Zerona Vs. Velashape
Last week an interested patient submitted a question.
The question was this, “Zerona or Velashape, which is better?”
First of all, I have a bias opinion. Right? After all… the name of THIS website is www.SoCalZeronaLaser.com.
Well, rather than give you my biased opinion, let me simply present a comparison.
But before I do, I wish I knew how the person submitting the question defines “better”.
For those of you who don’t know what either are, this will be a simple overview of each.
First Zerona…
The Zerona Laser is a low level energy laser that produces no heat to the tissues. In fact, patient cant even feel the laser on them. The Zerona laser has been shown to produce a reduction of the circumference of the waist, hips, thighs of on average (with the laser alone) of 3.5 inches after 2 weeks. Oh, and that’s without the patient changing their eating or exercise habits. It is FDA cleared. It’s the non-surgical option to SmartLipo or Lipo-suction. There are no side effects.
Second Velashape…
From the company website: VelaShape is a non-invasive medical device based on elōs™ technology – a combination of heat, light, suction and massage – and is specifically designed to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of cellulite and target localized fat deposits. It’s FDA approved.
Velashape did a study on women post-baby… the results are these: after 5 weekly treatments, the average circumferences (combined for waist, hips, thighs) was a reduction of 5.93 cm (that’s 2.38 inches).
The comparison…
Again, without knowing what the person submitting the question meant by “better” let me give some scenarios.
If you want results, Zerona is over twice as affective. In my office, 6.5 inches is average lose.
If you want speed, Zerona is done in 2 weeks, half of the time as Velashape.
If you want comfort, Zerona is painless and completely comfortable – you can’t even feel it. Velashape is a device that will suck and massage your tissue as the technician rolls it over the target area. Having not experienced it, I can only imagine that its like when you apply a vacuum cleaner to your skin, it kind of latches on. The machine looks like a vacuum cleaner. You can see it for yourself on the company website.
If you want fast, effective, and comfortable results, then Zerona is the way to go… but then again… I have a biased opinion.
If you compare cost, the prices are comparable based on a survey found on RealSelf.com. Velashape had an average cost of $3,692. Zerona in my office starts at $3,300.
I’d love to hear from people who have had Velashape. Looking at survey of 15 reviews – 20% said they’d do it again… leaving the rest saying never again. Many complaints was that it was very uncomfortable and most important not effective.
Thank you to the person who submitted the question…. I expect this was helpful for you.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
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Article by Dr. Troy Don, DC QME ,Your Zerona Laser Professional in Southern California
Comments
Velashape/velasmooth – it was pretty painful and costly for the lack of results! In my opinion, you are better off saving yourself some money by purchasing a cellulite cream and doing a self massage. I was very disappointed.
Wish there were more pictures and testimonials available for the Zerona. Everyone gets pulled into the sales and marketing pitch of whater the “new” craze is – Velasmooth had similar (convincing) testimonials. There really should be a guarantee of some sort for xx-inch loss for that kind of investment.
Dear Lisa,
I completely agree with you. In fact, getting before and after pictures from patients is something of an art it appears people dont want their bodies posted on the internet for some reason. 
REGARDING THE GUARANTEE… you are right… there should be some type of guarantee! And for me there is!
It is illegal for me or any other doctor to guarantee RESULTS. However, I feel a person should have a guarantee of some sort… and that’s why I offer a satisfaction guarantee to qualified patients.
Regarding more testimonials… perhaps your’e request will cause patients to post there experiences here.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Dr. Don,
I just completed my 6 treatments with the Zerona Laser, wonderful!
I have lost around 6 inches and I was not as compliant as I could have been. I didn’t drink enough water and started the supplements after my first treatment instead of the recommended ‘one week before’.
I went from my size 10 pants being a little snug to my size 8s fitting just perfect. A size and 1/2 is what the average person sees even if they are not totally compliant.
Painless, I had my Ipod on and didn’t even know the treatment was over until they came back in the room. No cutting, No topical, no manipulations of my skin. I would suggest a Lymphatic massage to help the Lymph system move even more out for a better outcome.
