Cellulite Treatment

At Green Village Medical, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatments to address cellulite. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

1. Laser and Light Therapy

Laser and light therapy are among the most effective non-invasive treatments for cellulite. These therapies work by targeting the underlying causes of cellulite, such as fat cells and connective tissues.

• Cellulaze: Cellulaze is a minimally invasive laser treatment that targets the structural causes of cellulite beneath the skin. It works by breaking down the fibrous bands that pull down on the skin, melting excess fat, and stimulating collagen production for smoother, tighter skin.
• VelaShape: VelaShape combines infrared light, bi-polar radiofrequency energy, and vacuum technology to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This treatment improves blood circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and promotes the reduction of fat cells.
• SmoothShapes: SmoothShapes uses a combination of laser and light energy with mechanical manipulation to target cellulite. It increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage, reducing the size of fat cells and smoothing the skin.

2. Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy

Radiofrequency therapy is a popular non-invasive treatment for cellulite that uses RF energy to heat the skin and underlying tissues. This stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

• Thermage: Thermage uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deep layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and tightening the skin. This treatment can effectively reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin texture.
• Accent Prime: Accent Prime combines radiofrequency and ultrasound technologies to target and reduce cellulite. The RF energy heats the skin, while the ultrasound energy breaks down fat cells, resulting in smoother, firmer skin.

3. Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT)

Acoustic wave therapy, also known as shockwave therapy, uses sound waves to break down fat deposits and stimulate collagen production. This treatment improves blood flow, reduces fat cell size, and enhances skin elasticity.

• Cellfina: Cellfina is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a microblade to release the fibrous bands causing cellulite. It combines acoustic wave therapy with suction to break down fat cells and stimulate collagen production.
• Z-Wave: Z-Wave uses high-energy radial shockwaves to target and reduce cellulite. This treatment improves blood circulation, stimulates collagen production, and breaks down fat deposits.

4. Subcision

Subcision is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small needle under the skin to break up the fibrous bands causing cellulite. This treatment is particularly effective for moderate to severe cellulite and can produce long-lasting results.

• Cellfina: As mentioned earlier, Cellfina combines subcision with acoustic wave therapy to release the fibrous bands and smooth the skin. It is an FDA-cleared treatment with proven efficacy for cellulite reduction.

5. Injectable Treatments

Injectable treatments involve the use of specialized solutions to break down fat cells and improve skin texture. These treatments can be combined with other cellulite reduction methods for enhanced results.

• Qwo: Qwo is an FDA-approved injectable treatment specifically designed to reduce moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks. It works by breaking down the fibrous septae that cause cellulite and stimulating collagen production.

6. Topical Treatments and Creams

While topical treatments and creams cannot eliminate cellulite, they can temporarily improve the appearance of the skin. These products typically contain ingredients that promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.

• Retinol Creams: Retinol creams can help improve skin texture and thickness, making cellulite less noticeable.
• Caffeine-Based Creams: Caffeine-based creams can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite by promoting blood flow and reducing water retention.

7. Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care

In addition to professional treatments, making certain lifestyle changes and adopting self-care practices can help reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve overall skin health.

• Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, particularly strength training and cardiovascular exercises, can help reduce body fat, tone muscles, and improve skin elasticity.
• Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the severity of cellulite.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps keep the skin hydrated and may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Massage: Regular massage can improve blood circulation, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Selecting the appropriate cellulite treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of the cellulite, the patient’s skin type and overall health, and their personal preferences and goals. At Green Village Medical, our experienced practitioners conduct thorough consultations to determine the most suitable treatment plan for each patient.

During the initial consultation, the practitioner will:

1. Evaluate the Patient’s Skin: A detailed examination of the affected areas will help assess the severity of the cellulite and identify any underlying factors contributing to its development.
2. Discuss Medical History: Understanding the patient’s medical history, including any previous treatments and existing health conditions, is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: The practitioner will discuss the expected outcomes, potential risks, and recovery process with the patient to ensure they have realistic expectations about the results.
4. Develop a Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the practitioner will recommend a tailored treatment plan that may include a combination of therapies to achieve the best possible results.

The cellulite treatment process typically involves multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Depending on the chosen treatment, sessions may be scheduled weekly or bi-weekly, and the total number of sessions will vary based on the severity of the cellulite and the patient’s response to treatment.

1. Preparation: Before starting the treatment, the practitioner will provide pre-treatment instructions to ensure the patient’s skin is adequately prepared. This may include avoiding certain medications, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy diet.
2. Treatment Sessions: During the treatment sessions, the practitioner will use specialized equipment and techniques to target and reduce cellulite. Each session typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment and the areas being treated.
3. Post-Treatment Care: After each session, the practitioner will provide post-treatment care instructions to promote healing and enhance the results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, staying hydrated, and using recommended skincare products.

The results of cellulite treatments can vary depending on the chosen method, the severity of the cellulite, and the patient’s adherence to post-treatment care instructions. Most patients start to see noticeable improvements after a few sessions, with optimal results typically achieved after completing the full treatment course.

• Laser and Light Therapy: Results can last for up to a year or more, with maintenance sessions recommended to sustain the effects.
• Radiofrequency Therapy: Results can last for several months to a year, with maintenance sessions advised to prolong the benefits.
• Acoustic Wave Therapy: Results can last for six months to a year, with maintenance sessions recommended as needed.
• Subcision: Results can be long-lasting, with many patients experiencing improvements for several years.
• Injectable Treatments: Results can last for several months to a year, with maintenance sessions advised to sustain the effects.

While thread lifts are generally safe and well-tolerated, there are potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. These may include:

• Swelling and Bruising: Mild swelling and bruising are common and usually resolve within a few days.
• Infection: As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection at the insertion sites.
• Thread Migration or Extrusion: In rare cases, threads may migrate or become visible under the skin. If this occurs, the threads may need to be adjusted or removed.
• Asymmetry: Minor asymmetry may occur if the threads are not evenly placed. This can often be corrected with additional adjustments.
• Allergic Reaction: Although rare, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the materials used in the threads.

To maintain the results of cellulite treatments and prevent recurrence, patients are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and follow ongoing maintenance recommendations. This may include:

• Regular Exercise: Continuing with a consistent exercise routine to maintain muscle tone and reduce body fat.
• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet to support overall health and skin quality.
• Hydration: Drinking adequate water to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.
• Skincare: Using recommended skincare products to maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
• Follow-Up Treatments: Scheduling follow-up sessions as advised by the practitioner to sustain the results.