Cellulite is a dimpling of the skin due to short fibrous bands interposed with subcutaneous fat cells. Cellulite is a condition that affects 85% of women, regardless of shape and size.
The condition is typically worse with loose skin and is most commonly seen around the lateral thighs and buttocks. To improve the appearance of cellulite, the fibrous bands can be stretched, and the fat deposits can be mobilized with medical therapy.
Endermologie is an FDA approved medical therapy to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Endermologie primarily enhances lymphatic drainage while stimulating circulation. These combined effects can improve the quality and suppleness of the skin. In order for this treatment to be most effective, a proper diet and exercise must be incorporated. With Endermologie treatments at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa, the majority of women treated experience a significant reduction in the appearance of cellulite and a reduction in their circumferential measurements.
In appropriate patients, substantial improvements can be seen after a series of Endermologie treatments. The treatments are especially effective for individuals who are considering liposuction or who have recently had liposuction. Patients with very loose skin may not be ideal candidates for the procedure. We will take “before” and “after” photos to review the changes you experience.
Available at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa. Endermologie has been cleared by the FDA to “provide temporary reductions in the appearance of cellulite and circumferential body measurements of cellulite treated areas, increase local blood circulation, relax muscles locally, and relieve minor muscle aches and pains.”
Many patients begin to see a decrease in the appearance of cellulite after four to six 30-minute Endermologie sessions. A complete course of treatments generally involves two sessions per week for eight weeks. Monthly maintenance sessions are recommended following completion of the initial series of treatments.
During each Endermolgie session, you will wear a “large” size pantyhose that can be pulled up to the chest. The pantyhose covers the skin to provide maximum comfort and to ensure cleanliness. The Endermologie treatment head is applied to the area to be treated and mechanical rollers massage the tissue to stretch cellulite fibers and improve lymphatic drainage while simultaneous negative pressure enhances circulation.
As the treatment head glides over the skin, precisely controlled pressure is applied to manipulate the skin and sub-dermal tissues. “Vacuum massage physically manipulates the collagen fibers and connective tissue and increases metabolism to the treated area through increased local blood circulation. This results in a smoother skin texture, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite.” Dr. James E. Pickens, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Many clients at the Maryland Plastic Surgery Center Medical Spa have described their Endermologie treatments as invigorating and pleasant. The treatments can be easily customized to suit your comfort level. Endermologie treatments are not designed to be painful and if you are feeling discomfort, you should inform us so adjustments can be made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because cellulite is a “mechanical” problem, we utilize Endermolgie (which is a mechanical solution) for reducing cellulite. Endermologie does not rely on unproven creams or injections. Rather, Endermolgie is an FDA approved therapy that uses revolutionary vacuum massage technology which is proven to smooth and tighten the skin while improving circulation.
Patients undergoing Endermologie should commit to an initial series of 16-20 treatments. Typically, these are performed twice weekly for 8-10 weeks. No more than one 7-day break should be taken during the initial series. There are 10 different levels of treatment and this is adjusted based on individual preference – higher levels may be uncomfortable but can induce changes more quickly. Most patients begin to notice changes after the first month of therapy. Subsequent maintenance treatments may be performed 2-4 times monthly.
Mild swelling and some tenderness in the treated area may occur. Bruising and discomfort are very uncommon. Typically, patients feel both relaxed and energized following the Endermolgie treatment. There are no restrictions on activities following the treatment. Endermologie treatments may be combined with massage for an additional fee.
Your results may be more dramatic if Endermologie is incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle. This includes moderate exercise, a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water – approximately 2-3 liters per day.
With regular maintenance Endermologie treatments (2-4 monthly) and a healthy lifestyle, the beneficial results of Endermologie should remain. However, hormonal changes, weight fluctuations and environmental exposures can affect the silhouette and skin tone. If detrimental changes reoccur, the initial Endermologie series may be repeated to help restore the desired contour and skin tone.