I have seen others do SmartLipo and VelaSmooth, the outcomes and before and afters are not as impressive. Three different people reported to me that they were burned by SmartLipo, they are not very happy and it cost them a lot more then I paid.
the web site above has clinical information as well as before and after photos.
I was very skeptical going in, I’m now a true believer.
Peace & Blessings,
Roseann
Dr Don
I actually tried velashape and was very dissatisfied. The machine burned my skin and left marks for months. I hated that and will never recommend to anybody. I just recently inquired about zenora laser and im thinking of doing it so hopefully this one works.
Dear Jenny,
Thanks for your feed back. I’m sure you’ll do great on Zerona, be sure to get all of the tips i make available for your best success with your doctor. More great post are soon to come!
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Dear Roseann,
Thanks for sharing your experience! It really is hard to believe, but when the inches are gone without any suffering or pain… it really is amazing. Great job on your success!
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Dear Dr. Don,
I am interested in the Zerona Laser but have not been able to find the FDA approval. Can you tell me under what name the FDA approved the device/procedure?
Velashape doesn’t work.
I’m skinny 112 lbs-5’4 a little belly fat.
I had 6 section of vela last year and didn’t
reduce anything.
spent $2400.
Dear Sol,
Others share your frustration. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Dear Holly,
Sorry for the late reply… i’ve been very busy and I like to respond to these personally.
I’ll forward you to the company so that you can get the exact reference from the actual company. Contact http://www.Erchonia.com. They will happily help you get your hands on that FDA approval.
Blessings,
Dr. Don
Dear Dr. Don,
My question is, can we use Zerona very often? I mean can we do it like for more than two weeks, so we can lose more and more every time we use it?
Regards,
Salem
Dear Salem,
We have had more success in using Zerona over more than 2 weeks. In fact, we have noticed when a person is on Zerona for 4 weeks they get 3 times the result versus an expected 2 times the results. Of course it depends on the nutrition of the patient as well. I have currently been testing to see what the result will be with 9 sessions versus 6 or 12 sessions.
I hope that helps.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
I finished my 6 Verona sessions. I weigh 124 lbs, eat under 1500 calories, drink 64 oz water — I did not lose ANY inches. I am 53 years old and am a Flight Attendant so I get plenty of exercise. When we measured, they said they would re-do the six treatments. In the clinical studies, they do the treatments every other day. May I do them for five days in a row to get maximum treatments? (so I can fly off to do my normal three day trips)
I just finished my very first session (1st of 9 office visits)and its true, no pain or discomfort. I did however wake up with a mild headache and it has lingered all day. Not sure if its related??? I also started the supplements 1 wk ago and my diet has not changed so I’m a bit perplexed as to the origin of the headache. I will continue with the treatments unless the headaches get too severe and I’m certain its from this treatment.
Laura
California
i am very unhappy about my weight i plan to get pregnant but i am worried i will be too over weight after the baby is zenora safe before pregnancy i would really like to know thanks in advance
Dear LuAnn,
I do not recommend you doing 5 consecutive session with the expectation of having the same results as if it were spread out over the 2 weeks. The clinical studies were 6 sessions over 2 weeks – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Though we do have some success with the “vacation” treatment schedule, i can say the results are better with the non treatment day in between.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
Dear Laura,
I’ve not heard of headaches ever being a side effect from treatment. I dont know enough about your headache but I’d suggest your talk to your doctor. who knows, it may even be a headache from laying down and your head was in an unusual position during the treatment. But a headache from the Zerona – doubt full. Let me know what you figure out.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
Tizzannia,
Im not exactly sure what you mean be “safe before pregnancy”. But I’ll say that we will not treat a person that is pregnant just to be on the overly cautious side. There are no know side effects to pregnancy, but we are not willing to test that.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
I’ve read many reviews of the Zerona… but there are people upon whom the device does not work. If you had a patient who had no results, would you refund their money?
thanks
I have heard very negative reviews on this proceedure. Only a handful of positive. Why would someone want to spean such a large amount of money on something that obviously does not work.
I have back fat that I need removed
I work out everyday and am a size 8 in pants and 12 in top becuase o f back fat.
should I lipo, smart lipo or zerona.
I want to also know the long term results.
