Smoother Operators: New Cellulite Solutions
Posted: Tuesday 27 April 2010 09:08am
What is Cellulite? In a word, it’s fat; just another way it manifests on the body. Fatty tissue gets caught between layers of connective tissue. The tissue hardens, which causes the lumps or dimples that are characteristic of cellulite.
“From a medical standpoint, the fat in cellulite is just fat, the same as any other fat on your body,” says cosmetic physician Dr Deborah Davis of Sydney’s Heber Davis clinic.
“While many look at cellulite as a disease – a harmful build-up of toxins that must be healed – it’s no such thing. It’s a perfectly normal and natural way of carrying fat.
“The term `cellulite’ has only been used for about 40 years. It was popularised in 1973 by a book-writing spa owner in the US.”
In saying that, the psychological impact cannot be trivialised. The appearance of cottage cheese-like lumps on areas such as hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, abdomen and even arms of women of all shapes and weights can be extremely distressing, especially as cellulite is stubborn even in the face of rigorous diet and exercise.
Who gets cellulite?
It is more commonly seen in women because of the way a female body distributes fat.
“Experts estimate that about 85 per cent of women develop cellulite and it often worsens at times of hormonal surges such as pregnancy or puberty,” says Dr Davis.
Doctors know that cellulite can be genetic and many believe there’s a strong hormonal component to its development.
Dr Bruce Katz, Director of New York’s JUVA Skin and Laser Centre and member of the American Academy of Dermatology, says that what matters is the thickness of your dermis – the inner layer of skin – and the pattern of the connective tissue beneath it which holds your fat cells together.
If have a sort of “cross-hatch pattern” (most often seen in men) your fat cells are held in with double reinforcements. “Most women have connective tissue patterned like columns”, says Dr Katz. “It’s easier for fat cells to bulge out of columns than small openings.”
Men also generally have a thicker dermis, which serves as a more effective natural “girdle”.
Myths and misconceptions
Search the term “cellulite” and you’ll find much conflicting information. Many say it’s caused by metabolic waste, or the result of poor circulation and ineffective lymphatic drainage. Others say it stems from wearing tight clothes and high heels. These are only theories and have no scientific evidence to support them.
Purported causes also include insufficient water intake, poor diet, large toxin intake, lack of exercise, smoking, stress and certain medications. While they haven’t been scientifically proved as culprits, they certainly won’t help the situation.
“You might think that if cellulite is just fat, liposuction is just what you need,” says Dr Davis. “But that’s not the case. In fact, liposuction can actually make cellulite look worse.
“The problem is that liposuction can really only get at fat that’s deep down beneath the skin. Cellulite is generally too close to the surface for liposuction to help. As well, since it’s the fibrous bands that really give cellulite its appearance, getting rid of fat alone doesn’t really achieve much.”
Commonsense and nonsense
Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet lower in kilojoules, staying hydrated and maintaining a normal weight “may work as a cellulite treatment for some people,” says Dr Davis. “No special diet is necessary: just a commonsense one that’s high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat and carbohydrates. But exercise and diet won’t necessarily solve the problem. Losing weight will reduce the proportion of fat in your body, and hence a proportion of the fat that’s trapped in cellulite. However, because the appearance of cellulite is largely genetically predetermined, no amount of diet and exercise will work for everyone.”
A few years ago, an Italian clothing company released the first line of anti-cellulite pants, says Dr Davis. “The idea was that, as you walked, the friction between your body and the jeans was supposed to release an anti-cellulite cream. Not surprisingly, this innovation disappeared as quickly as it came because it didn’t work.”
Clinic and salon treatments
Mesotherapy
.. was developed by French doctor Michel Pistor in 1952, involving a series of injections of homeopathic medications, vitamins and natural extracts into the mesoderm (the middle area of the skin), directly affecting the fat pockets. It claims to break down fat and flush it away during the body’s natural metabolic processes.
Mesotherapy is widely practiced in France and proponents of claim that it is the only truly effective method for treating cellulite, although there is no scientific evidence to support this.
A series of around 10 treatments costing about $2000 is required and results are said to be permanent, as long as the patient does not experience a significant weight gain.
The technique should be performed by a medical doctor and patients should know exactly what substances are being injected.
Lipo Dissolve
… is a safe and effective method for the reduction of unwanted fat, says Dr Deborah Davis. If you are a relatively fit individual having trouble reducing fat in specific areas, then Lipo Dissolve may be just what you are looking for. The treatment injects a combination of substances such as enzymes, vitamins and phosphatidolcholine (a natural soy substance) into the unwanted fat pockets in order to melt them away. This injection increases fat metabolism which allows for the efficient break down fatty deposits in order to naturally absorb and remove them from the body.
