
In modern medical aesthetic beauty field, non-invasive body shaping technology has completely changed our ways to improve our body contour. Among many choices, cryolipolysis and Velashape are especially favoured by most beauty seekers, but these two technologies adopt different ways to shape our body. To some beauty seekers, making a choice between cryolipolysis and Velashape may be difficult.
This article makes a complete comparison in some key factors such as technological principle, applying body part, treatment effect and safety of cryolipolysis and Velashape, helping you make a wise decision according to your requests and expectations.
1. Reveal Technological Principle and Working Mechanism of Cryolipolysis and Velashape
1.1 Science Behind Cryolipolysis
Cryolipolysis can remove fat cells selectively by using low temperature. It’s non invasive. This technology has a basis: Fat cells are highly allergic to low temperature. When fat cells expose to exact low temperature, they will go through a natural dying process called apoptosis. But other tissues like skin, nerve and blood vessel won’t be damaged.
During treatment, place the applicator on the targeted body area. This applicator sucks fat tissue into its cup through vacuum pressure. Then precisely lower the temperature to -5℃—-10℃. This process crystallizes fat cells and finally destroy their stability. And then, in several weeks to several months, dead fat cells will be cleared away by body’s natural metabolism.
1.2 Velashape: Five Technologies Combined
Different from the unique freezing mechanism of cryolipolysis, Velashape combines five popular technologies including radiofrequency, vacuum pressure, infrared laser, mechanical roller and untrasonic. It’s a multifunctional body contouring device. This synergy can reduce fat while tightening the skin.
To be specific, the working mechanism of Velashape is somehow complex. Radiofrequency power heat fat cells and deep skin tissues, stimulating collagen and elastin regeneration. Infrared laser promote this heating effect in depth. At the same time, vacuum massage can not only destroy fat cells but also improve skin texture through promoting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
2. Which Body Parts are Suitable for Cryolipolysis and Velashape

Cryolipolysis is focus on local fat reduction. It’s fit for many body parts, including abdomen, side waist, thigh, lower edge of the buttocks, arm, back and chin, etc.. These areas have much stubborn fat. These fat are hardly removed by dieting and sporting. We should notice that cryolipolysis machine is equipped with different kinds of applicators for more precise treatment, reaching expected shaping results.
Velashape is also suitable for various body parts, but its versatility makes it perform better in handling large areas and surface irregularities. Common target areas include thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, and waist. Due to its skin tightening function, Velashape is particularly suitable for areas where both fat accumulation and skin laxity coexist, such as the abdomen of postpartum women or the upper limb area after significant weight loss.
3. Treatment Effect and Duration of Cryolipolysis and Velashape
3.1 Effective Time and Durability
The effect of cryolipolysis is relatively slow, and the initial change will appear about 2-3 weeks later. The best effect needs to wait 2-6 months, because the body needs to naturally metabolize damaged fat cells. A single treatment can reduce the thickness of local fat by 20-25% on average, and the waist circumference can be reduced by about 5 cm on average. The removed fat cells will not regenerate and the effect is long-lasting, but if the weight increases significantly, the remaining fat cells will still expand, affecting the overall contour.
The effect of Velashape usually appears faster. After the first treatment, many users can feel the improvement of skin quality and slight changes in contour. In order to achieve the best results, it is usually recommended to carry out 4-6 treatments with an interval of 1-2 weeks each time. The complete fat reduction and skin tightening effect is most obvious a few weeks after completing the whole course of treatment. Like frozen fat dissolution, its effect also needs to be maintained through healthy diet and regular exercise.
3.2 Comparison of Overall Improvement Scope
In terms of improvement scope, cryolipolysis mainly focuses on one point: fat reduction. It performs excellently in eliminating stubborn fat deposits, but has limited impact on skin tightening or improving orange peel tissue.
In contrast, Velashape offers more comprehensive improvements, including:
Moderate fat loss (with an average reduction of 7-8 centimeters in dimensions, and in some cases up to 18 centimeters)
Significant skin tightening and texture improvement
Reduced appearance of orange peel tissue
Smooth overall contour
This multifunctionality makes Velashape an attractive choice for users seeking overall aesthetic improvement rather than just fat reduction.
4. Treatment Experience and Recovery Process of Cryolipolysis and Velashape
4.1 Feelings During the Treatment Process
In the early stage of cryolipolysis treatment, the patient will feel obvious cooling and adsorption, because the operating head will act on the target area through vacuum suction and start the cooling program. There may be slight discomfort in the first few minutes, but as the local tissue is rapidly numb, the rest of the treatment process will become relatively easy. The duration of a single treatment is about 35 minutes, depending on the size of the part. During this period, the patient can read, use mobile phones and even take a nap, and the overall experience is relatively comfortable.
Villa plastic treatment is often described as similar to hot stone massage, accompanied by a slight numbness. Its vacuum massage part will produce a pressure feeling similar to deep tissue massage. A single treatment takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. Most patients think that the experience is comfortable and relaxing, especially the massage components can effectively improve the overall comfort.
4.2 Postoperative Recovery and Care
One of the significant advantages of cryolipolysis is that there is almost no recovery period after treatment. The operative can return to normal life and work after the treatment. Common side effects such as temporary redness, bruising or numbness in the treatment area usually subside by themselves within a few hours to a few days. In order to consolidate the effect, just maintain sufficient drinking water and healthy living habits after the operation.
Velashape also has the characteristics of a short recovery period. After treatment, only slight redness, swelling or sensitivity may occur, and most of them will be relieved within a few hours. In order to promote the body’s metabolism of treated fat cells, therapists often advise the subject to do moderate exercise and drink more water after the operation. Unlike cryolipolysis, Velashape is usually recommended to receive maintenance treatment regularly according to the course of treatment to achieve and maintain the best shaping effect.
5. Cryolipolysis & Velashape: Comparison of Risks and Side Effects
5.1 Common and Rare Side Effects
Both technologies are considered safe and easy to tolerate, but both have some potential side effects that need attention.
Common temporary side effects of cryolipolysis include numbness, tingling, soreness and slight bruising at the treatment site, which usually subside on their own within days to weeks. A rare but noteworthy complication is abnormal fat hyperplasia, that is, the thickening of the adipose tissue in the treated area. Its incidence is extremely low, but it requires additional treatment to correct it. Other rare risks include delayed pain or skin tone changes in the treatment area.
The side effects of Velashape are usually mild, mainly including temporary redness, swelling and sensitivity. In rare cases, especially for patients with high skin sensitivity or improper treatment parameters, mild burns or blisters may occur. Unlike cryolipolysis, this technology does not affect the nerves, so it will not cause long-term numbness.
5.2 Safety Considerations and Contraindications
Cryolipolysis technology is not suitable for patients with cold-sensitive diseases such as cold globulinemia, cold agglutinosis, and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria. At the same time, patients with Raynault’s phenomenon or peripheral vascular disease should also avoid this treatment.
Velashape treatment should avoid parts with skin infections, open wounds or serious circulation problems. Patients with metal implants or pacemakers in their bodies must inform the therapist in advance, because radio frequency energy may interfere with these devices.
FAQ
Q: Is the treatment process of cryolipolysis painful?
A: At the beginning of treatment, there will be obvious coldness and suction, but the treatment area will soon become numb. During the process, most people can read or rest normally, which is generally more comfortable.
Q: Can Velashape improve skin sagging?
A: Yes. Velashape’s radio frequency technology can significantly tighten the skin and improve the texture, which is especially suitable for postpartum abdomen or loose skin after weight loss.



