CelluliteSuperficial fatCellulite: What is it and Why Do I Have It?Cellulite is a common but unattractive dimpling and puckering of skin. Cellulite is caused by a combination of fibrous bands and superficial fat. When superficial fat compartments become distended with fat, fibrous bands tether skin, and cause dimpling at the points of attachment. Cellulite only occurs in areas where fibrous bands are present, such as the buttocks and thighs. Currently no definitive treatment for cellulite exists, but some have found improvement through outer thigh and buttock lift or endermologie. Laser Removal of CelluliteSome doctors have claimed through their advertisements that lasers can treat cellulite. Do not be deceived by these ads, as no such treatments are considered effective at this time. EndermologieEndermologie is a non-surgical procedure that theoretically stimulates breakdown of fat and cellulite. In it, a technician uses a machine to apply gentle pressure and suction to your skin. Sessions last 40 minutes and are conducted one to two times per week until a point of diminishing improvement is reached (about 15-20 sessions). Thereafter, monthly sessions are required to maintain the result. Advantages of EndermologieIn addition to improved cellulite, you may see an improvement in body contour and skin tone. There is no pain and no recovery time. Endermologie is generally affordable. Each treatment costs $50-70. The average cost to achieve plateau is between $1,200 and $2,000. Maintenance is then $50-70 per month. Disadvantages of EndermologieEven though the price is low compared to liposuction, it is still expensive if you consider that you may not achieve dramatic results. The final result depends on several factors and is not guaranteed. Technician Experience - If the experience of the technician who performs the procedure is not thorough then there is the possibility that the application of pressure and suction will not be adequate and little improvement will be seen. Diet and Exercise - If you are not actively engaging in a successful diet and exercise program, then you will see little improvement. This has led plastic surgeons to speculate that much of the improvement seen is due solely to diet and exercise. Maintenance Sessions - Maintenance sessions can be costly at $1,200 per year, particularly when considering that your results will not last indefinitely. Within three to five years, you will return to your pre-endermologie state despite strict adherence to maintenance sessions, diet, and exercise. You must then resume weekly sessions to re-achieve your previous plateau. Does Endermologie Really Work?Many plastic surgeons criticize endermologie because they feel the results seen through endermologie are no better than the results of diet and exercise alone. Lack of studies explaining why endermologie works and proving its effectiveness contributes to skepticism. Other plastic surgeons are convinced that diet and exercise alone do not account for the changes they have seen. Clearly, plastic surgeons have not reached a consensus on endermologie. Mesotherapy for CelluliteMesotherapy is the newest treatment for cellulite, and it actually works. Find out more about Mesotherapy.
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Dr. Loftus is the highly acclaimed plastic surgeon who authored The Smart Woman's Guide to Plastic Surgery, which is the #1 Best-selling book on plastic surgery in the United States. She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, THE TODAY SHOW and THE VIEW, discussing all facets of plastic surgery. People from all over the world travel to Cincinnati to seek her care.
Loftus
Plastic Surgery Center
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