Dimples are cute on the face but not attractive on your thighs and buttocks. Bumps and dips on the surface of the skin are signs of cellulite in action. Most people mistake cellulite for fat, but you could be thin and still have cellulite. The cause for cellulite? Irregular and tight fibrous bands deep in the layers of the skin, pulling down making the dimples. An effective way to get rid of the bands is by zapping them with a laser treatment called Cellulaze.
Cellulaze is an FDA-approved laser treatment that addresses the leading cause of cellulite. One of the few procedures that can help alleviate the strain of the tissue bands while stimulating the skin to produce new collagen for healthier skin growth in the future.
Pretty impressive, right? A laser treatment that solves the issue of cellulite appearing today that can also improve the skin’s condition in the future- sounds like a win-win.
We share all the details about this skin rejuvenation treatment, but first - what is cellulite?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cellulite is that it’s fat, but it’s not. The fat deposits beneath your skin’s surface become more apparent when cellulite forms, confusing cellulite for fat. But the real cause for cellulite is when the fibrous bands connecting the skin to the underlying muscles tighten irregularly. The tightening and pulling of the bands squeeze the fat cells up toward the skin’s top layer, resulting in an uneven and dimpled look.
No one knows what causes the bands to tighten and why this happens to women more than men. But there are some theories suggesting estrogen hormones may be the cause. Other causes for cellulite:
Cellulite can develop with any body type and size. And the thickness of your skin plays a significant role in how visible the cellulite is developing. As we age, our skin loses collagen (a vital protein for skin structure) and elasticity, becoming thinner and more transparent, making the fat deposits more visible.
Cellulaze is a device with a laser probe that emits heat when inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin (where fat and connective tissue live). The laser melts away the fibrous bands that tether the skin and muscle that create the dimple-like texture on the skin. The heat from the laser breaks up the tissue bands while heating the epidermis, stimulating the skin to produce new collagen that will create more robust skin in the following weeks.
A Cellulaze treatment is a minimally invasive procedure and typically takes only one session to address a problem area.
The procedure begins with the board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist applying a local anesthetic to the treated areas, meaning you will be awake for the procedure but will not feel anything while the Cellulaze treatment is taking place.
The doctor will make tiny incisions in the pre-marked areas and insert the laser probe deep into the layers of the skin to emit the laser energy. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour, and the patient can recover at home for the remainder of the day. Mild bruising and soreness are common after the procedure, but the incisions are so small that it takes a few days to heal completely.
The patient will need to wear a compression garment on the treated areas for 2-3 weeks to help with the healing process and boost blood circulation. After the swelling and bruising subside, the patient will notice a smoother surface and see the final results from the new collagen production about 4-6 months after the procedure.
Cellulite can affect any gender, age, or body type. An ideal candidate is anyone with cellulite on the backs of their legs, thighs, buttocks, and upper arms. Here are a few more indicators of a good candidate for a Cellulaze treatment:
Patients with mild skin laxity where cellulite appearsMaintains a healthy and active lifestyleA person who is at their ideal weight A person with a realistic expectation of the treatment outcome
There is no definitive answer as to why the tissue bands beneath the skin’s surface tighten, but we now know it’s the bands that cause cellulite in the body. A laser treatment targeting the bands is the most effective way to get rid of the dimples and uneven bumps. Finding a highly qualified and trained doctor that is precise and accurate with the incisions will be vital for the best possible results.
Make sure to do your research and due diligence when finding the medical practitioner to help solve your issues with cellulite. Request to see before and after pictures of past patients to ensure the best results from a Cellulaze treatment.
To find a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist experienced with performing Cellulaze treatments, use our “Find a Doctor” navigation tool for a medical professional in your area.
- VM