By: Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., Medical Director of Reflections, A Medical Spa

Another year has passed and I’m sure we have all made resolutions to look better. Before you decide that sweat pants are the new “it thing” to wear out to the clubs, let’s work on that bottom line. There are a lot of things out there that can help. Before, we talk techniques, let’s review what cellulite is.

What is cellulite? Cellulite is an accumulation of fat cells in the area of the skin known as the hypodermis. As the cells in-crease in size, the pressure reduces the circulation to the surrounding tissue. The connective tissue stiffens up and the dimpling deformity of cellulite begins. The main cause is estrogen. Yes, that’s right – men don’t get cellulite. You’re not alone in this battle ladies. Up to 80% of us have it. You don’t have to be overweight to have it either. Let’s get to know our enemy. What are the stages of cellulite?

1. Stage 0. No cellulite. When lying or sitting – there is no presence seen.
2. Stage 1. There is slight dimpling of the skin when doing a “pinch test”.
3. Stage 2. Cellulite is visible when standing, but disappears when lying down.
4. Stage 3. Dimpling and severe depressions. Cellulite is visible when standing and sitting. This is commonly referred to as “orange peel’ type skin.

Cellulite commonly forms along the anterior and posterior thighs, the “saddle-bag” region, abdomen and buttocks. It can also form on the upper arms as well.
Let’s go over some techniques that are available.

AWT, or acoustic wave therapy, women can achieve smoother and firmer skin in the thighs, buttocks and saddlebag regions. AWT mechanically vibrates the connective tissue. This action disrupts the connective tissue to smooth and firm the skin. This action increases the circulation to the surrounding tissue. The increase circulation initiates an inflammatory process leading to more elastic skin and increase collagen production. The result – smoother skin and reversal of the dimpling. AWT was recently featured on CBS 3 TV Philadelphia as an up and coming treatment for cellulite. There is no downtime, no incisions made into the body and no needles or chemicals injected. It is a safe technique that has virtually no side effects.

Smart-Lipo. Smart-Lipo is a laser technique used to dissolve fat cells. It is a surgical procedure that does require several small incisions in the skin. Anesthesia is involved, but usually just a local and not general anesthesia. There is some associated bleeding and bruising involved and some post-operative swelling can occur. Patients must wear compression garments, much like after liposuction, for several days after the procedure. Not everyone can be a candidate for smart-lipo, call your plastic surgeon for more information.

Lastly, I would like to briefly talk about lipo-dissolve. Lipo-dissolve has been dubbed “non-surgical liposuction”. It has been seen on celebrity news shows and gossip programs. This is a non-FDA approved technique. Lipo-dissolve involves several injections deep into the fat tissues. Chemicals are injected to eat at the fat cells. There is no anesthesia needed and reportedly no downtime. After effects include anywhere from mild to severe swelling of injected areas, bruising, or skin necrosis at injection site. There have been no long-term studies on how the chemicals used or the dissolved waste products effect the liver or kidneys or other organ systems.

Whatever technique you choose to treat those dimples, do your research. And finally, sweat pants will never be considered sassy so save them for the gym.

Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., is the Medical Director of Reflections, located at 2036 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE. Reflections is open Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Evening appointments are available. Call 302-246-2306 today to schedule a free consultation and start indulging yourself.

Reflections,
A Medical Spa –
How do you look in the mirror?