Syneron VelaShape

The Syneron VelaShape is a body shaping system that heats tissue with infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency while the applicator massages the skin with vacuum suction and mechanical manipulation. It replaced the VelaSmooth: the FDA's August 22, 2007 decision on K071872, a Special 510(k), describes VelaShape as a name change from the VelaSmooth Shaper with increased RF power. Syneron's annual reports give its market introduction as the third quarter of 2007 in the United States and elsewhere, and state that the VelaSmooth was cleared in July 2007 for temporary reduction of thigh circumference, with VelaShape cleared in August 2007 for all VelaSmooth uses.

The Vela line started earlier. Syneron's reports describe the Vela family as introduced in 2004, with the VelaSmooth reaching the United States in the second quarter of 2005. In June 2009 Syneron launched VelaShape II. Syneron's VelaShape II page lists 20 percent more power, a Clever Terminal user interface that prompts accessory changes and supports service diagnostics, and a dual connector that holds both the large Vsmooth applicator and the small Vcontour applicator on one platform.

Those VelaShape II features give the simplest test for which generation you own. A unit labeled VelaShape without the II suffix, without the Clever Terminal interface and without a dual applicator connector is the 2007 original covered by this page. A VelaSmooth label means the earlier, lower RF power predecessor.

Body shaping applicators take constant mechanical wear, so buyers concentrate on them. Expect questions about the massage mechanism, the vacuum seal and the condition of the light and RF elements on each applicator, along with how many applicators are included and whether the vacuum pump reaches normal levels without alarms. Provide photos of the console label, the screen at startup and each applicator, the year of manufacture and records of any applicator refurbishment or service.