Body Cellulite
ANATOMY OF CELLULITE
Cellulite is a female-specific condition, appearing in a large percentage of women after puberty. It is due to the particular anatomical characteristics of the skin, fat, and connective tissue that holds them to the underlying muscular fascia.
Anatomical studies have shown that while in both sexes the dermis thins with age, in women the subcutaneous fat accumulates in heaps that are greater in height and width, causing the fat to accumulate and protrude more easily. Additionally, men have crossed septa (tissue connecting muscles to the skin) inclined at 45° toward the skin, while women have vertical septa. The chronic pressure exerted on these by fat gradually makes them hard and fibrotic, meaning shorter and inelastic, resulting in the characteristic appearance of cellulite (cottage cheese-like skin).
CELLULITE TREATMENT
From the above, it is clear that treating cellulite is not easy but difficult, multi-layered, and requires patience and acceptance of the fact that we are women and pay the price of living with a little cellulite! As noted by Bertin et al., 2001; Green et al., 2015; Lupi et al., 2007; Pierard-Franchimont et al., 2000, various treatments can increase collagen production or skin elasticity, but they rarely improve cellulite, which requires remodeling of three structures in the area: the skin, the fat, and the underlying connective tissue.
AT THE THEOPLASTICS CLINIC, WE FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING TREATMENT PROTOCOLS FOR CELLULITE:
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MESOTHERAPY AND TOPICAL AGENTS
We use special solutions delivered into the tissue with derma rollers. The active ingredients reach the target cells in adequate concentration.
Topical agents are selected based on the patient:
Xanthines: aminophylline, theophylline, caffeine. These substances activate lipolysis.
Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholic Acid: destroy fat cells.
Retinoids: increase dermal thickness, enhance angiogenesis, and increase the number of fibroblasts producing collagen.
Application areas: all areas showing cellulite and localized fat.
Number of sessions: 4-6
Session duration: 30 minutes after application of anesthetic cream
Treatment frequency: every two weeks
Time of year: year-round
Recovery time: minimal, possible redness
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BIPOLAR RF HEAD WITH LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
(Vacuum and Bipolar RF lymphatic massage)
Reduces edema, increases microcirculation, activates fibroblasts resulting in collagen and elastin production, and improves skin elasticity.
Application areas: all areas showing cellulite and localized fat, edema, and lymphedema.
Number of sessions: 6-8
Session duration: 30 minutes per area
Treatment frequency: every two weeks
Time of year: year-round
Recovery time: none
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RADIOFREQUENCIES
Special devices deliver controlled heat to the skin and subcutaneous tissue via electrodes. The initial effect of the temperature rise is collagen breakdown and activation of lipolysis, followed by tissue remodeling through neocollagenesis. We use multipolar radiofrequencies for the body and tetrapolar for the face and neck, with the option of infrared light and vacuum RF technology. According to studies by Luebberding et al., 2015, Romero et al., 2008, Sadick, 2009, Sadick and Magro, 2007, Sadick and Mulholland, 2004, Wanitphakdeedecha et al., 2017, radiofrequencies significantly reduce cellulite.
Application areas: all areas showing cellulite, localized fat, edema, and lymphedema.
Number of sessions: 6-8
Session duration: 30 minutes per area
Treatment frequency: twice per week
Time of year: year-round
Recovery time: minimal, possible redness
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ULTRASOUND – CAVITATION
Through ultrasound gel, energy is transferred to the subcutaneous tissue, activating lipolysis, improving blood flow and lymphatic drainage, and stimulating collagen production.
Application areas: all areas showing cellulite, localized fat, and edema.
Number of sessions: 6-8
Session duration: 30 minutes per area
Treatment frequency: twice per week
Time of year: year-round
Recovery time: none
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CELLU-CUTAGE
Using a special blade under local anesthesia, the septa are cut, freeing the skin in areas of dimpling, significantly reducing indentations.
Application areas: all areas showing cellulite
Number of sessions: 1-2
Session duration: 30 minutes under local anesthesia
Treatment frequency: monthly
Time of year: not during months of sun exposure
Recovery time: one week (swelling, bruising, pain)
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INJECTABLE TREATMENTS FOR CELLULITE
Next-generation hyaluronic acids can be used to fill indentations created in stage 2 to 3 cellulite. Results are immediately visible and last more than 12 months.
Application areas: cellulite indentations
Number of sessions: 1-2
Session duration: 30 minutes under local anesthesia
Treatment frequency: every 2 weeks
Time of year: not during months of sun exposure
Recovery time: 2 days (swelling, bruising, discomfort)