Cellulite & Body Contouring

Cellulite is a common term used to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange peel” skin. It appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men. Common but not exclusive areas where cellulite is found are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.

Underneath the epidermis and dermis exists three fat layers. Cellulite develops in the most superficial of those layers, known as the hypodermis or subcutaneous fat layer. This layer is structurally unique from the others because its fat lobes are organized into chambers by surrounding strands of connective tissue.

Hormones not exercise and diet, primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layers. The fat cells within the two reserve fat layers situated underneath the subcutaneous fat layer are dispersed in a loose network. Fat storage and metabolism in these layers is predicted by genetics and influenced by the two basic elements of lifestyle, diet and exercise. Most notably, these layers are not responsible for the formation of cellulite.

In women, the subcutaneous fat layer is organized into large vertical chambers where an abundance of fat can be stored. The chambers in man are arranged as small diagonal units, which not only store smaller quantities of fat but are also unlikely to result in cellulite formation.

CAUSES OF CELLULITE

Hormones
Special importance is placed on hormonal factors (estrogen, folliculine) since cellulite develops mainly in women during periods of hormonal change, such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause, premenstrual syndrome and the initial months on birth control pills.
Hormones are responsible for regulating the changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat and connective tissue, all of which play a role in the formation of cellulite.

Lifestyle: Diet and exercise
Cellulite forms as a result of complex physiological changes to the subcutaneous fat layer, despite attempts to exercise regularly and follow a well-balanced diet. However, without a healthy lifestyle, the overall appearance of existing cellulite can worsen overtime due to weight gain, poor nutrition and inadequate water intake.

Age
Aging results in a loss of thickness and tone of the connective tissue within the dermis and the superficial fat layer. The outcome is more visible and flabby cellulite.

Endermologie
Treatments for cellulite remain largely unsuccessful because they only target the appearance of cellulite. It was finally understood that the dimpling on the surface of the skin was but a symptom of the underlying cause and to banish the bumps would require a deeply acting treatment.

Endermologie, a subdermal approach to treating cellulite, was pioneered by LPG Systems in France over a decade ago. Endermologie was the first to be FDA approved for temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite. Its safety and efficacy have been the subject of several clinical trials and on going research reveals positive results. Endermologie has been given extensive coverage on TV networks and magazines.

Endermologie is non-surgical and non-invasive. It involves the use of a motorized device with two adjustable rollers and controlled suction, which creates a symmetrical skin-fold. The skin gently folds and unfolds under the continuous action of the rollers allowing for smooth and regulated deep tissue mobilization. As the viscosity of the subcutaneous fat layer decreases, blood flow and lymphatic drainage increase, facilitating the elimination of excess fluid and metabolites, while improving overall cellular function.

Benefits of Endermologie

Aesthetic

• Cellulite reduction
• Reduction of body circumference
• Increase in skin tone
• Improvement of skin radiance
• Improvement in the appearance of scar tissue and burns

General

• Improvement in lymph flow
• Improvement of specific circulatory problems
• Muscle relaxation
• Relief of muscle aches and pains
• Prevention of pressure sores
• Burn rehabilitation
• Post-operative use

Sports

• Facilitation of recovery of soft tissue injuries
• Reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness
• Treatment of sports injuries, tendonitis and muscle strain