Cellulite Treatments
Non Surgical Treatments of Cellulite
1) Thermage uses radio-frequency energy to heat collagen below the skin's surface, causing it to contract so skin tightens over time. The treatment heats the skin to the point of discomfort, though (even if you take a prescription-strength pain reliever). After one session, most patients notice improved tightness in the skin over the next three to six months—if you're an appropriate candidate. Since Thermage works by heating collagen, you need to have enough collagen for it to act on.
Thermage is most effective on skin with mild to moderate laxity. If your skin is really sagging, Thermage will do very little, if anything, to improve it. That's why most surgeons usually don't use it on patients over 65." In one study, ten subjects ages 35 to 59 had their thighs treated with Thermage; six months later, about half had thighs that were 0.6 to 1.6 inches slimmer. Chapas has found that while Thermage can improve skin tightness for up to three years, cellulite results last only six to 12 months.
Cost: $2,500 to $4,500.per treatment
2) Accent is another radio-frequency device that can improve cellulite for several months, As compared to Thermage it requires more (4-6) treatments but is much less uncomfortable than Thermage; you won't need any pain medication. Ninety percent of the women whose thighs were treated in one study maintained results after six months. (All 30 subjects underwent six sessions at two-week intervals.) The mean decrease in their upper thighs was 1.2 inches.
Cost: $700 to $1,000 per treatment, depending on area.
3) VelaShape is a machine that combines radio-frequency and infrared-light energy with suction and mechanical massage to stimulate collagen production and help metabolize the fatty deposits that cause dimpling. (It's similar in concept to SmoothShapes, but the added radio frequency can also offer a skin-firming effect.) Each treatment feels like an intense, slightly warm massage. Four to six weekly sessions can improve the appearance of cellulite for six months.VelaShape may be used to to tighten skin on the hips, inner thighs, and abdomen. In a recent study, the stomachs of ten postpartum women were treated. Three months after four weekly treatments, an evaluation of five of the women showed four had an average reduction in abdominal circumference of 1.2 inches; one saw no change at all.
Cost: $2,000 for three treatments
4) Alma Laser uses radio frequency and infrared light, but has fractional and deep penetrating modes that make it the most effective and comfortable, non-surgical skin tightening and cellulite treatment system. Treatments are not painful, most patients liken the sensation to a heating blanket on the area. One to four treatments, one week apart, are typical. Treated area lasts 6-9 months. Cost is $1,500 per treatment.
Surgical Treatment of Cellulite
Non-surgical cellulite and skin tightening treatments are temporary and are best for mild-moderate cellulite, strech marks or skin laxity. Non-surgical methods typically work by stimulating collagen, which tightens the skin for 6-9 months.
On the other hand, surgery offers the option of permanently removal of cellulite, dimples and strech marks.
Surgical skin tightening, liposuction with a cellulite stripper, fat transfer and liposculpting are some of the ways to permanently remove cellulite or fill-in dimples.
In the Brazilian Butt lift shown below, notice how fat was used to permanetly fill in the cellulite dimples. Recovery is one day. Pain is minimal. Cost is $6,000.
In the tummy tuck shown below, the cellulite and strech marks are removed surgically. Recovery is in 2 weeks, pain is moderate. Cost was $8,000 for this treatment, but results are permanent. No-surgical methods are not effective for severe skin laxity, extensive strech marks or extensive cellulite.