By some estimates, cellulite affects up to 90 percent of American women, making it one of the top reasons women seek help from dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
In the past, various lotions, potions, pills, and treatments have been advocated without any real results. However, understanding the biology of cellulite and fat is getting better. With these advances, the potential to treat cellulite is becoming a reality.
Researchers believe cellulite is caused by a variety of factors including genetics and hormones, with estrogen being one of the main culprits. Cellulite is so visible (and so problematic from an aesthetic point of view) because it creates surface ripples and contrasts. These ripples are caused by fat cells that are tethered by fibrous strands that cause the unsightly dimples.
Frustratingly, no amount of diet or exercise makes a significant difference. Some of the patients in my Palm Beach practice are very thin, yet the areas of unwanted cellulite are the focus of their concerns. Typically, they have tried personal training and the various creams, and when they come to me, they want to know what their other options are.
At the present time, I offer these patients a treatment called Smoothshape. This treatment uses two wavelengths of laser combined with manual massage and a light vacuum.
Another available system uses lights that do not make skin contact, but I do not believe it achieves results. The topical products I have seen do not work well, either. Some claim to use caffeine to speed the metabolic processes of the fat cells, but I am not impressed. Devices being used in other countries offer significant potential to treat cellulite with ultrasound, and I believe the next few years will bring some interesting new opportunities.
Cellulite is certainly not the most serious medical issue, but it is one associated with poor self-esteem and a great deal of expense. As the treatments evolve, I will continue to update you about them.
To learn more about Dr. Beer, visit www.idealskin.com and www.palmbeachcosmetic.com.
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