How long does the results last?
Beth,
This is really your call. You have to look at all the pros and cons that each hold and then ask yourself if you are willing to have a surgical procedure.
Regarding the results – they all last the same time – which is to say, you’ve got to maintain a healthy life style to keep the result.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC
Dear Susan,
Thank you for your opinion. I disagree.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC
Dear Ann Tracy,
When people have a consultation with me they are please to find the details of my guarantee. I do my best to screen people that i suspect won’t get the results. Having just said that, there are those the I said no to, but then ask me if they could be a test subjects. Then many of those who i was sure wouldn’t do well, did exceedingly well. So for them it was worth it to get me to work with them as test subjects. Thanks for your comment.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC
I am investigating the Zerona procedure to be completely informed as to what it entails and costs. I had the Velashape procedure done at an extremely high cost and it was a total and complete waste of time. I am not obese, I am 5’2″ and have weighed between 130-137 for the past several years, which included the time I had the Velashape procedure. I would appreciate any honest information I can get on the Zerona procedure. I would be happy to privately show before and after photos. Not only did the Velashape procedure not work, I was told my thighs were actually larger at the end. This after I questioned the validity of this procedure after the very first visit. I believe Velashape is not intended for someone wanting to lose just a few inches. I believe it is only for those that have a lot to lose and are therefore happy with just a little loss. I want to reduce my stomach and the area just under by bustline. Will Zerona work?
I am so gald that I did not read the negative reviews before I had it done. Dr. Haas in Charlotte NC did 9 sessions for me. I am 52 years old: eat healthy, run 6 1/2 miles 4-5 times a week. But after age 50 I put on 10 pounds (I’m 5’2″) around my mid-section. No matter what I tried I could not get rid of it. I was a compliant patient: drank water, no alochol or caffiene, & took my supplements. I lost 10 pounds, lost total 9 inches ( 3 off waist, 3.75 off hips & 1.25 off thighs). I dropped from a size 6 regular to 4 petite. I only wish it had totally firmed my tighs. They are much better but still some sagging. I feel like he gave me back my body from 5 years ago. Lynn Olson
Dear Lynn,
Thank you for your post. You know it interesting that I’m told that there are many negative reviews online about people experience with Zerona. So for you to share your experience i hope will balance this issue. It’s been awhile since I’ve been able to get online and blog so I’m catching up with people’s comments. Thank you for your comment. Let Dr. Haas know I’d love to touch bases with him. Thanks again for sharing Lynn – keep getting the word out there.
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC
Dear Rita,
You sound like the many patients I consult with. It is completely understandable that you dont want to waste time or money on a procedure that wont work for you. Your target area is also very common. And yes, Zerona does work. I’ll be posting a blog that I hope will answer your question more specifcally – it is a blog that I imagine will make many lazy doctors who use Zerona unhappy with me – oh well
Also, I apologize for the late reply.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
I am interested on your thoughts of Zerona versus Exilis? Anyone tried these two with different results?
Dear Sam,
Still looking into it. Dont know enough to really comment on it.
Thanks,
Troy Don, DC QME
after i had my baby my body changed which is normal but i dont like that anymore , my hight is 5.4 and my weight is 132 pounds ,i think my problem is having more skin in my stomack , love handles and fat on my butt ..my body is very loose .
i went to spa who they did zerona but they told me that ,i dont really need it and they recommend “therage” i am not sure about spelling it.. i want to be to like a model ..
thank u
Dear Ruby,
How long ago did you have your baby? Before any procedure is done you want to allow your body to recuperate from the birth. And if you are breast feeding, you dont want to have Zerona until after you are done doing that.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
I just got done with my second treatment with the Zerone. However, the clinic that I am going to told me that I don’t have to worry about their herbal suppliments because I am already taking a good multi and B complex. Is this true?
Dear Amy,
Great question. Unfortunately, the span of products on the market for multi and vit b complex is extremely broad. Did the clinic look at what your taking and then give you an answer? Also, “good” for one doctor, is not “good” for another. The high number of MD suggesting the multi-vitamins that are advertised on TV still amazes me – and that vitamins terrible.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
Nope they never asked me what brand or anything. They told me it didn’t matter what type of vitamins that I am taking because they are going to be doing an ionic foot bath on me (which personally I don’t believe in), and that would pull the toxins out of my body.
