It may surprise you to hear that surgery is not a treatment for cellulite. But liposuction is a fat removal treatment, right? And cellulite is fat, right? Yes, BUT it’s the layer of fat that is in question. Just like our skin has multiple layers, so too does body fat.
In this article, we discuss the different types and layers of body fat, the causes of cellulite and the reason why liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite. We also explain how you can successfully target your stubborn, lumpy fat with the added bonus of tightening skin for noticeably smoother skin.
Overview of Cellulite & Body Fat
The fat we store in our body serves multiple functions, it helps protect our internal organs, regulate body temperature, serves as a source of energy and is a key component of many body structures.
The lumpy and dimpled appearance that our skin gets when fat cells under the skin expand is referred to as cellulite. It is most frequently seen on the thighs and buttocks but can also appear on the stomach and arms or anywhere else where fat cells are compacted. Cellulite is almost exclusively a female issue, with instances in men far less common. Being overweight is a major contributing factor, but cellulite can also appear in women with a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
Fat deposits can be either subcutaneous or visceral. Visceral (or abdominal) fat surrounds the internal organs such as the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, etc. Increased risk of heart disease and diabetes is linked to excess visceral fat, and it can only be reduced through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Subcutaneous fat is found underneath the skin and this is where cellulite forms. Although subcutaneous fat can also be reduced by diet and exercise, it is well known to form localised pockets around the body that are extremely difficult to improve with diet and exercise alone. If we refer to the image below, we can see that in the uppermost layer of subcutaneous tissue, fat cells are stored in compartments separated by vertical walls of connective tissue. When the fat cells expand, the volume in each compartment swells, forcing pressure upward. The increased pressure pushes the skin out and the connective tissue loses its strength, creating the lumpy change in appearance in the skin’s surface known as cellulite.
You can see from the image that there are two different “layers” of fat – the compartments of fat just underneath the dermis and then the deeper layer of fat, referred to as the “reserve fat layer”. It is this reserve fat layer that can be treated with liposuction. The layer of lumpy fat closer to the skin’s surface is not the area treated during liposuction, therefore liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite.
Causes of Cellulite
Cellulite is caused by a number of factors. Genetics, being overweight, reduced circulation, hormonal influences, toxins, smoking, diet and inactivity can all play a part. The primary cause of cellulite is an increase in the size of the fat cell storage chambers of subcutaneous fat tissue, and degeneration of the connective tissue that keeps the fat cells together.
Cellulite can be the cause of embarrassment, emotional distress and self-esteem issues, and is one of the most common cosmetic issues that women seek treatment for. Cellulite can impact the way women want to dress and the way they feel about themselves. Thankfully, the VelaShape III has been developed for the non-surgical treatment of cellulite and skin tightening.
VelaShape III uses cutting-edge technology for body sculpting and skin tightening. It is a comfortable, walk-in, walk-out treatment that does not require any recovery time.
Science Behind VelaShape III
The Velashape III is the only procedure that treats cellulite, improves skin firmness and elasticity in addition to reducing the size of localised fat deposits. Alternative fat treatments can leave you with loose, sagging skin, whereas VelaShape III treatment stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin thereby tightening the skin for a firmer, smoother appearance.
Velashape III uses Electro-Optical Synergy (ELOS) technology, a powerful combination of bipolar radiofrequency (RF) and infrared (light) energy, along with deep tissue massage. This combination produces a deep heating of the fat cells and the surrounding connective tissue. The heat stimulates the release of fat from the cells to reduce their overall size, and increased production of collagen and regeneration of the connective tissue. The vacuum and mechanical manipulation promotes increased circulation and the release of excess fluid and toxins that may be contributing to the development of cellulite. The treatment stimulates the production of new collagen to improve skin texture, firmness and elasticity.
The fat released from the cells goes into the blood stream and is transported to the liver, where it is broken down and used as energy, just as it would as if it had come from digested food. Other by-products of the procedure are removed by the body’s natural immune system systems.
The Velashape III has been tested in clinical trials worldwide and results have shown that the Velashape III:
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite by up to 65%
- Provides a noticeable improvement in skin firmness and texture over the treated areas
- Reduces body circumference
For optimised and longer-lasting results, you can combine VelaShape treatment with UltraShape Power non surgical liposuction. UltraShape treatment destroys fat cells so they cannot refill. UltraShape uses focused ultrasound energy rather than freezing to destroy fat cells, therefore avoiding the potential side effects of fat freezing.
Next Steps
If you are considering cellulite treatment, then come and see the skin and body experts at Feel Good Laser & Skin Clinic Richmond for a free consultation. During your consultation your cellulite will be assessed and we will explain the treatment and cost to you. You can click on the buttons below to ask a question or book a free consultation. Alternatively, you can call our experienced and friendly team on 1300 896 834.
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