Dr. Bruce Hensel: 'It Can Be Done During Your Lunch Hour'

"It's simple, non-invasive, and can be done during your lunch hour," according to NBC4 health reporter, Dr. Bruce Hensel.

Hensel said there are about a dozen of the new machines currently in existence.

"Beauty knows no pain, goes the saying, but surgery is where many draw the line," Hensel said. "Now, some experts say you may not have to go under the knife to get that perfect figure."

The procedure is called VelaSmooth. One doctor performing the procedure called it a painless alternative to conventional liposuction. It requires no general anesthesia, little down time, and, according to its makers, no major side effects.

Kate Mesta and Alan Bane both decided it was worth a try.

"I had the extra rolls where my bra line is, and I have those slumps on the side that no matter how many sit ups I did or how much cardio I did, I couldn't get rid of this one section," Mesta said.

"I've had four back surgeries, and because of the back surgeries, I can't do a lot of things with my legs, as far as running or riding a bike or anything cardiovascular," Bane said. "And because of that, you know, I've gained a few pounds over the years."

The doctor said VelaSmooth works by using radio waves and infrared light to recontour the skin surface, while a vacuum manipulates and smooths out the skin. The patient is awake and alert during the procedure.

"All it is, is a hand piece that mechanically vibrates the fat cells, which increases the blood supply," the doctor explained. "And then, once that's mechanically manipulated, then it delivers heat in the form of radio frequency and light into the fat cells. What happens is, the fat cells are dissolved, and they're carried away through the circulation and excreted from the body."

The procedure is done over the course of 10 treatments, each lasting up to an hour. Before and after photos show the results, which are permanent.

"My waist was over a 37, and now it's a little bit over a 33," Bane said afterward.

"I really noticed a huge difference in three to four sessions," Mesta said. "I realized after 10 sessions, I'm looking at three, maybe four inches."

The doctor called the new procedure "the next big thing."

"I think it's going to revolutionize body contouring and cellulite treatments," the doctor said. "It's probably going to be the next big thing in cosmetic enhancement."

I feel better about myself. It helped me jump start and then it got me into going to the gym and eating healthier, and then I maintain it," Mesta said.

Hensel added that some experts do not believe VelaSmooth does all its makers claim, and there are no long-term studies comparing it to other procedures. It is about to become an approved procedure, and costs about $5,000 or $6,000. Hensel advised viewers to ask their doctor if the procedure is right for them.

For more information on this procedure, use an Internet search engine, and look for VelaSmooth, or contact Dr. John P. Laura, D.O., in Newport Beach at (949) 646-0077.