Dr. Troy,
Have you been able to finally review Zerona versus Exilis? Exilis is a radio-frequency lipolaser technique that apparently can be used on the face and body, is pain-less and penetrates to deep layers of fat. Thank you.
Dr. Don,
I’m a 50 year old menapausal woman 5’1 about 120lbs waistline 33 inch. Since menapause began I have gained about 15lbs mostly in the waistline and it seems to be impossible to get rid of it. I’m on bioidentical HRT and I’m considering Zerona as I don’t want any surgical procedure.In your opinion, am I a good candidate for this and if so do you know any Dr. in So. Fl. that shares your philosophy and you would recommend?
thx,
Marta
Hello Marta,
Menapause and age have not been complications for success in my experience. Blood sugar issues, thyroid, and digestive have been the complicating factors. While my geography is poor regarding Florida, Dr. Alan Bauman is someone i’d recommend – he’s in Boca Raton. Tell him I sent you.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
Thanks for responding so quickly. I will most definitely check out Dr. Bauman and tell him you sent me. One more question. Before I heard of Zerona I was thinking of doing the smart lipo. Any thoughts on this and whether one is better than other in respect to results?
Dear Marta,
Great question, unfortunately you are comparing apples to oranges. They are totally different procedures. Remember, Zerona is NON surgical. Smartlipo is surgical. Zerona has no negative side-effects. Smartlipo can have any side effects associated with a surgical procedure. Also, Zerona wont cause lumps, Smartlipo can. Talk to Dr. Bauman and he can discuss it with you regarding your individual situation.
Blessings,
Dr. Troy Don, DC QME
Hello; I had my first Zerona treatment today and I too got a headache (and a sore throat…as did the woman “Laura”, above…both began during the treatment). I am wondering if it is because I do not have extra fat above my waist but I wanted my arms treated so the laser went up to my neck (in order ot get my arms too)…I also feel very sleepy now (5 hours after treatment) and it is not late yet. I would love to hear from Laura if her headaches continued.
Hi, i wanted to know if you heard about EXILIS, and how would it be compared to ZERONA? I heard that EXILIS is the newest procedure out there now and that it gives amazing results.
I am scheduled for my 1st Zerona treatment tomorrow. I previously had smart lipo 3 years ago and it was quite effective, however I did not maintain healthy eating habits. I am happy to say, that although I ate all the wrong things I still see the results from the smart lip. I only have a few areas that are a little larger than I would like and had actually scheduled an appointment to have more smart lipo until reading about Zerona. Although I LOVED the results of smart lipo, I do not want to have the discomfort associated with it. The pain is the equivalent to a hard work out. It leaves you very sore. After researching Zerona…there is no pain. I am going to try that and I will keep you posted on the results.
So who is considered to be a qualified patient or a suitable candidate. Couple of years ago I went thru i think 6 or 7 the torture sessions of taking 10-15 pokes on the targeted area. the pain was terrible terrible…I went thru 4-5 days of pure torture after each session. I could not wear regular pants had to wear stretchy pants coz my tummy was all swollen and sore…erggg it was the worst experience…but took it all expecting great result…but the *&*% clinic realised sometime at the last session i think at there were no good results and at that time they figured that i was not a good candidate for this procedure…#$%&*^@. During the time of the procedure I was eating normal…I am not a junk food eater, just occasionally, hate coffee, not too fond of sweets or pastries, dont smoke, very seldom drink…mostly eat home cooked food…So after they figured I was not a suitable candidate they offered to refund but when time came to refund they filed for bankruptcy…guess too many people were not suitable candidate….
So really need to know who is a suitable candidate for the Zerona Lazer Program
Consultation scheduled tomorrow. I am excited yet skeptical, I am 5’3″ 132lbs and 36″ in the waist. I had cesarean 5 years ago with twins, I wonder if this is right for me? Because of the cesarean will I have the same typical results. I have tried many things to loose the belly fat and nothing has worked. I just want to see results.
