Dimples are cute on babies, not on the backs of your thighs. When skin on the hips thighs or buttocks has the look of lumpy dimpled cottage cheese it is time to do something about it. It is time for cellulite reduction. Unfortunately it is cellulite and there is no cure. Cellulite is a skin condition that results from swollen fat cells that are trapped in a brittle network of collagen located below the dermis of the skin. Over 85% of women over the age of 21 are affected by cellulite, regardless of size or weight. The cause of cellulite can be from a combination of genetics, hormones, vascular changes and inflammation. All of these factors can cause the fat cells to become engorged and produce the look of orange peel skin.
While there is no definitive cure for cellulite, several products and treatments are available to reduce its appearance. The quest for cellulite reduction is a multimillion dollar a year industry. From creams to diets to laser treatments not one product or procedure has yet proven to eliminate this skin condition. But there are ways to decrease its appearance.
Topical creams are the least invasive and probably the most cost effective way to assist in the reduction of cellulite. The majorities of creams are labeled under cosmetics and are not FDA approved for safety or efficacy. Topical treatments contain skin and tissue stimulating ingredients to exfoliate, stimulate circulation, break up fatty deposits and release excess fluid. Some of the ingredients include; caffeine, peptides, chocolate, aminophylline, retinols or alpha hydroxy acids. Results are generally temporary, therefore continuous use is the key to maintaining the firmer smoother appearance.
Mesotherapy is a series of injections made up of a combination of medications, plant extracts and vitamins. The compounds are introduced into target fat areas with a small needle to dissolve fat and initiate smooth dimple free skin. VelaShape/VelaContour use bipolar radiofrequency and infrared light to heat fat cells and vacuum suction and massage manipulate the skin to facilitate circulation and drainage. The results of the Elōs technology are a smoother skin appearance and circumference reduction in the thigh area. 4-8 initial treatments plus quarterly maintenance is needed for best results.
SmoothShapes reduces the look and feel of cellulite with 2 wavelengths of laser light. Subcutaneous fat is heated and destroyed with laser while the vacuum suction and rolling head manipulates the skin to move the destroyed fat out through the lymphatic drainage. At least 8 treatments are required initially with bi yearly or yearly maintenance session.
Since cellulite cannot be “cured” all treatments are geared at reducing the dimply appearance and decreasing any symptoms. All treatments require some sort of maintenance program to keep the cellulite away. |
