One of the biggest beauty concerns for women of all ages, weights and varying degrees of fitness is dealing with the unwelcome development of cellulite. This nonthreatening, yet aesthetically unacceptable condition historically plagues women (but very few men) in the hips, thighs and buttocks, and sometimes in the triceps and lower abdominal areas.

Naturally, competition is fierce in the cellulite treatment industry. Two competitors in the cellulite treatment industry – endermologie® and VelaShape™ – both offer benefits and differences in reducing the appearance of cellulite.

endermologie® Basics

endermologie®, the patented and trademarked technology first developed in France by Louis Paul Guitay in the 1980s, is the undisputed pioneer in the field of cellulite treatments. LPG® manufactures the equipment, each machine specifically developed for a precise range of treatments, all of which employ the unique Mecano-Stimulation™ technique.

In 1998, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the first CELLU M6 endermologie® machine for the treatment of cellulite. The launch of the 8th generation of CELLU M6 in 2009 marked a turn in both design and technology. Equipped with a color touchscreen, the CELLU M6 Endermolab features a multitude of pre-registered treatment protocols and an integrated coach to facilitate treatments.

LPG Cellu M6 was primarily designed to treat burn victims and is backed up by 130 scientific studies. endermologie® was the first device ever cleared by the FDA for the reduction of the appearance of cellulite. endermologie® offers both esthetics and health benefits. Cellu M6 has been cleared by the FDA for several medical claims including the treatment of postmastectomy secondary lymphedema. Other technologies are limited to cellulite reduction.

endermologie® technicians are encouraged to attend the official training center in Fort Lauderdale. While professional requirements vary from state to state, in most states the regulations for working on the body are a massage therapist or higher.

endermologie® has a long, positive track record and the treatments are non-painful and deeply relaxing. An average treatment program includes between 10 and 14 visits but requires only two to three follow-up maintenance treatments.

VelaShape Basics

VelaShape treatment machines, formerly known as VelaSmooth™ machines, are in their second generation of development and are manufactured by Syneron. The original VelaSmooth machines received FDA clearance in 2004 and VelaShape equipment was cleared in 2007 following safety studies and trials.

The machine employs bi-polar radiofrequency (RF), infrared light energy, pulse vacuum and the mechanical massage elements. The heat is supposed to firm and thicken the skin and possibly melt some of the bulging fat beneath the surface. The high-pressure RF waves aim to break up the connective tissue that causes dimples.

Because VelaShape is rated as a medical laser, only qualified medical professionals should operate these machines. Training is available through the manufacturer, in the practicing physician’s office or online through a physician’s portal. While treatment costs vary according to the areas of the body involved, full treatments of 12 to 14 visits and follow-up maintenance programs can run into several thousand dollars.

While the main side effects include residual swelling, site redness and bruising, burns and blistering can occur if the machine is used by unqualified personnel or through operator error.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CELLULITE TREATMENT DEVICES