IMAGE BEAUTY
SEXY SMOOTH
By: LaRue Novick
New cellulite treatment for women offers real results.
No woman wants to don a sexy bikini and have to worry about unsightly dimpling on her thighs and derriere. But studies show that 85 to 98 percent of women have cellulite. Even slender women have had to deal with this problem no thanks to genetics and other factors. What to do? “Unfortunately, there is no cure for cellulite,” says Linda Williams, RN, BSN, a registered nurse who works at Skintastic in Plano, Texas. “The only things we have available are treatments that reduce the appearance of cellulite.”
One such treatment is SmoothShapes, which uses suction and gentle lasers to diminish “cottage cheese” and boost your confidence to bare your thighs. SmoothShapes, from Elemé Medical, is relatively new to the world of cosmetic procedures. It is non-invasive and considered among the most comfortable and effective ways to tone and tighten the body – without pain and without downtime. After a series of treatments, women often report that their legs and buttocks feel “smoother,” hence the name: SmoothShapes.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Consultation: When you go in for a consultation, you should discuss any concerns you may have and gain a realistic view of the results you’re going to achieve. “When you go into something with a realistic idea of what’s going to happen, you’re good to go,” says Williams. You’ll then get your before photos taken of the front, back and sides of your legs to have something to compare your results to.
Treatment: The SmoothShapes device, operated by a trained professional, uses suction, rollers and two wavelengths of gentle lasers to penetrate and liquefy fat cell membranes and ultimately move them out of the body through the lymphatic system. The suction might be uncomfortable for some, but ultimately it gives better results. “With the laser lights, you get the goods even without the suction,” says Williams. “But, the more suction I put on, the more penetration you’ll have because it pulls your skin up into the aperture (of the device).”
Duration: According to studies and clinical trials involving SmoothShapes, the most effective results are obtained by going in for treatment twice a week for four consecutive weeks. “You need a minimum of eight treatments, and it needs to be consistent,” says Williams. “Don’t go twice one week and then skip the next week.” Of all the reasons clients decide not to do SmoothShapes is the time they have to invest. “Our society is time poor,” Williams adds. “But, you need to get the action going and get the job done.”
Each session is 80 minutes; 10 minutes per region – anterior, medial, and lateral with posterior and buttocks done at the same time – times two legs. If your inner and outer thighs don’t need as much, the operator could spend only five minutes per area, taking the time down to 60 minutes.
Cost: Cost varies due to where you are, but typically it’s $400 per treatment. At Skintastic ( www.skintastic.com ), it’s $2,900 for a package of eight treatments, but they often have specials on this treatment series where they will deduct a few hundred dollars.
Results: It doesn’t matter what size you are or how bad your cellulite problem is. After eight treatments, you will achieve visibly and physically smoother skin. But results depend on the stage of cellulite you have (0-3, 3 being the worst). That’s why it’s so important to maintain real expectations.
If you are thinking you can just treat one part of your legs, think again. “To get the cellulite taken care of, it’s far more effective to treat the entire region,” says Williams. An added benefit? Williams says all of her clients have noticed a circumferential decrease in their thighs, up to a little more than an inch. “One of the reasons we think that happens is they truly are processing the fat out of the cells and they are excreting it,” she explains.
Maintenance: As of right now, the makers of the device recommend that clients get a booster dose at six months for maintenance. They are currently conducting clinical trials to determine if this is the best course of action, according to Williams.
Jeffrey Adelglass, MD, FACS, who owns Skintastic and has been a cosmetic surgeon for 30 years, said he purchased the SmoothShapes device because of its proven efficacy. He wouldn’t have it any other way. And, as he says, he’s “in the business of making beautiful women more beautiful.” MS&F
CAUSES OF CELLULITE
Cellulite is caused by engorged fat cells trapped in the fibrous tissue of the hypodermis (under the epidermis). Genetic and physical factors contributing to cellulite include the following:
· Damaged Circulation
· Free Radicals
· Digestion
· Hormonal Imbalances - Excess Estrogen
· Lack of Exercise - Poor Lymphatic Circulation
· Drinking Alcohol and Smoking
· Bad Diet - Toxin Buildup
· Vascular Changes in the Body
CELLULITE PREVENTION
Some cases of cellulite are just genetic bad luck. But, there are measures every woman can take to help prevent cellulite.
1. Exercise: Yep, you guessed it. If you’re sitting on your derriere all day every day, you better get moving. A mixture of strength training and cardio ought to do the trick.
2. Stop smoking and drinking: Need another reason to quit those bad-for-you habits? Cigarettes and alcohol cause cellulite! Think about it, they’re toxins. And what do toxins do? They build up in your fat cells.
3. Change your diet: For overall health (and cellulite prevention), eat a diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Avoid too much salt and fried, fatty foods.
4. Get a massage: Massages may help you relax, but they also improve blood circulation and help the lymphatic system move toxins out of your body. Always drink plenty of water after a massage to help those toxins on their journey out.