It is not a weight loss alternative but simply helps “receptive” individuals remove excess pockets of fat that will no longer be reduced by diet or exercise. The injections will help with the natural metabolic process of breaking down and removing fat cells from the body. About four treatments will be needed for successful results and patients will receive these treatments every four to six weeks. Each series of injections costs around $350 and as many as six sessions may be required, 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Endermologie
… is one of the best-known cellulite treatments, a “deep-massage” approach developed in the 1980s in France as a non-surgical method to treat the scars of burn victims, who began to notice improvements in their cellulite as well. It uses a device that suctions the skin with a vacuum and kneads it with a set of rollers.
Men and women show equally impressive results from the treatmen; for men, in the trouble areas of “love handles” and loose pectoral (chest) tissue.
Endermologie was the first treatment approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the claim of “temporary reduction of cellulite”; it also reduced body measurements, increased circulation, relieved muscular pain and spasms. In addition to the targeted areas, Endermologie treatments can help increase lymphatic flow and help promote better circulation throughout the body.
Usually up to 14 initial treatments are necessary, once or twice a week, to achieve optimal results, with monthly visits for maintenance. Treatments are around 30 minutes.Reputable salons offer packages costing around $1200-$1500 for these initial treatments.
The majority of patients compare Endermologie to receiving a very deep massage and find the treatment relaxing. The intensity of the rolling action can be adjusted to personal comfort level.
Minor, temporary bruising might occur, similar to that from a deep tissue massage.
“Some studies have shown the deep-tissue massage can break up some of the fibrous bands,” says Dr Davis, “and help circulation and improve the appearance of the skin.
It has been effective for many people but you would need regular maintenance treatments to keep up appearances. Others will get no results, but at least they’re not going to get hurt.”
Under a doctor’s supervision, Endermologie can also be combined with laser treatment; the laser softening the tissue to be massaged, potentially creating smoother results in less time.
VelaSmooth
… is a laser light-based machine that works in conjunction with radio frequency and mechanical massage to break down hardened connective tissue in order to allow the body to naturally remove fat cells for a reduction in the outward appearance of cellulite.
Patients will need a series of up to 16 sessions spread over 8 weeks. Once the initial series is complete, patients will need to continue to return for treatments about once a month in order to keep the cellulite free results.
VelaShape
… is an enhanced version of VelaSmooth, using “infrared light, radiofrequency energy, vacuum-pulsed negative pressure and specially designed rollers that smooth out the skins surface at various points”, say the manufacturers. The process breaks down hardened connective tissue in order to allow the body to naturally remove fat cells, shaping and slimming the body by reducing cellulite and circumference. It requires no incisions or anaesthetic and patients can immediately return to normal activities without side effects.
An initial series of four treatments are performed once a month, with follow-up treatments recommend to maintain results.
Although non-invasive, as with VelaSmooth the rollers may cause bruising in people with sensitive or fragile skin. Those with pacemakers or implanted metal in the treatment area are not suitable for treatment.
Ultrashape
… is one of the few technologies that has scientific evidence to prove it works as advertised, according to Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Mark Kohout, using “focused ultrasound to break down the fat cells under the skin surface. Many other technologies sound good in theory but have not been proven in human subjects.
“The best results are in women with relatively normal body weight but a couple of bulges that are difficult to reduce with diet and exercise. We recommend four treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart
“You feel a sting as the ultrasound is delivered, and there is a warm glow after treatment for about an hour.”
Depending on the size of the area, each treatment can cost between $250 and $900.
Thermage
… claims to smooth out the puckering caused by cellulite by zapping the skin with capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) energy. “According to the claims of Thermage’s manufacturer, Solta Medical, the heat from the energy penetrates deep into the skin, breaking down and shrinking the undulating fat cells responsible for cellulite’s formation,” says Dr Lori Brightman, Director Dermatology Services, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. “The treatment is also believed to promote new collagen growth, a factor that adds rejuvenating (and wrinkle-smoothing) volume to the skin.”
“The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Thermage for the temporary reduction of cellulite on the face as well as the body and is also approved for the treatment of wrinkles.”
Pain medication is usually offered to patients as you will feel some discomfort as the radiofrequency energy heats your skin. A cooling apparatus will ensure that your skin’s surface remains protected.
Depending on how much cellulite you’re having treated, the Thermage procedure may take from 30 minutes to two hours. Side effects could include mild blistering, bumps, swelling and redness, although these usually disappear within a few days. Most people require only a single treatment, although full results may not become noticeable for several months.
Cost: $3000-$5000 depending on areas treated.
Hypoxi
… in a nutshell requires being strapped into an airtight chamber that looks like a bit like a giant nutshell with bike peddles. You peddle away on these for around 30 minutes, in order to keep your blood flowing in the lower half of your body.
It targets buttocks, knees, thighs and stomach to help smooth and reduce those areas.
“Obviously in our line of work we’re inundated with products and treatments that claim to reduce cellulite, eliminate water retention and generally make us look 10kg lighter after only one session or a week’s worth of application,” says Yasemin Turker, Editor in Chief of our sister site, Primped.com.au, who tried the regime.
“Hypoxi, however, is not one for making extreme claims and failing to deliver. And, with every 30-40 minute session, you have to peddle your way to looking slimmer and smoother. None of this sitting around doing nothing. business. You have to work for it.
