There are some facts of life we can do nothing about. Growing older is one of them. As we age, we not only begin to feel older, but we notice the signs of ageing more readily. Those lines on the face, for example, the joints aching a bit, and the dreaded cellulite that forms in places where we are all too aware! In women, cellulite usually forms post-puberty, but what is it, and how can it be treated? That’s what this article is about, so we’ll begin with a brief explanation of what causes cellulite.
What Causes Cellulite?
As with many naturally occurring conditions the exact cause of cellulite is not known. What we do know is that it is to do with the behavior of the layers of fibrous tissue beneath the skin and excess fat build-up, which results in the characteristic ‘lumpy’ appearance. Cellulite is most common in women in the thighs, hips, and buttocks, but can also appear on other parts of the body.
Cellulite is considered a multifactorial condition; this means it is not caused by one single factor but by many working in tandem. Each of the following can have an effect on cellulite:
- Genetics – cellulite runs in families
- Gender – cellulite is common in post pubertal women
- Aging – the skin loses elasticity with increasing age
- Being overweight
- Inactive lifestyle
- Pregnancy
- Hormones such as estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid Hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process
Each of the above factors may contribute to cellulite in the body, so how can it be treated?
What is Cellulite Treatment?
We should start by saying what cellulite treatment is not: it is not a weight-loss procedure. If you are looking to lose weight and are either obese or overweight this is not the procedure for you and will not be recommended.
What cellulite treatment does is remove the excess fat from the areas where it can be seen. There are a number of different methods used in cellulite treatment. The best and most popular are among the most-performed cosmetic procedures in the world and are simple, quick, and entirely non-invasive.
This means fewer risks as there is no requirement for anaesthetic, and also no need for an overnight hospital stay as the routine can be completed in an hour. Let’s have a closer look at how your local Fort Lauderdale clinic performs cellulite treatment and the method they use.
How Does Cellulite Treatment Work?
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures usually require nothing more than a small incision, and this is the case with the procedure known as CelluSmooth. This is one of many such treatments that use laser as the main active element, and it is among the latest developments in the cellulite treatment world.
The patient will need an area – or areas – of the skin numbed with a local anaesthetic. Next, small incisions will be made where the cellulite is to be treated. The laser device is a hand-held example that emits a powerful and finely tuned laser light beam. Fat burns at a lower temperature than skin.
What happens next is that a laser fibre is inserted into the incisions. When the laser device is activated, the fibre reacts in three stages. First, it detaches the bands of under-skin fibre that are pulling the fat to the surface. Next, it melts the fat without damage to the skin. Finally, it tightens the skin over the area giving a smoother look.
The incisions are then sealed. What happens to the fact? Over time, the now dead fat cells will be processed and expelled naturally via your urine, the usual method of expelling unwanted cells. This is therefore a permanent solution, unlike many cosmetic procedures, although it cannot be guaranteed that more cellulite will develop over time. Should this occur, you can simply repeat the procedure.
So, are you an ideal candidate for the CelluSmooth process at Fort Lauderdale? Let’s see if you fit the bill.
Who is a Candidate for Cellulite Treatment?
The ideal candidate for any cellulite treatment routine will be a woman who is older than 20 yet younger than 60 years of age. She will be around her ideal weight – not excessively overweight or obese – and she will have skin that is not excessively loose or lax.
At your initial consultation you will be asked questions about your past, daily life, family history, and also your general health. This will help the consultant to determine whether you are a candidate for cellulite treatment. We cannot stress strongly enough that laser treatment such as this is not about losing weight. If that is your concern a medical weight loss programme will be your route to happiness, and we recommend you contact a local clinic.
If you are accepted and advised to undergo cellulite removal treatment, we’ve given you a good idea of what to expect and your consultant will give you further minimal instructions as to how to prepare. Now we need to look at the potential risks and side-effects of laser treatment procedures.
What are the Risks with Cellulite Treatment?
All cellulite laser treatments are certified as safe for use. The laser itself will be tuned to perfection and operated by a trained and qualified practitioner. You may feel heat during the procedure and swelling and soreness may be present in the areas of the incisions and where the treatment has taken place.
As far as further risks are concerned there have been no added effects other than tenderness, possible bleeding, and these will subside within a few days. The best results will begin to appear after around two to three months as the body needs that time to process and eject the dead fat cells.
What’s My Next Step?
Call the local Fort Lauderdale clinic and ask for a consultation, and they will be happy to oblige. Your consultant will talk you through the aspects of the process that you need to understand, and assess you for suitability, and hopefully you can be rid of ugly cellulite very soon.