Sole Centro de Imagen
Shockwave therapy in Nerja
Cellulite, sagging skin, stretch marks and scars. No needles, no downtime.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwaves are high-energy acoustic waves that compress and decompress the tissues in a very short time. This mechanical stimulation prompts the cells to respond: new blood vessels form, the fibroblasts (the cells that make collagen and elastin) are activated and the tissue regenerates.
In aesthetics, shockwave therapy is used for cellulite, sagging skin, stretch marks and scars. It breaks down the fibrous structure and nodules of cellulite, boosts circulation and drainage and stimulates collagen, so the skin becomes firmer and looks smoother.
At Sole Centro de Imagen we use the Symphium-Eleven Plus® by Biotecna, a Spanish manufacturer of shockwave and diathermy equipment. It is a medical device with CE marking (1936) and health registration PS/2023/08429, with 5 bar of power, a frequency of up to 20 Hz, three treatment heads (9 mm multifocal, 15 mm focal and 15 mm multifocal) and preset protocols for each area of the body.
Benefits
It is a non-invasive treatment, with no needles and no downtime: when the session is over, you carry on with your day.
Improves the appearance of cellulite, even the most pronounced
Firms the skin on the abdomen, buttocks, legs and arms
Helps redefine body contours and mobilise localised fat
Improves the texture of stretch marks and scars
Boosts circulation and fluid drainage
Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Short sessions of around 20-30 minutes
Enhances the results of LPG, radiofrequency and pressotherapy
What the studies say
Shockwave therapy is one of the cellulite techniques with the most published clinical trials. Here are two of them (they were not carried out with our device, but they did use shockwaves and similar protocols):
Knobloch et al. (Dermatology and Therapy, 2013): randomised, double-blind trial. 6 shockwave sessions, every 1-2 weeks, plus gluteal exercises improved the cellulite severity scale from 10.9 to 8.3 points at 3 months; the sham-treatment group did not change
Troia et al. (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021): randomised trial with 45 women. 6 shockwave sessions over 3 weeks, combined with aerobic exercise, reduced cellulite severity more than exercise alone
In both studies shockwave therapy was combined with exercise: movement helps the result to be greater and to last longer
The response varies from person to person; results are assessed at 3 months and are best maintained
Shockwave treatments
We use the Symphium-Eleven Plus® with different protocols depending on the area and what you want to improve. At the consultation we choose the treatment head, the intensity and the number of sessions.
01Cellulite
The waves break down the fibrous bands that pull on the skin and create the dimples, break up the nodules and activate drainage. The skin gradually looks smoother and more even. It works on all grades of cellulite, including fibrous and long-standing cellulite.
02Sagging skin and firming
The waves stimulate the fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin, and the skin gains density and firmness. We treat the abdomen, buttocks, inner thighs and arms, and also after weight loss or pregnancy.
03Body contouring and localised fat
Shockwaves help mobilise fat in stubborn areas such as saddlebags, love handles or the abdomen and redefine the contours. They do not replace diet and exercise, but they combine with them very well.
04Stretch marks and scars
By stimulating tissue regeneration, shockwaves improve the texture, relief and colour of stretch marks and scars, and release the adhesions of older scars. The more recent they are, the better they respond.
05After liposuction
Shockwaves help reduce the swelling, fibrosis and irregularities that can remain after liposuction or other cosmetic surgery. Only when your surgeon authorises it and at the time they indicate.
What happens in a session?
A session lasts between 20 and 30 minutes depending on the area. We apply a gel to the skin and glide the treatment head over the area while the device emits the pulses.
Consultation
We look at the area, the type and grade of cellulite or sagging, your habits and your medical history, and rule out contraindications. If you wish, we take photos and measurements for comparison.
Treatment
With the gel on your skin, we glide the treatment head over the area. You will feel rhythmic tapping and hear a characteristic sound; we adjust the intensity so that it is comfortable.
Afterwards
No recovery time is needed. The skin may be slightly red or sensitive for a few hours. Drink water and, if you can, walk or exercise that day to make the most of the drainage.
Results
The skin feels softer and firmer from the first sessions, and the improvement in cellulite and sagging continues to build for up to about 3 months after finishing the plan.