“The premise has more to do with blood flow than anything else. Dr Norbert Egger, who created Hypoxi, realised that if you could stimulate blood flow to a specific area of the body, your fatty acids would metabolise faster in that area, making you lose weight and reduce cellulite more effectively. And that exercise was key to speeding up the process.
“Hypoxi recommends you take 12 sessions. This could be twice a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4 weeks. I would recommend going the 3-a-week option, you get much better results and because it’s in a shorter time frame, you’re less likely to lose motivation.
“The hardest part for me was to have no alcohol or carbs for at least 4-6 hours after Hypoxi training. The rule about no exercise 4-6 hours after however, I found a breeze!
“After peddling away for 4 weeks for 30 minutes at a time, I’d lost 5.5 centimeters off my stomach, 3.5cm off my hips, 3.5cm off my contracted leg and a total of 22.5cm off my entire lower half.
“As well as the numerical measurements, I noticed a huge change in my skin tone: it was definitely smoother, less bumpy.
A month after I stopped my Hypoxi sessions the results were still there – mind you, I continued to keep fit. The kilos didn’t creep back and my skin was still smooth.”
Hypoxi starts from around $69 per session, or $690 for a course of 12. Prices may vary slightly from location to location. For more information on Hypoxi, call 1300HYPOXI or got to http://hypoxi.com.au
Try this at home …
Beauty Mouse
… is a gadget that looks like a computer mouse, embedded with 480 ultra-fine micro needles, with a rolling width of 50mm, meaning you can cover larger body areas quite quickly. The device is designed to be rolled over cellulite-prone areas, helping to stimulate microcirculation and to deliver active substances into deeper layers of the skin.
It’s targeted at anyone who suffers from cellulite and lack of body firmness and claims firmer skin in four weeks.
Manufacturers recommend that after showering, on clean skin, you apply the accompanying Dermaquest Dermafirm anti-cellulite cream to problem areas and roll the Beauty Mouse over the top. As the needles are 0.2mm in depth, the process of penetrating the top layer of the skin, creating micro-channels to allow substances to gain deeper access in the skin, is painless.
“Due to the large amount of needles involved, we advise that people use the device only once a day,” says Sean Abel, of Beauty Mouse distributors Clinic Care. Use of the Mouse is said to achieve firmer skin in four weeks.
Beauty Mouse is $285. As continued used will lead to the needles getting blunt, aim to replace every six months if using year-round. Dermaquest DermaFirm anti-cellulite cream, $150, is available at selected beauty and cosmetic clinics or call Clinic Care on 1300 799 709.
Body Brushing
A sluggish system contributes to the appearance of cellulite, accumulated toxins and lethargy, which is why daily dry body brushing is so beneficial, say the beauty gurus from our sister site Primped.com.au.
As well as buffing away dry skin, body brushing helps to stimulate circulation and boost the lymphatic system. Noella Gabriel, skin expert from UK beauty brand Elemis, is a hardcore body-brusher:
“Skin is the largest eliminative organ of the body,” she says. “Dry body brushing for two minutes every morning before showering ensures the skin is working at its peak
“Body brushing can eliminate one pound (nearly 500 grams) of toxins from the body a day.”
Start at the soles of your feet and work your way up your body using long sweeping strokes. Pay special attention to bottom, thighs and stomach, and give areas prone to roughness (think knees, elbows and feet) and ingrown hairs (bikini line, legs and backs of arms) a good rub as well.
Lotions and Potions
Some of the best on the market from the dizzying array of anti-cellulite creams and gels available:
Avon Cellu-Glow Body Contouring Cream, $29.99
Chanel Body Excellence – Anti-Cellulite Firming and Shaping Gel, $96
Chanel Body Excellence Slim: Slimming Anti-Cellulite Gel, $163
Clarins High Definition Body Lift, $72
Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Gel, $9.95
Biotherm Celluli-Peel Intensive Body Shaping Concentrate, $75
Dior Plasticity Anti-Cellulite Corrective Gel for Body, $72
Estee Lauder Body Performance Anti-Cellulite Visible Contouring Serum, $78
La Prairie Cellular Body Contouring Complex – Anti-Cellulite, $220
Summing Up …
“If you’re dying to try something – and provided the therapy you want has no risks – you have nothing to lose but money and time by giving it a shot,” says Dr Deborah Davis.
“However, you may need to learn to change your attitude a little, too. The next time you’re looking over your shoulder, staring unhappily at the reflection of your backside in the bedroom mirror, remember this: celebrities, the demigods of our society, have cellulite too.
“Despite her wealth and the army of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, personal trainers and make-up artists at her beck and call, even J. Lo has cellulite, according to the tabloids. If even professional sex symbols can’t get rid of cellulite, what hope is there for the rest of us?” *
References:
* Dr Davis cites as her references: Mayo Clinic.com Jan 20, 2009; ABC News/Health/Ainia Hunter, July 4, 2008 and MedicineNet.com, R. Morgan Griffin, 2010.
