A single center, randomized, comparative, prospective clinical study to determine the efficacy of the VelaSmooth system versus the Triactive system for the treatment of cellulite

Abstract

One area of cosmetic concern for women of all races is the unsightly appearance of cellulite in the buttocks area and lower extremities. Two modern technological advances claim to improve cellulite and provide reproducible results, TriActive and VelaSmooth. The TriActive laser is intended to reduce the appearance of cellulite through the combination of low-energy diode laser, contact cooling, suction, and massage. The VelaSmooth is based on a combination of two different ranges of electromagnetic energy: infrared light and radio frequency (RF) combined with mechanical manipulation of the skin. This single center study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of the VelaSmooth versus TriActive in the reduction of the appearance of cellulite. Twenty female patients were treated twice a week for 6 weeks with the randomization of TriActive on one side and VelaSmooth on the other side. Patients were evaluated with photographs and circumferential thigh measurements before treatment and after the final treatment. Although there was improvement in the reduction of cellulite for each device individually, there was no significant difference between VelaSmooth or TriActive devices in the following categories: reduction of thigh circumference, photographic evaluation, and perceived change in before and after photographic grading. There was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of post-treatment bruising with the VelaSmooth compared to TriActive. In conclusion, both the TriActive and VelaSmooth provide improvement of cellulite. When comparing differences in efficacy, the average mean percent change calculated was roughly the same for both treatments and showed no statistical difference.