Do you have stubborn patches of cellulite that you’d like to get rid of? Many women find cellulite frustrating because it’s a condition that doesn’t easily respond to diet, exercise, or any of the over-the-counter creams that are available. But you don’t have to put up with cellulite any longer. Cellulaze, a one-time treatment offered by Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, IL, can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite with minimal downtime.
Understanding Cellulite
Cellulite is a condition that leaves the surface of the skin lumpy and uneven, much like the surface of an orange peel. It frequently appears on the thighs or butt, but it can also develop on the abdomen, upper arms, or in other parts of the body. Although cellulite is often completely harmless from a medical standpoint, many patients are embarrassed by the rumpled look it gives skin and are eager to get rid of it. But this condition is particularly hard to spot treat with exercise and creams.
Why Does Cellulite Develop?
Scientists haven’t determined precisely what causes cellulite, but it’s believed to be tied to the fibrous bands that latch the skin to the underlying muscle. As fat accumulates under the skin, those bands become stressed and taut, tugging on the skin from beneath and causing the skin to develop a dimpled texture.
Cellulite often develops fairly soon after puberty and becomes more prevalent as the body ages and the skin becomes less elastic. Just about every woman has some cellulite. Although it is sometimes associated with weight gain, muscle tone, and age, cellulite also appears in patients who are young and fit.
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid It?
Unfortunately, there are no specific steps you can take to prevent cellulite. The best strategy is to adhere to a healthy lifestyle that keeps your body–and your skin–in good shape. This includes regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, eating healthfully, managing your weight, and not smoking. Keeping your skin cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized — particularly as you age — is also a good way of keeping your skin at its best.
How Cellulaze Works
Cellulaze uses laser heat to melt patches of fat and break down the fibrous bands that are responsible for dimpling on the skin. The treatment area will be numbed, and then a small laser tube will be inserted under the skin to allow the laser heat to get to work.
In addition to zapping fat and smoothing the fibrous bands, heat from the laser energy will spur the development of new collagen, which will cause the skin to become firmer and look more youthful. This treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes about an hour, depending on the scope of the area of concern.
What Will Treatment Feel Like?
Because the treatment area will be numb and you’ll be under local anesthesia, you’ll feel very little during the treatment, which will take place in our comfortable, modern facility.
What Is Recovery Like?
Recovery from this treatment is easy. Depending on the part of the body that was treated, we may ask you to wear a compression garment for a couple of weeks after your appointment. This garment will be comfortably snug and will support the treatment area while encouraging the body to heal. Patients can start resuming light, normal activity in a couple of days.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
This is a one-and-done treatment. Most patients enjoy long-lasting results with just one treatment.
Is It Safe?
Yes. This treatment was approved by the FDA in 2012 and has been safely used on patients all around the country in the years since.
Does It Really Work?
This treatment really does reduce the appearance of cellulite. It won’t get rid of all of your cellulite, but it can reduce it by anywhere from 30% to 60%. This represents a significant improvement in the appearance of cellulite and is enough that patients regain confidence about their body and feel comfortable in a bathing suit, shorts, or in clothing that otherwise reveals the surface of the skin.
How Soon Will I See Results?
You’ll notice an improvement in your cellulite almost right away. And because this treatment spurs collagen production, you’ll continue to see improvement over the next six months as that process takes place.
What Types of Cellulite Does This Treatment Work On?
The Nurnberger-Muller Scale is used the measure the severity of a patient’s cellulite. Patients with Stage 1 cellulite have mild cellulite that is visible only when the skin is pinched. Patients with Stage 2 have cellulite that appears when the individual is standing, but that cellulite is not visible when the body is lying down. Stage 3 cellulite — the most severe — is easily visible at all times, regardless of whether the body is at rest, in action, or being pinched.
Cellulite can also be hard or soft. Soft cellulite tends to appear near the skin’s surface, while hard cellulite is often embedded around the muscles.
Cellulaze can be used to effectively treat all grades and types of cellulite. Patients most often seek out this treatment when they have moderate to severe cellulite that is Stage 2 or 3.
How Does This Treatment Compare to Cellfina?
Cellfina is another treatment that works to ease tension in the fibrous under-skin cords that are responsible for the dimpling and unevenness associated with cellulite. The technology behind Cellfina, however, is different. During a Cellfina treatment, a handheld device equipped with a needle will be used to penetrate the area near each dimple.
