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Wed Oct 22, 2008 11:19 am  |
Products and Methods of Subcutaneous Fat and Cellulite Elimination
As many of you know, I am a strong proponent of physical fitness and good skin health. I follow the cosmetic industry trends and the bodybuilding industry trends, searching for new and novel methods of fat elimination. Recently, I came across articles published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Happi magazine. These articles listed some of the most common, and some of the newest procedures and products to rid the body of subcutaneous fat and cellulite. I thought many of you would be interested in this information, so here is a brief synopsis of the information:
First of all, the demand for anti-cellulite products is on the rise. Sales of these products rose from $58.8 million in 2002 to $93.1 million in 2007. These included surgical options, non-invasive devises, injectables and topical creams. For those not interested in surgery or highly expensive, repeat treatment non-invasive devises, the topical creams did show improvements on product users. It is important to note that it is recommended that "waist bands" or "bio-occlusive shorts" be worn over the topical creams. The articles sited 20% to 35% improvement as the norm in these cases. They did caution that the topical cream product should be chosen wisely, with emphasis on the fat burning actives in the product. There are over 200 products currently on the market today and these types of products proliferate despite the lack of data on efficacy for most of them. The bottom line here is let the buyer beware, and only use a product known for successful results. The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery which tested many creams and found many to be successful has these tips for use of that type of product. First, the products are best applied after a hot shower, or during regular exercise when the skin is still moist and warm. It is also important that the cream or lotion be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Now, this next section is one that I personally emphasize over and over again. According to the articles regular exercise increases circulation and promotes detoxification by increasing perspiration. Exercise tightens, tones tissues and helps maintain a healthy wieght to prevent certain diseases. Also, and this is important, water does not reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it fully hydrates and plumps the skin and provides health benefits. I always recommend drinking as much water as you can each day. The benefits are worth it.
Next, I'll give you a list of the treatments (other than cosmetic creams and lotions) that were investigated in the articles. You can take this information and do further searches, or research, to determine what might work best for you if you want to try something other than the topical creams and lotions.
Seaweed or Sea Mud Wraps:
This is a topical treatment that is relatively inexpensive. Spa charges range from $60 - $250, and this type of treatment is considered a relatively quick fix. These types of wraps increase circulation, promote detoxification, and compact skin tissue. Repeat procedures will be required.
Endermologie:
This treatment is approved by the FDA creating an initial sensation when it won approval in 1998. Patients wear a special body stocking during treatment while an aesthetician uses a hand-held roller that draws up the skin to break up the pockets of cellulite and increase circulation. At the same time another device suctions the skin. This somewhat uncomfortable procedure swells the skin to make cellulite go away temporarily. Endermologie typically involves two treatments a week for 10 weeks, followed by regular maintenance treatments costing approximately $100 each.
Mesotherapy:
Mesotherapy was developed in France about 50 years ago, and is an intriguing, yet controversial, cellulite treatment. Potentially risky, mesotherapy involves injecting small amounts of drugs or natural substances into the mesoderm, the layer of fat and connective tissue under the skin. The idea is to break up and metabolize fat. The injectable ingredients are usually FDA approved, but the treatment concept itself, is not. The ingredients commonly injected included substances such as aminophillin and isopropanol to break up fat cells, collagenase and hyaluronidase to dissolve the connective fibers, anti-inflammatory medicines to control pain and swelling, and agents such as melitotus to dilate the blood and lymph vessels to increase circulation. Treatments are usually applied by plastic surgeons and side effects can include bruising at the injection sites, sores, and scarring. The price range for a session is $800 - $1,500. Six to 10 sessions are typically recommended.
Liposuction:
Localized fat deposits typically are the targets of liposuction. But, this $5,000 technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not an effective cellulite treatment. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of the skin by eliminating the cushion of fat that resides just below the skin. The result can be additional dimpling.
Heat Treatments:
Several cellulite treatments depend on heat. One is a hand held probe that delivers electro-magnetic radio waves to heat underlying fat tissue. The Accent System is a new device that uses radio-frequency energy to heat the underlying tissue at different depths. This procedure is medically supervised and is non-invasive costing approximately $3,000 for six treatments. The Thermage method is a somewhat promising method for long term cellulite treatment. This device transmits radio frequency heat, which penetrates more deeply than lasers, without burning. However, this treatment can be painful, and can take over two hours to treat a single area. Therefore, doctors often administer pain medication before the procedure. Side effects can include pain, swelling, and temporary redness in the treated area. Treatments are expensive at about $4,000. However noticable results can be seen in as little as one session. Tri-Active is a painless, non-medical laser. It combines a low-energy laser to enhance blood circulation with mechanical massage to stimulate and tighten tissue. Treatments are usually 10 - 12 weekly with a monthly maintenance treatment thereafter. The cost is $80 - $150 for a 30-minute treatment.
Others:
Ultrasound
Carboxy Therapy
VelaSmooth
Bottom Line:
The most effective way to treat cellulite is through diet and exercise. This way you can impact the fat that makes its way through the net of fibrous tissue that makes up the skin to cause several small granular swellings or domes. To effectively reduce cellulite remember to watch your diet, eat fresh and natural food, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol, avoid high fat food and get plenty of fiber in your diet. Stop smoking....of course. As for the treatments, find the one that you can tolerate, and that is most cost effective for you. In most cases, it is the topical creams and lotions combined with sweat belts and/or shorts. |
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