Cellulite

Cellulite is a very common condition that is prevalent in women. In fact, most women develop some cellulite after puberty.

A women’s body fat is typically distributed in the abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks —the most common areas for cellulite. It presents like dimpled or bumpy skin. It’s sometimes described as having a cottage cheese or orange peel texture. It tends to worsen with aging, as the skin loses elasticity, with pregnancy or weight gain or loss. It will become more noticable as fat cells begin to protrude and bulge through the fibrous connective tissue bands that tether the skin on the surface to tissues below.

Hormonal factors play a large role in the development of cellulite, and genetics determine skin structure, skin texture and body type. Other factors, such as weight and muscle tone affect whether you have cellulite, though even very fit people can have it.

Treatments for Cellulite

A variety of treatment are available to improve the appearance of cellulite.
At-home treatments such as lymphatic massage, dry brushing the skin and body firming lotions can stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, temporarily smoothing the appearance of cellulite.

In-office treatments can reduce fat cells, stimulate the lymphatic system and tighten the skin. These can give longer term improvement. Studies indicate that a combination of treatments may yield the most satisfying results.

At Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar we offer the following in-office treatment modalities for cellulite:

Radiofrequency

Thermage RF

Thermage uses radio frequency (RF) to deposit heat in the connective tissue layer, creating a wound healing response that stimulates the production of your body’s own collagen and elastin. This firms the surface skin and the connective tissue layer smoothing out the appearance of cellulite.

Velashape III

Velashape III combines RF and Infrared heating with a deep tissue massage to mobilize the lymphatic system, reducing toxins encased withinyour fat cells. This causes shrinking of the fat cells and a smoothing effect. The heat from the RF and Infrared treatment hand piece raise the temperature of the fat cells to such a degree that the fat cells degrade and your body breaks them down and metabolizes them away.

Acoustic Wave Therapy

Zwave PRO

Zwave PRO has been used in European countries for over a decade to treat cellulite. Zwave utilized high pulsed radio waves to

create friction in the connective tissue, causing connective tissue bands to stretch and fragment. Your body heals these wounds by thickening and strengthening these now elongated bands, reducing the puckered and bumpy appearance of cellulite.

You’ll likely need several sessions in order to notice the best improvement in the appearance of your skin.

Injectable Treatments

Hyperdilute Radiesse Treatment – Before and after. Visible improvement in arm cellulite

THE NEW! Hyperdilute Radiesse Treatment

Hyperdilute Radiesse is a new technique for treating cellulite. By injecting hyperdiluted Radiesse into areas with moderate to severe cellulite, the skin is plumped out, reducing the appearance of dimpling.

One to three treatment sessions one month apart may be needed in the first year to achieve optimal aesthetic effects with maintenance of one treatment every 12 – 18 months.

QWO

QWO is a new injectable treatment used to treat moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. It is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for cellulite, and it is unique in that is targets a primary structural cause of cellulite – the disordered fibrous septae.

QWO is recommeneded in a series of 3 treatments, with treatments spaced at three week intervals. QWO is injected into the fat (subcutaneously) of each single treatment area. You may receive up to 12 injections per treatment area.

For more information about Cellulite and the treatment options available at Dermatology & Laser of Del Mar, contact us.