Treatments to Reduce Cellulite Many treatments have been developed and promoted for the treatment of cellulite. Lifestyle changes should be the first step and include healthy eating, regular exercise and muscle toning to help keep the body taught and smooth. Over-the-counter and medical therapies include: Massage treatments: Several machines have been produced that massage and suction cellulite to help with its reduction. These machines use may use rolling cylinders or electrically powered devices that suction and manipulate affected areas. Endermologie, a technique developed in France, has been approved by the FDA for temporary reduction in cellulite. Treatments are expensive and regular maintenance is required. Cellulite will return after cessation of treatment. Laser or Light therapy (TriActive, VelaSmooth, Cellulaze): The FDA has approved these three light therapy devices for the reduction of cellulite. These devices combine suction massage with light or laser therapy for thetemporary reduction of cellulite. TriActive combines a laser treatment with suction and manipulation of the skin. Cellulaze in a minimally invasive laser treatment based on the same platform as the popular laser liposuction device, SmartLipo. VelaSmooth combines laser treatment and massage therapy. Like Endermologie, these treatments are expensive and require scheduled maintenance treatments. Mesotherapy: This is a controversial treatment for cellulite that involves injection of drugs into the affected tissue. Injected drugs are FDA approved but usually used “off-label” or not in the way the FDA intended their use. Multiple injections over many sessions are given and there are mixed results regarding how well they reduce cellulite. Collagenase: This is a naturally occurring enzyme in the body that breaks down collagen. Methylxanthines: These are a group of chemicals that include caffeine/stimulant containing compounds. These compounds are present in many cellulite creams and promotetreatment of cellulite by breaking down fat stores. Unfortunately, these creams cannot deliver a high enough concentration to cause significant fat breakdown. Some individuals may see results but generally there is no significant loss of cellulite. Other marketed cellulite treatments include cellulite diets, dietary supplements and wraps. Liposuction is not recommended for treatment of cellulite. Is Cellulite Treatment right for you? Click Here Follow our beauty path or call a doctor in unknown to find out Start Here: Do you have: Get Info from nearby doctors Minimally Invasive Treatments Less Invasive, Less Cellulite Some of the most exciting and popular treatments for cellulite of late have been the ‘minimally-invasive’ treatments. These are surgical procedures which are less invasive than standard surgery. They usually involve the use of local and/or tumescent anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. This approach also involves a very small incision, often so small no stitch isrequired to close it. This usually translates to much less bruising, swelling, risk from anesthesia and downtime. Lasers Target Fat These minimally invasive procedures, often referred as ‘laser lipo’ or laser-assisted lipolysis, actually are designed to melt fat cells beneath the skin and remove them through a small tube. This can be quite effective for reducing the volume of fat in a given area, however results for cellulite may be less predictable. The goal is to have the laser energy heat up the underlayer of skin, causing contraction and collagen generation. Often this may improve the overall look of cellulite and smooth out the surface of the skin in the treatment area. SmartLipo Procedure One example of such a procedure for the removal of fat is SmartLipo, by Cynosure®. This procedure, which first received FDA approval in 2006, is used to reduce the look of cellulite and reduce fat on the body. It is effective for treatment of the arms, thighs, stomach or abdomen, face, neck, andhips. One advantage of SmartLipo is that it can be used to remove fat and improve skin texture in areas liposuction cannot go. Also, liposuction can often leave skin looking more ‘deflated’ following the procedure. With SmartLipo the laser energy often improves the tightness of the skin. SmartLipo may cost between $1,500 and $8,000 depending on the area of the body and other factors. Talk to your doctor to discuss whether such a procedure is ideal for you. Non Invasive Treatments Getting to cellulite without cutting the skin Non-invasive treatment refers to a class of therapies designed to improve the skin without cutting or ‘invading’ the skin. This means that the treatments are able to utilize energies while still leaving the skin intact. Non invasive treatments can include lasers, ultrasound, radiofrequency energy or a combination of these technologies. All are designed to deliver energy to fat and collagen cells within the skin to stimulate rejuvenation and smooth out cellulite.None of these treatments is a ‘cure’ for cellulite, however in many cases some improvement in cellulite is seen. Not every person treated with these devices will see results, and results can be highly variable. Here is a brief review of some of the devices used for non-invasive cellulite removal. This list is not exhaustive, but is merely meant to give you an overview of what’s available and how some of these technologies work. TriActive™ Cellulite Treatment TriActive laser is a low-energy laser device made by Cynosure® which aims to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It combines six diode lasers with a mechanical massage technique which is designed to improve circulation of the fat cells and increase collagen production. Treatment sessions generally last about 20 minutes, and 6 to 12 twice a week treatments are recommended for maximum affect. Results are temporary and maintenance treatments are required. Accent XL™ The Accent XL device is a radiofrequency energy device which usesheat to ‘melt’ fat cells which cause the appearance of cellulite. The manufacturer of Accent XL recommends between 3 and 6 treatments, spaced at two-week intervals, for best results. Results are temporary and follow-up treatments are needed to maintain any improvement. SmoothShapes™ SmoothShapes uses a combination of laser energy and vacuum massage to improve the look of cellulite. It can temporarily improve cellulite by increasing circulation and removing fat fluid from cells. Treatment sessions may last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the area treated. The manufacturer recommends 8 to 10 treatments over a four week period. Maintenance sessions are advised over 6 months thereafter. Thermage® Thermage is a non-invasive mono-polar radiofrequency device which aims to tighten skin and provide some ancillary smoothing of cellulite. The heat from the Thermage handpiece penetrates deep into the skin to provide collagen remodeling and contraction. Generally only one treatment isperformed, and final results may take several months to appear as the skin develops new collagen. UltraShape™ UltraShape is procedure currently available in Europe, Asia and Canada for the treatment of fat and cellulite, though it is not yet available in America. It uses ultrasound to heat the fat tissue and remove it. Some have stated that this technology holds promise, though more research and development may still be needed. VelaShape™ VelaShape uses a bi-polar radiofrequency energy, infrared energy and massage to tighten the skin and increase collagen production. The goal with VelaShape is to reduce the appearance of cellulite by tightening the skin and increasing the metabolism of fat cells. Treatment sessions may last 30-60 minutes, with 4-6 treatments for optimal results. Results are temporary and maintenance sessions are recommended. References Before and After Photos After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken1.5 yrs post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by G. Sasaki, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by C. Petti, MD. Request a Consultation View Cellulite Treatment before and afters After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken 1.5 yrs post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by B. DiBernardo, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by G. Sasaki, MD. After photo taken 6 months post one Cellulaze treatment. Image provided by C. Petti, MD.