 Cellulite
- Background
One of the most common and vexing
complaints of women is the dimpling and uneven contour of the
skin on the thighs known as cellulite. Cellulite is actually a
problem of abnormal connective tissue and not necessarily excess
fat. Microscopically there are also abnormalities in the skin
including unhealthy blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, and pockets
of trapped fat. Thus, cellulite can be a problem for women who
are slender in build as well as for those who are overweight.
Unfortunately, medical science has not identified any factors
in our lifestyles that can be blamed for cellulite. Many methods
have been tried to improve cellulite, from topical creams and
wraps, to endermologie and injection therapy, but, there has not
been anything that produces strong improvements until now!
Cellulite – Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT), available
since early 2006, is a revolutionary technology which has been
very effective in improving cellulite for many women. It utilizes
a device named the D-Actor which delivers very sharp shock waves
directly onto the skin over the cellulite. The shock waves are
created in the handpiece from a metal bullet striking the inside
of the treatment tip. The shock waves are strong but tolerable,
and can start to smooth out lumpy fibrous areas after even one
treatment. AWT is the newest form of cellulite treatment incorporating
a completely different mode of energy compared to what has been
available in the last 20 years. It is rapid in delivering results,
with most women seeing noticeable improvements within a series
of six treatments over a 3 week period, but may require up to
10 treatments in some. This is a vast difference compared to endermologie,
which usually require 20-30 initiation treatments, with further
treatments required just to maintain results. With AWT, results
are much more lasting and expected to improve for up to 2 months
following the last treatment. Results will vary among individuals,
but improvements in the range of 30-70% are usual. The treatment
is noninvasive and very safe, however, bruising and tenderness
are possible. Some individuals may benefit by maintenance treatments
(one) every 3-6 months.
Mesotherapy (Lipodissolve)
Mesotherapy is a general term that describes
treatment of various problems of the body utilizing localized
injections of medications. It is a form of therapy very popular
in France that is used to treat many different medical disorders.
In the U.S. mesotherapy has not been popular except in the realm
of fat loss. Therefore, when the term mesotherapy is used here
in the U.S. it is usually referring to fat loss therapy. There
are many different medications used often in combination for fat
loss. The medication that is the most effective and used in almost
all combinations however is phosphatidylcholine.
Lipodissolve is
a term that has become popular by mesotherapists around the world
used in referring to meso fat loss with phosphatidylcholine used
by itself. Lipodissolve is an injection treatment used to get
rid of unwanted small areas of fat. It can be an alternative to
liposuction in cases where the area is small. Common areas to
be treated are the “love handles”, “saddle bags”,
and anterior abdominal fold. Other areas that can be treated are
under the arms, under the chin, and fat pads under the eyes. Results
of treatment may be flattening of prominent bulges, or loss of
several inches off the waistline. It is not meant to make a difference
in weight. Treatment is best suited for individuals who are average
to slightly overweight who have stubborn fatty areas not responding
well to diet or exercise. A series of five treatments is usually
needed to achieve moderate results. Swelling and tenderness are
expected with treatments
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