Cellulite Laser Treatment - What is it?
The latest addition to the arsenal for dealing with the unsightly appearance of cellulite is cosmetic medical cellulite laser treatments for the reduction and elimination of cellulite.
An estimated 80% of adult women have some cellulite, although men are rarely affected by the often troubling condition.
Causes of Cellulite
While the exact cause of cellulite isn’t yet known and there is no actual cure for the unsightly condition, scientists do know of certain factors that when combined may contribute to its development. Age, gender, genetics, and the amount of body fat one has are all contributing factors to developing cellulite which was once merely attributed to being overweight. However, researchers now know that it is how the fat is deposited within the body, rather than how much of it is present that determines if cellulite will form or not. Bottom line, skinny people can have cellulite too!
Cellulite occurs within a layer of fat that's close to the surface of the skin, which is why it's so visible to the eye and has gotten the name "cottage cheese skin." Yuk!
Types of Laser Treatment for Cellulite
Cold Laser Massage
Approved in 2004 by the FDA (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration), the Tri-Active Laser combines low-intensity diode heat with a suction massage technique to promote drainage of the fat cells, and stimulate the production of collagen, which helps to tighten the skin. The third component of the Tri-Active Laser is the cooling head to prevent any burning sensations from occurring creating a pleasant experience.
Laser Toning for Cellulite Reduction
The Galaxy Laser, which is a device commonly used to lessen the appearance of facial wrinkling, directs radio frequencies and laser light under the surface of the skin causing new collagen to form, and ultimately tightening the skin. This type of laser treatment is best for those with cellulite that has more of a rippled appearance on larger portions of the skin rather than isolated areas.
How Laser Treatment for Cellulite Works
Although there are a few different ways of administering treatment, most often, lasers are directed onto the skin using radio frequency waves to penetrate the skin, melting the fat cells that form cellulite.
Cellulite laser is non-invasive, and usually pain-free approach to rid cellulite and improve the appearance of dimpled skin has been likened to having a therapeutic massage. This form of laser treatment can be done on various parts of the body that may be affected by cellulite, such as the legs and thighs, buttocks, stomach, and the "love-handle" area.
Laser cellulite treatment requires no recovery time whatsoever, can also be done on other areas such as the face and neck and the upper arms to restore and refresh tissue giving the appearance of softer skin. Anti cellulite creams and lotions may claim to penetrate the skin and work to reduce cellulite, however, lasers actually are able to get through the outer layer of skin and into the fat layers where cellulite forms.
Generally, treatment sessions will last anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, and most people will require anywhere from 10 to 20 treatments on one specific area, depending on the amount of cellulite present. Treatment sessions usually span a period of three to four months.
Cellulite Quick Facts
- Cellulite is fat deposits that are trapped amongst connective, fibrous tissues, giving skin that dimpled appearance.
- A board certified plastic surgeon is the only one who is qualified to administer laser treatment.
- Spas, medical clinics, and plastic surgeon's offices are excellent places for providing laser treatment for cellulite.
- Relatively new to the United States, laser therapy for the treatment of cellulite has been rather successful in Europe for several years.
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