Cellulite is a problem for most women. An estimated 80% or more of females past puberty will develop some degree of cellulite, even very
thin women. Heredity, hormones, smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet all play a role. Cellulite is one of the most difficult cosmetic
problems to address, whether surgically or non-surgically. Cellulite typically manifests itself as a dimpling of the skin due to compression
and congestion of the fat cells in the subcutaneous layer of the dermis. This, in turn, causes the fat cells to swell and form hard
fibrous capsules, which we see as the dimpling appearance.
Non-surgical therapies for cellulite reduction have included topical preparations, spa wraps, endermologie and mesotherapy. Each therapy has shown
at least some success in reducing cellulite. More medical advances have been made in this area. Several options are available to reduce cellulite at Rejuvena
Cosmetic Medical Center and include Lipodissolve (formerly known as mesotherapy), VelaSmooth, and the new Smartlipo.
Velasmooth
VelaSmooth was the first FDA-cleared non-invasive medical solution for safely treating cellulite. Powered by the revolutionary elos
technology. which combines bi-polar radiofrequency energy and infrared light, it gives the smooth-looking skin you desire with zero downtime.
Velasmooth is a proven solution for multiple treatment areas: Posterior Thigh • Buttocks • Outer Thigh & Hip • Anterior Thigh •
Inner Thigh • Upper Arm • Neck • Saddlebags • Love Handles • Abdomen
Lipodissolve
Lipodissolve is a minimally invasive method to help correct cellulite. It involves injecting a fat “detergent” directly into the fatty areas.
We can also combine injection of the fat-dissolving product (phosphatidylcholine) with VelaSmooth treatments. This will facitlitate the fat
breakdown and help move the fluid from the area into the lymph system of the body for excretion.
Smartlipo
Smartlipo is a truly revolutionary laser system that uses a very small laser probe inserted just under the skin to remove small pockets of
fat and tighten the overlying skin. In doing so, it can be used superficially on the undersurface of the skin to break up the bands that cause
cellulite and also stimulates production of new collagen, which leads to better skin tightening and skin contraction. We have seen some phenomenal results.
At Rejuvena, we do not charge for consultations. To schedule your free consultation, please email or call us at (405)842-1100.
Q: How do I choose which procedure is right for me?
A: It is best to start with a consultation with Dr. Hardt. Her vast experience with treating patients and her personal fight with
cellulite afford her a great deal of knowledge in this field. She understands how cellulite may be the one thing that stands in the
way of feeling comfortable in shorts or a bathing suit. She can personally guide you to the decision that you will ultimately make
to help in your fight of this stubborn condition.
Q: Is VelaSmooth like endermologie?
A: It some ways it is a lot like endermologie. However, VelaSmooth has two added advantages that make it a medical device that
cannot be used in salons. Namely, it generates deep-penetrating heat with infra-red light and radio-frequency energy. This aids
the mechanical rolling and suctioning in helping to break up those stubborn pockets of fat and the surrounding tissue bands that
pull on the skin, creating the typical cottage cheese appearance.
Q: Is Smartlipo like liposuction?
A: Not really. Smartlipo removes small pockets of fat without causing irregular skin texturing like traditional liposuction can do.
Furthermore, because it coagulates the dermis of the overlying skin, it tightens this skin, which no liposuction procedure can accomplish.
Q: Is Lipodissolve an FDA-cleared procedure?
A: It is not, but because of it’s widespread use and demand, several studies are ongoing to help confirm it’s effectiveness and safety.
Q: What is the downtime with these procedures?
A: With VelaSmooth, there generally is no downtime. In fact, it is like a deep tissue massage stimulating lymphatic
drainage and blood flow. Rarely, superficial blisters will result, but these heal without consequence. Lipodissolve causes
tissue swelling and some bruising. VelaSmooth can be used to help remove the fluid more quickly. Smartlipo causes minimal
bruising, some swelling and little post-procedural discomfort. You are usually back to normal activities within a few hours.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Most patients tolerate treatments well. During VelaSmooth the subcutaneous layers of fat cells are heated which causes a
hot sensation, but treatments are tailored to individuals for comfort. With Lipodissolve (which involves tiny injections of a
fat-dissolving product, phosphatidylcholine), a dull burning sensation may be experienced for a short period of time, but is
described as quite tolerable. With Smartlipo, the area treated is completely anesthetized, and patients have reported no post-procedural pain.
Q: How many treatments are typically required for results?
A: Decreasing or eliminating cellulite involves a commitment that is not for everyone. With VelaSmooth, we recommend beginning
with 10 to 16 treatments, usually twice a week, and once results are optimized, maintenance treatments are recommended.
Maintenance could be every month to every six months and is dependant on the individual situation. Lipodissolve involves between
one to six treatments in each area of concern. Treatments are spaced two to three weeks apart, but may be longer. Smartlipo usually
requires one treatment per area, however, a touch-up may be required and is usually performed at three months post procedure.
Q: When will I start seeing results?
A: Typically, with VelaSmooth, we see noticeable results within the first few weeks. Lipodissolve results are seen after
several treatments, as a general rule, and after the swelling has subsided. Although some improvement is seen immediately
after the procedure, optimal results with Smartlipo are seen at six months (complete collagen regeneration time).
Q: Is there anything I can do to ensure I will get the best results and maintain them?
A: Yes. A healthy diet that is low glycemic, low simple carbohydrate, with lots of fruits, vegetables (potatoes don’t count),
lean protein, legumes (beans, peas, etc.); no tobacco, limited carbonated beverages, and lots of tap water (yes, tap water) will
help keep your body free of the oxidizing substances that contribute to cellulite. Exercise, or course, will help maintain
muscle tone and limit the fat deposits.