Once your body is in shape, there could be problematic areas that working out cannot cure without additional assistance. For example, newer moms sometimes have the bit of belly that just won't disappear with diet and exercise, a result of extra skin following a pregnancy. Conversely, once a man increases his muscle mass and moves back into a previous size of jeans, he could have that extra hair on his back and neck that has always bothered him, holding him back from full confidence.



You've probably seen them at the gym - those people that are working out several times a week, just like you, who look like they are in perfect shape. The truth is, they may have had some "help" along the way with their body image.

Non-invasive laser aesthetic treatments can offer minimal downtime and provide the fine-tuning needed to get those who are in shape to the next level. Whether it's battling the last-remaining bulge or creating a sleeker look to complete the overall picture, treatments like these can add the finishing touch and have you looking your best during your next workout.

To treat cellulite and reduce some sagging areas, the latest techniques include treatments such as VelaShape. An alternative to liposuction and surface lotions, VelaShape actually uses infrared energy and laser technology to work directly on cellulite under the skin.

VelaShape is the first (and only) process approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite and reduce thigh circumference. VelaShape is a clinically proven procedure that many Americans are choosing instead of surgical techniques. The noninvasive VelaShape device uses something called elos technology, invented by laser developer Syneron. It employs bi-polar RF waves and infrared energy to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite and cut down on localized fat deposits by literally shrinking your fat cells.

Improvements from VelaShape often are visible within as few as four office visits. It obtains results much more quickly than other techniques because it uses high-powered and safe forms of energy. Typically, with four to six treatments spaced one week apart, patients see thinner thighs and better skin texture. Some patients have even see results on other areas of the body including stomachs, love handles, hips and buttocks.

For those interested in permanently removing unwanted hair, laser hair removal is a convenient method. Once hair is permanently removed, there is no longer a need for shaving, waxing or covering up unwanted hair with additional clothes. Another benefit is no longer consuming a monthly budget of razors, shaving cream or waxing products. Oh, and don't forget all of the time you'll save in the shower and out, week after week. A May 2008 Zoomerang hair removal survey that found women spend more than $10,000 on hair removal products and services over the course of a lifetime.

The hair removal study was conducted to determine the cost savings benefit of laser hair removal verses a lifetime of shaving or waxing. On average, women can save $7,000 by receiving laser hair removal on the areas of the body they typically shave. When compared to a lifetime of waxing, women can save $20,000 by receiving laser hair removal on the areas of the body they usually wax.

The most effective laser hair removal process combines pulsed, high-intensity light with precisely controlled radiofrequency waves to damage follicles. The result of permanent hair reduction can often mean: no more shaving, waxing or bleaching of the treated areas.

The only way to permanently reduce the amount of unwanted hair is to damage the hair follicle to a point where is unable to produce hairs. The hairs that are destroyed with each treatment are destroyed permanently. While patient protocol is determined on a case-by-case basis, on average it lasts for a minimum of six treatments, spread about two months apart per treatment.

If you hire a personal trainer or spend part of your monthly budget on fitness center fees, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of your dollars every time. By investing in laser aesthetic treatments such as VelaShape for cellulite reduction or laser hair removal, you can concentrate on your workout knowing that your appearance is in perfect shape.