Cellulite Reduction

Overview

 Cellulite is the appearance that a subcutaneous fat results in after herniating within the fibrous connective tissue. This usually looks like skin dimpling or nodularity. This is most common in the thigh area (back and front) and buttocks. But it can also be seen in the abdomen in some cases.

This is a more common problem in females given the different shapes and structures of the fibrous components of their connective tissues compared to the males.

Stages of Cellulite

There are 3 stages of cellulite according to the (Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification)

1. Stage 1: no dimpling while the patient is standing or laying down, but the pinch test reveals the orange peel appearance. Most women notice the cellulite while sitting and crossing their legs.
2. Stage 2: Orange peel dimpling appears spontaneously when standing up but not when lying down.
3. Stage 3: Orange peel appears spontaneously both when standing up or laying down

What Causes Cellulite?

Although increased weight is the main reason people start noticing their cellulite, it is not the main reason to have it. Hormonal changes and genetic factors are the main reason why some people have it and others don’t.

How to treat Cellulite?

If you’re stuck with non-appealing cellulite despite diet, exercise and weight control, then here are two effective methods to help you get rid of it:

VelaShape – VelaShape is a procedure that utilizes  infrared light technology, bipolar radiofrequency energy, and vacuum causing deep heating of fat cells and their surrounding connective tissue. This results in redistributing fat bulges and stimulating the growth of new collagen, thus enhancing skin structure and texture. This improves the appearance of cellulite resulting in a significantly smoother appearance of the skin in the treated area.

Profound – While utilizing the same machine as Profound Facelift procedure, Profound Cellulite Treatment uses a different arm on the machine and a different disposable tip while promising the same amazing results! This is the first and only treatment that targets the subcutaneous layer of fat, resulting in the efficient treatment of cellulite and tightening the overlying skin at the same time all after one session.

Unlike VelaShape, this is a minimally invasive procedure. It utilizes radiofrequency micro-needling. The procedure not only reduces cellulite, but also promotes the body’s natural production of elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid resulting in tighter, smoother skin.

Which one is better; VelaShape or Profound?

VelaShape and Profound are both wonderful treatments for cellulite reduction. Profound is a more expensive and slightly more invasive procedure than VelaShape, but in return, it produces more long-lasting results after just one treatment. VelaShape is less invasive, but commonly requires a series of three to four treatments to achieve the desired effect.

VelaShape has no downtime and essentially has no risk of infection or bruising, while profound uses microneedles and so has a risk of bruising or infection at the procedure site if not cared for well. Downtime after profound ranges between 2-4 days.

Last; VelaShape is a great treatment for patients who fall under The Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Stage 1 and 2, but Profound is a valid option for those who have more severe cellulite and who fall under the Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Stage 3 too.

Eventually, the choice of which treatment to go with depends on the patient’s budget and lifestyle!