Let’s talk cellulite... ughhh. Its estimated over 85% of post adolescent women suffer with it, and I can guess 100% of those women don’t want it!
You may already be familiar with the unflattering references to this thing called cellulite. The terms describing cellulite such as “dimples,” “bumples,” “lumpy gravy,” “hail damage,” “cottage cheese,” and probably the most popular term, “orange peel.” These references certainly do not bring any positive images to mind.
However unflattering the description may be, unfortunately, it can be a fairly accurate assessment of the appearance of skin once cellulite develops.
Anybody of any size, weight, gender or age can develop cellulite. There are other factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, age, smoking, hormonal changes and genetics that can increase the onset and appearance of cellulite.
The medical term for cellulite is gynoid lipodystrophy and it is a condition where skin in one or more areas of the body begins to take on a dimpled, bumpy appearance.
It begins to show up as we age, partly due to the decrease in collagen production and loss of elasticity in the skin. Once collagen levels drop, internal collagen fibres loosen and the underlying framework which supports the skin begins to sag as well.
Cellulite is the result of enlarged fat cells that become lodged under the skin. When the fat cells get bigger and get trapped under the skin, the skin begins to bulge outward, which is why the skin takes on that dimpled bumpy effect.;
The enlarged fat cells also block and restrict blood flow, which not only presents circulation problems, but causes the fat cells to form even more clusters underneath the skin. As the outer skin layer begins to thin out, usually due to age, and the fat cells continue to form clusters, the result is once again an irregular dimpled or bumpy appearance.
3 distinct stages of cellulite:
Skin is noticeably dimpled when squeezing or applying pressure
Skin is noticeably dimpled when standing, but not when sitting or lying down
Skin is noticeably dimpled when either lying down or standing up
So you may have tried some (or all!) of the options out there:
exercise
diet
body wraps (herbal, seaweed, mud, coffee)
Body lotion and creams and/or self-tanners
Camouflaging affected areas
Exercise
Diet
Body wraps (herbal, seaweed, mud, coffee) Body lotions, lifting/smoothing creams Self-tanners
Compression gear (support hose, body shapers/slimmers)
Hydration (drinking more water to plump skin) Massage
Laser, red or blue light therapy Liposuction
Liposuction
The problem with most, if not all of these methods is that they do not work on reducing cellulite from a deep cellular level. For example, creams can help the skin stay smooth and soft but cannot be absorbed deeply enough to do any real work; liposuction can help remove pockets of fat but does very little to treat cellulite; exercising and drinking lots of water works on the outer layers of skin.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Reduction of Cellulite
The good news is that a treatment therapy called Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) has been medically proven using clinical trials to reduce and improve the appearance of cellulite.
Shockwave Therapy originated from the medical field where it was pioneered to break down kidney stones and now the treatment is successfully used to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Recent studies have shown that acoustic waves may stimulate the metabolic process and improve connective tissue elasticity. It works in 4 ways:
Shockwave causes micro tears in the connective tissues while breaking down the fatty deposits (cellulite). When the minor tearing occurs, the body automatically increases the amount of collagen to the affected area as a means of healing. When the collagen goes to work and restores/heals tendons and tissue, the treated tendons and tissues are replaced with a denser, rejuvenated frame and from there, firmer and tighter tendons and tissue. From the outside, the visible result is lifted, firmer, smoother skin.
Shockwave increases blood flow to the area due to the high pressure of the treatment. This increased blood flow increases the size of the existing blood vessels as well as encouraging the creation of new ones (neovascularisation). Better flood flow increases nutrients and oxygen to the area and so has long-term benefits in many ways.
The vibration from the shockwave transfers to the muscles, resulting in the muscles resisting and contracting creating a toning effect similar to that of a power plate.
Shockwave helps lymphatic drainage for removal of broken down fats to drain away in the lymph to be processed out of the body.
During treatment gel will be applied to the area of the body to be treated, similar to the gel used during an ultrasound scan. The handset of the shockwave device is moved across the area and executes the appropriate pressure, number of shocks and intensity as determined by the clinician. The recommended course of treatment is 6-8 sessions usually at a rate of 2 per week, but can be once a week if preferred.
The level of pain during treatment may be moderate but typically passes as soon as treatment has stopped (some pain may linger for up to 48 hours). Paracetomol can be taken to help with any pain (not ibuprofen).
The success rate for achieving noticeable improvement in smoother, firmer skin with less visible cellulite is as high as 75% or more. The results have been documented in extensive scientific case studies.
Treatment in a nutshell
ESWT is a safe, non-invasive, FDA-approved form of treatment for the reduction of cellulite and other improved body benefits.
Various parts of the body can be treated effectively
Although there is no downtime after a treatment, it is recommended to take it easy for approximately 48 hours afterwards.
A typical ESWT session takes about 30 minutes or less.
Noticeable results can be achieved in just a few sessions but 6-8 treatments are recommended for best results.
The cost per treatment session varies depending on areas to be treated and number of sessions booked (discount for booking a course).
Although shockwave therapy is not a permanent solution or cure and requires several treatments to achieve the desired effect and maintenance of the skin, over 78% of patients have experienced excellent results in the appearance of their skin and effective treatment of cellulite.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy gives patients a safe, non-invasive option to treat the unattractive look of cellulite. This therapy is a medically-proven and effective mean of achieving real and dramatic results.
Contra-Indications:
If you have any of the following medical conditions, we would not be able to offer you shockwave therapy:
Pregnant or breast-feeding
Heart conditions or Pacemaker
Have or ever had Thrombosis or Thrombophlebitis
Have or ever had cancer
Heavy water retention
Metal implant in the area.
Auto-immune conditions
Inflammation or infection of the area
Coagulation disorders
Osteoporosis
Cortisone Therapy
If you have any questions regarding Shockwave Therapy for cellulite, please call us on 01777 818239.