The needle works like a small blade, fanning the area under the skin to sever the fibrous band. You may feel some suction during a Cellfina treatment as the handheld device attaches to the skin. Cellfina was approved by the FDA in 2015, three years after Cellulaze. Cellfina, however, doesn’t stimulate the development of collagen and elastin in the skin. So while it treats cellulite, it doesn’t have the same rejuvenating effect on the skin in the treatment area.
Will a Fat-Busting Treatment Help With My Cellulite?
Fat-fighting treatments like Smart Lipo and CoolSculpting, both of which are offered by our practice, are a great way to attack areas of stubborn fat and add more contour and definition to your body. Smart Lipo relies on a small tube with a laser tip that is placed under the skin through an incision.
The heat from the laser melts the fat cells, which are then suctioned out through the tube. CoolSculpting, meanwhile, kills off fat cells by freezing them with the use of an external applicator.
Although Smart Lipo and CoolSculpting are great ways to get rid of excess fat and enhance your figure, neither is particularly effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite. However, depending on a patient’s cosmetic goals, both Cellulaze and a body sculpting treatment may be used together as part of an overall anti-aging strategy.
What Advantages Does Cellulaze Offer?
This treatment offers a number of advantages. Not only does it smooth the appearance of cellulite, but it also leaves the skin in the treatment area smoother and younger-looking. It’s also a convenient treatment option.
Younger-Looking Skin
This treatment’s ability to stimulate collagen production is a significant benefit. This means not only will you be able to reduce the appearance of that frustrating cellulite, but your skin will take on a fresher, renewed look.
Convenient Treatment
If you want to address your cellulite, but you don’t have time for an extended period of recovery or a series of maintenance appointments, this treatment is perfect for you. One easy treatment is all that is needed to address your concerns, and you’ll be able to resume your normal schedule within just two or three days. There will be no need for follow-up maintenance treatments.
Long-Lasting Results
One of the biggest advantages of this treatment is that it is both effective and long-lasting. The best way to maintain your results will be to maintain a healthy weight and keep your skin nourished and moisturized. Taking good care of your skin ensures that your collagen levels stay strong and your skin remains healthy.
A Great Feeling
You’ve probably spent years trying to cover up your cellulite, and maybe you’ve even altered your wardrobe because you’re so self-conscious about the look of your skin. Easing the look of that dimpled, rumpled skin will help you feel more confident about your body. Wearing a bathing suit or shorts will no longer feel like such a chore. Getting dressed in the morning will once again be something you can look forward to.
Is Cellulaze for Me?
Many patients are excited about the possibility of reducing the appearance of their cellulite, but is this treatment for you? The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation at our practice.
During this appointment, you’ll meet with one of our doctors to learn more about the treatment. We’ll ask you about your medical history, evaluate your cellulite, and talk with you about your cosmetic concerns and goals.
We’ll determine for certain whether or not you are a good candidate for this treatment, but there are several signs you may be a particularly good candidate:
You’re Not Significantly Overweight
This treatment is often most effective in patients who are close to their goal or ideal weight. To best preserve their results, it helps if the patient is committed to maintaining a healthy weight long term.
You Have at Least a Moderate Amount of Cellulite
The best patients usually have at least a moderate amount of cellulite: enough that a treatment like this can make a noticeable difference. This treatment works particularly well on the thighs and butt, which is where most cellulite develops. But it also can be used to treat cellulite in other parts of the body, as well.
You Are in Good General Health
The ideal patient is a non-smoker who is in good overall health. If you have underlying health conditions, be sure to mention them to us during your consultation so that we can take those into account.
You Have Realistic Expectations
Cellulaze treatment is highly effective, but it’s not a magic wand. It won’t entirely wipe away all of your cellulite, and it won’t dramatically transform your appearance or your figure. Patients should understand the treatment as well as the expected outcome. They should also be willing to follow our instructions regarding the recovery period.
Discover the Power of Cellulaze
Are you ready to take the first step toward smoother, dimple-free skin that you can feel proud of? We can help you minimize the look of that annoying cellulite. Call Rejuvenate Med Spa in Oak Brook, IL, today and schedule a Cellulaze consultation.