Cellulite: 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 surgery or thermage.

Laser Removal of Cellulite

Some 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.

Ultrashape

Ultrashape 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 Ultrashape

Ultrashape is generally affordable. There is no pain and no recovery time. In addition to improved cellulite, you may see an improvement in body contour and skin tone.

Disadvantages of Ultrashape

Even 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. One factor is the experience of the technician who performs the procedure. When the application of pressure and suction is not adequate, little improvement is seen. Another important factor is diet and exercise. If you are not actively engaging in successful diet and exercise, 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. Finally, maintenance sessions can be costly, particularly when considering that your results will not last indefinitely. Within three to five years, you will return to your pre-Ultrashape state despite strict adherence to maintenance sessions, diet, and exercise. You must then resume weekly sessions to re-achieve your previous plateau.

Does UltrashapeReally Work?

Many plastic surgeons criticize it because they feel the results seen through it are no better than the results of diet and exercise alone. Lack of studies explaining why Ultrashape 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 it.

Mesotherapy for Cellulite

Mesotherapy is the newest treatment for cellulite, and it actually works. Find out more about Mesotherapy.