week 1 I’ve noticed a difference), you start to check yourself out. It’s a bit like being on a diet and noticing the pounds drop off!
Anyway, it’s that’s time of the week again and I toddle off back to UMA for my second treatment. I’m excited and can’t wait to see if Sharon has noticed any difference. I am sure she thinks I am somewhat strange to be so squeaky! I get comfy on the treatment bed and as Sharon inspects the area she says that it does indeed look and feel smoother. It takes around a week for it to take effect so the fact I’m showing changes early is a great sign. I really want to feel confident wearing short (age appropriate) skirts in this fab weather so I really am hopeful.
The treatment is just like the week before, with Sharon concentrating on the tougher areas more. She can tell with each week which bits respond better and which areas need a good, well, hammering. That’s what is great about seeing the same person each week they really get to know the area and can see the changes for themselves.
When I leave she says that after my 3rd treatment, so half way through the course I’ll be phtographed and measured again. Eeeeeek! Not as scary as the firs time and I am actually looking forward to it.
So, if you see a lady wondering around Waitrose checking you out. Don’t worry it’s just me and my research :0)
Week 3
This week my post is all about wee, as that’s all I have done since my last treatment.
Sharon had explained that the treatment gets your lymphatic system working overtime and this means you will wee a lot more. Well, I wee a LOT anyway, always have done and the first two weeks I thought I’d got away easy but by golly did it catch up with me. About 12 hours after my third treatment it started and I’m not sure I’ve been away from a toilet since. I had a very humorous drive up to Cheshire where I had no choice but to make friends with the grass verges and foliage.
However, this, I am assured is a really good sign and it means it’s really working. It can take a couple of weeks for the treatment to really start to work so it makes sense that after my third session I’d be showing these signs. I was chatting to my friend who recommended the treatment and she had the very same thing (thanks for the warning) about the same time so it’s a great indication!
It’s now that I can really tell the difference and I showed my Mom the other day (who I must point out is a) not one to say flattering things and b) a huge skeptic) and her words were “wow, it’s made a difference”. Now this comment should be etched in stone, I even feel like writing to Velashape and letting them know what a wonderous endorsement this is. Even I was slightly taken aback at this glowing response. So much so I straight away emailed UMA to tell them.
Next week is pictures and measuring. So watch this space and I may be back with pictures if I am feeling brave!
Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I think I need a wee…
Week 4
I’ve been really looking forward to week 4 as it marks the halfway point for me and it means pictures and measurements, which is pretty exciting!
I have noticed some great results and people I’ve dared to flash my bottom to (don’t worry this is only close friends and family, not random people on the street) have all noticed a massive difference so I was confident that it was at least making the area smoother.
So, off I go again to UMA for my weekly session and prepare myself for the photos. Sharon says that she really likes to have the photos as it highlights the key areas that need more work. As they say, the camera never lies! The pictures are then sent to you via email after your session and I must say when mine arrived I was totally and utterly blown away.
Now, as mentioned, I had expected some smoothness and I wasn’t disappointed. However, I wasn’t expecting a lift in my buttocks and by golly are they lifted, I swear it had taken about 15 years off my bum. In fact I was so excited (and shocked) that I proceeded to send the pictures to some friends. What possessed me I’ll never know as I am sure the last thing anyone wants to see is a picture of a bottom showing up in their inbox. Oh well, too late!
So, you don’t believe me? Well, here are the pictures and you can see for yourself:
After: Taken at the beginning of session 4
So that is after just 3 sessions!! I am totally astounded that it really has made such a difference in the appearance. PLUS, I’ve lost 2.5cms around each thigh! I haven’t been doing anything else different so it’s all down to Velashape and Sharon’s pummelling skills.
This week Sharon worked on the area towards the outside of my thighs as she said these were being the most stubborn. They’ve always be a hive of lumps and bumps so it’s no wonder they’ve been the last to react but I have 3 more weeks to look forward to and I can’t wait!