Sessions and maintenance
The number of sessions depends on the area, the grade and your goal; we set it at the consultation. As a guide:
Cellulite and sagging skin: between 6 and 10 sessions, 1 to 2 per week
Stretch marks and scars: between 6 and 10 sessions, once a week or every 15 days
Duration: 20-30 minutes per session, depending on the area
Maintenance: one session a month to keep the results
Course of 10 sessions available
For better results: exercise, good hydration and a balanced diet
What we combine it with
Cellulite has several components (fibrosis, fat, fluid retention and sagging), and combining techniques gives better results than using just one. These are the most common combinations:
Ballancer pressotherapy: drains the fluids mobilised by the shockwaves
LPG Body: works the tissue and orange-peel skin mechanically
Body radiofrequency (Indiba and Viora): deep heat for sagging skin
HIFEM: tones the muscle underneath the treated area
Venus Viva body: for stretch marks and skin texture
Who is it for and when is it not recommended?
Shockwave therapy is for women and men with cellulite, sagging skin, localised fat, stretch marks or scars who are looking for a treatment without needles or surgery. It is not applied in these cases:
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant treatment
Thrombosis or phlebitis, or significant varicose veins in the area
Infection, acute inflammation or open wounds in the area
Tumours or cancer in the area, or cancer under active treatment
Pacemakers or other electronic implants, or metal prostheses in the area
Under-18s
Smoother, firmer skin, without surgery
Book your consultation: we look at your case, explain what you can expect and propose a personalised session plan, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions about this treatment, your session and body care.
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
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It does not usually hurt. You feel rhythmic tapping and, in areas with a lot of fibrosis, some discomfort at first. We adjust the intensity so that it is always comfortable.
How long does a session last?
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Between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on the area.
How many sessions will I need?
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Usually between 6 and 10, 1 to 2 per week for cellulite and sagging skin. For stretch marks and scars, once a week or every 15 days. After that, one maintenance session a month.
When will I see results?
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The skin feels smoother from the first sessions. The effect on cellulite and sagging keeps improving for up to about 3 months afterwards, because new collagen takes time to form.
Does it get rid of cellulite completely?
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No. Cellulite improves visibly, but it does not disappear completely, because it also depends on genetics, hormones and lifestyle. That is why we recommend exercise and maintenance.
Are there studies to back it up?
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Yes. For example, a randomised, double-blind trial (Knobloch, 2013) showed that 6 sessions plus exercise improved cellulite at 3 months compared with sham treatment, and another (Troia, 2021) found a greater improvement than with exercise alone.
Which device do you use?
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The Symphium-Eleven Plus® by Biotecna, a Spanish manufacturer: a medical device with CE marking and health registration, 5 bar of power, up to 20 Hz and three treatment heads to adapt to each area.
Does it have side effects?
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There may be slight redness or sensitivity for a few hours. Rarely, a small bruise may appear on very sensitive skin, which disappears within a few days.
Which areas can be treated?
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Buttocks, thighs, saddlebags, abdomen, love handles, arms and any area with stretch marks or scars.
Does it work on localised fat?
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It helps mobilise it and redefine the contours, especially when combined with pressotherapy, exercise and a good diet, but it is not a weight-loss treatment.
Can I have it after liposuction?
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Yes, when your surgeon authorises it. It helps with the swelling, fibrosis and irregularities afterwards.
Can I exercise on the same day?
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Yes, and it is recommended: in the published studies shockwave therapy was combined with exercise and the results were better.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
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Yes. The most common combinations are with pressotherapy, LPG, body radiofrequency and HIFEM.
Are there any contraindications?
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Yes: pregnancy, clotting disorders or anticoagulants, thrombosis, infections or wounds in the area, tumours, pacemakers or other electronic implants, metal prostheses in the area and under-18s. That is why we always carry out a consultation first.
Looking for a medical approach?
For a double chin, localised fat or laxity, body technology can be combined with medical treatments after an assessment.
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Reviews
What our clients say
“Everything perfect, as always. Exquisite care and results you notice from the first session.”
“Professional, warm and excellent service. They explain every step of the treatment in detail.”
“I have been coming for years and love every treatment. The best centre in Nerja.”
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Shockwave therapy
Areas we serve
Shockwave therapy at our centre in Nerja
We offer shockwave therapy on Avenida de la Constitución in Nerja. If you are travelling from Torrox, Torre del Mar, Málaga, La Herradura, Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril or elsewhere in the Axarquía or Costa Tropical, contact us to discuss service options and arrange your appointment before travelling. All services take place at our centre in Nerja.
- Nerja
- Maro
- Frigiliana
- Torrox
- Torrox Costa
- Algarrobo
- Torre del Mar
- Vélez-Málaga
- Cómpeta
- Rincón de la Victoria
- Málaga
- La Herradura
- Almuñécar
- Salobreña
- Motril