Dr.Ron,
I’m glad I found someone so “human” at the other end of this chat. I currently live in El Salvador, Central America and am trying to get the spa I go to to look into getting a Zerona Laser (I’m sure they’ll do their research before purchasing it). Still, even if they buy it, could you please let me know what makes you turn people away from having it done? I am 38 years old, 5’2 and weigh 155 lbs. I have hypo-thyroid desease but keep it leveled with a 0.1 Eutirox pill a day. I practice karate 3 times a week and walk on alternate days twice a week for 30 minutes. I eat more or less healthy (avoid junk food, sodas, fried food… I eat fruit and vegetables, lean proteins although whole grain carbs are hard to come by). With this description, am I a good candidate for Zerona?
Also, what other things are necessary to get the best results? I’ve read about taking supplements one week in advance and foot soaks – are they helpful and is anything else required?
Thank you for your time and help,
Anna
Hello Anna,
I appreciated the “human” comment, in fact, I’m sure my wife can go on and on as to how human I am. On occasion I’ll get a post/comment from someone who is turned off my my grammatical errors or typos and feel I should have someone else reply or post there articles. I feel the natural, human, less “canned” approach is more my style and refreshing to many out there.
To answer your question as to if you are a candidate, my biggest concern is you hypo-thyroid issue. Erchonia has now go as far to say that people with hypo-thyroid issues are not a candidate for this procedure. This is probably based on the results that doctors are sharing with them. I’ll say that patients with thyroid issues, even “controlled” typically get less than to average results. Have I helped people with thyroid issues? Sure, but managing their cases is more than just putting them under the Zerona laser.
Supplements are helpful. As for foot baths, I’m not sold on it. To get better results, make sure you read up on the digestion posts/articles I’ve made.
Hope that helps…
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC QME
Dear Paula,
So sorry for the late reply… we have had some “technical difficulties” with the Email notification system.
In any event, we have helped people with the Cesarean, “pooch” as my wife called hers.
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC QME
Dear Jemima,
First off, so sorry for the late reply… we have had some “technical difficulties” with the Email notification system.
Ouch, sounds like a bad experience.
In my office, I make sure that a person’s thyroid, digestive systems, and expectations are not an issue. Some times people come in with different expectations than the FDA approved figures. If a person’s thyroid is off, results are not as good. And the biggest factor that I’ve seen is the digestive system – 1 bowel movement a day is not ok. You really want 2 to 3 per day.
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC QME
I know very little about Exilis. I do know that it is not laser, but a different spectrum of energy. Sorry.
I am 32 yrs old with 3 children. I’m 5’6 and average between 115-125 lbs. My concern isnt to loose inches, I want to improve my skin texture due to cellulite. I started zerona this week and I’m wondering if it was a waste of money and if you could steer me in the right direction.
Hi Vania,
I’m curious as to what the doctor you consulted with said about your goal. As you may or may not know cellulite is fat trapped in a matrix of connective tissue. It is the connective tissue that interrupts the smooth look. Can Zerona decrease the fat inside that matrix? Yes. Will that change the look of the cellulite? Maybe. I’ve seen mixed results as it pertains to cellulite. I hope it works for you.
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC QME
I’m a 30yr old male, 5 foot 9, 235lbs with a 40inch waist. I do cardio, eat ok and still can’t lose my lovehandles. Is Zerona right for me?
I’m a 30yr old male, 5’9, 235lbs with a 40 inch waist. I do about 2 hours of cardio a week and eat ok and can’t lose my lovehandles. Will Zerona work for me?
Hi Ken,
It has helped many men just like what you have described. When you talk to the doctor who you consult with for Zerona, make sure you discuss the following in your history: Thyroid issues, visceral fat vs. cutaneous fat, adrenal health (stress issues), digestive health, and blood sugar issues. That should help..
Blessings,
Troy Don, DC QME
May 14th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Dr Don what you’ve said about velashape is so true…My girlfriend had that procedure done and talked me out of it saying it didn’t do anything and hurt like hell. I want to be thin again and I believe some will even go through very painful things to get it. I am glad I did’nt do velashape, my girlfriend was actually extremely sore and bruized.