Cellulite
More than 85% of women suffer from cellulite. Cellulite is caused by an accumulation of fat and toxins that are trapped just beneath the surface of the skin. It is mostly a problem in the buttock and thigh area but can affect all areas, irrespective of whether the individual is young or old, underweight or overweight. Two treatments have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for this indication: Endermologie and VelaSmooth. Endermologie uses a motorised device with adjustable rollers and controlled suction, which gently pulls, pinches and rolls the skin to reduce localised fat and cellulite. VelaSmooth also works by mechanically massaging the treatment area, and uses infrared light (which generates heat to mobilise fat cells) and radiofrequency (which aids new collagen formation) to improve circulation and remove toxins and fluid through lymphatic drainage. Many clinics and beauty salons offer cellulite treatments although you will usually need between 10-15 sessions to see results.
Am I a Candidate? Ideal candidates are those with cellulite which appears as dimpling on the surface of the skin, often referred to as ‘orange peel’ skin.
Types of Cellulite Treatment There are a number of treatments designed to tackle cellulite but Endermologie and VelaSmooth are the most common. Both are FDA-approved non-invasive treatments that use suction and massage via hand-held devices to gently pull, pinch and roll the skin. This process stimulates circulation to breakdown localised fat, reduce water retention and remove toxins. The result is a reduction in the appearance of cellulite and the smoothing of unwanted lumps and bumps on the thighs, buttocks and arms. Both treatments are suitable for all skin types and skin colours and they can also boost collagen and elastin production to tighten the skin. Other treatments that can be used to target cellulite include mesotherapy and radio frequency.
Before Treatment It is important to set out your expectations with your practitioner to ensure a cellulite treatment is capable of delivering the results you want. While these treatment s can hugely improve the appearance of cellulite, there is sadly no miracle cure!
During Treatment This will differ depending on the type of machine used. For Endermologie, the patient wears a specially designed body stocking. Then the skin is literally ‘hoovered’ with the head of the Endermologie machine. Your problem areas are focused on, but time is given to other areas to stimulate general circulation and the removal of toxins and fluid. The VelaSmooth hand-piece uses mechanical rollers and vacuum suction to ‘pull up’ the skin and infrared light which heats the skin to mobilise fat cells. The treatment boosts the circulation to remove toxins and fluid through lymphatic drainage.
Treatment sessions are usually recommended twice weekly and last for approximately 35-45 minutes. You should usually see changes within 5 or 6 sessions, but 14 is the average number of suggested treatments. Monthly maintenance sessions are then suggested afterwards to maintain the results.
Recovery No recovery time is required after a cellulite treatment and you can return to normal activities immediately.
Benefits Cellulite treatments boost the circulation to remove toxins and unwanted fluid, and boost the production of collagen. The result is smoother skin tone and a reduction in ‘orange peel’ skin.
Risks and Complications Cellulite treatment may be mildly uncomfortable, but it is not painful. There is a risk of mild bruising but most patients find treatment akin to a deep massage. As the procedure stimulates the lymph system, it is important to drink at least two litres of water a day to aid the removal of toxins and boost results.
Cost Prices for cellulite treatments range from £60-£90 for a 45-minute treatment session. Up to 14 sessions may be required to achieve a good result, with discounts usually available for a full course of treatments.
Choosing a Practitioner Suitably trained therapists can perform cellulite treatments with mechanical massage. This treatment is most commonly found in beauty salons and non-surgical clinics.
