Ninety percent of post-adolescent women have dimples or orange peel skin (rippling skin also called “cottage cheese”) caused by pockets of trapped fat known as cellulite. Its appearance is that of bumpy, uneven skin, resulting from displaced fat and toxins trapped above the fibrous bands of connective tissue in the dermal layer of skin. Connective tissue is what keeps fat evenly distributed below the skin. As a result, tissue becomes compressed and hardened, making blood circulation difficult, resulting in cellulite. This is usually found in the thighs, buttocks and abdomen and is rarely seen in men. However, cellulite is not a symptom of obesity; it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.
Cellulite forms as a result of complex physiological changes to the subcutaneous fat layer. However, without a healthy lifestyle, the overall appearance of existing cellulite can worsen over time due to weight gain, poor nutrition and inadequate water intake.
Since cellulite develops mainly in women, special importance is placed on hormonal factors during periods of hormonal change such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and the initial months on birth control pills. Hormones are responsible for regulating the changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat and connective tissue, all of which play a role in the formation of cellulite.
Cellulite treatments offer a solution to women searching to remedy this unsightly condition.
(Photo provided by Piyavate Hospital.)
About the Procedure
The primary function of treatment is to improve the appearance of cellulite by enhancing skin tone, tightening skin and promoting lymphatic drainage. An integrated approach to cellulite is probably best of all. There are various types of cellulite treatments available. Some of the popular treatments for cellulite are:
Endermologie: During this procedure, your surgeon will use an Endermologie machine, which uses rollers and gentle vacuuming to provide a deep massage to the affected areas. Specifically, Endermologie works by having the skin lifted through the vacuum, which mobilizes the deep tissue, while rollers provide deep, sub dermal massage to the fibrous connective tissue and fat. This simultaneous action loosens the trapped and compressed fat, easing blood circulation. This procedure takes from 30 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on the size of the area to be treated. The best results require several sessions a week for several weeks. Endermologie has been also used as a treatment for cellulite reduction and skin toning.
Mesotherapy: This procedure involves injecting small amounts of medications, amino acids and vitamins into the mesoderm layer of the skin to break down the cellulite and to improve circulation.
Ultrasound is another non-surgical treatment for cellulite reduction. The FDA has approved Med Sculpt computerized body massage and ultrasound system. Some doctors have noted that Endermologie treatment may be more effective in reducing cellulite if preceded by about ten minutes of ultrasound treatment.
Massage increases circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduces muscular spasms, and breaks down adhesions. Body wraps are thought to promote temporary fluid loss through the compression of the wrap, and the massage conducted during the treatment. The wrap may combine one or more substances such as mud, aloe, aromatherapy, and seaweed. Body wraps are generally beneficial for relaxation, as well as softening the skin, but they do not reduce cellulite.
Electric muscle stimulators have been used to apply a direct electrical current into the affected area to break up hardened tissue strands, clustered fat cells, and accumulated fluid. However, the FDA considers promotion of muscle stimulators for cellulite reduction and body contouring to be ineffective.
Liposuction has been used to shape the appearance of accumulated fat layers and cellulite. However, the primary function of the procedure is to remove localized fat areas, not cellulite. In cases, where liposuction involves the removal of large quantities of reserve fat, it can sometimes worsen the appearance of cellulite.
Creams and gels such as Xanthines, Retinoids, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids may work to increase the exfoliation process which regenerates new tightened skin. However, creams and gels are not FDA approved for cellulite removal.
Maintaining proper weight has been thought to impact the appearance of cellulite as well. An increase in volume within the fat layers can magnify the appearance of existing dimples. Cellulite cannot be eliminated or effectively reduced by diet and exercise, but diet and exercise can render cellulite more responsive to other recognized methods of cellulite reduction.
Length
The procedure takes about half an hour to 45 minutes in order to complete the surgery.
Benefits
The primary function of this treatment is to:
• improve the appearance of cellulite by enhancing skin tone, tightening skin and promoting lymphatic drainage.
• stimulate blood flow and reduce the appearance of cottage cheese thighs
• help patients that have just undergone liposuction and are experiencing some skin rippling. Cellulite treatment after liposuction can help speed up the healing process and enhance the procedure’s overall results.
An integrated approach to cellulite is probably best of all.
Who is an ideal candidate?
The ideal candidates for the cellulite treatment are
• Women looking to enhance the appearance of their skin in a quick, virtually painless fashion
• Those who have dimpled thighs and buttocks
Although reasons for this treatment vary from person to person, the more common include:
• Enhancing appearance and boosting self-confidence.
• Becoming less self-conscious about appearance.
• Achieving smoother textured skin.
• Reducing the appearance of fat in the body.
Planning your surgery
Before deciding to undergo the surgery, you should first look for a provider with extensive, specific cellulite-treatment experience for achieving optimal results. Consulting a qualified doctor will help ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition. The following are what you should consider when consulting a doctor:
• Review the treatment provider's credentials, education, training, type of certification held and the number of times that the treatment has been performed in the practice.
• View before-and-after photos of patients with cellulite who received the various treatment options to help decide which choice is best for you.
• Ask the treatment provider to estimate the number of treatments required to achieve and maintain the benefit.
• Ask about the possible side effects or complications that can result from the various cellulite treatment options.
• Remember that results vary among providers and patients.
• Ask what the procedure can and cannot treat
• Ask about inherent risks, precautions, benefits, treatment response, adverse reactions, costs, and other factors.
• Ask about reasons for the treatment
However, the prospective patient must also be aware that cosmetic surgery is designed for improvement, not perfection. Patients should have realistic goals and expectations for their cellulite treatment. Be sure to discuss your reasons for wanting to undergo this operation with the doctor during your consultation visit.
This will also help determine your candidacy for the procedure.
Preparing your surgery
While preparing for the Cellulite Treatment, the following are the questions that you should ask your surgeon:
1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Where is the cellulite treatment performed and how long will it take?
3. In my case, which form of cellulite treatment is most appropriate for achieving my goals?
4. How much does cellulite treatment cost and what other elements factor into that cost (i.e., hospital fee, anesthesia, etc)?
5. How long has your practice offered cellulite treatment?
6. What is the practitioner’s level of experience in treating cellulite?
7. What is the percentage of patients who have experienced success in cellulite treatment?
8. How soon will I expect to see results from the treatment?
9. What should I expect, post-operatively, in terms of soreness, scaring, activity level and so on?
10. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked or suspended?
In addition to the previously mentioned questions, it is important that you relay to your surgeon information regarding any allergies and serious medical conditions they may have. Furthermore, you should inform the surgeon of any medications you are taking.
Risks / Complications / Side effects
The risks and complications from this type of surgery depend on which cellulite treatment you undergo. For Endermologie, bruising is possible. Even though Endermologie has worked for many patients, there is the possibility that the treatment does not work for everyone. It may take up to four or five treatments before significant results can be noticed. So you might end up undergoing a few treatments before discovering the cellulite treatments have no effect.
Price range
BHT 2,000 per time