Cellulite Removal

It is widely accepted today that high-power, low-frequency ultrasound treatment represents one of the few effective methods of cellulite reduction and, to a limited extent, subcutaneous fat reduction too.

It often provides good results on its own, if the right equipment is used with the right protocols.

Ultrasound is high frequency sound.

If ultrasound of a specific frequency and power is applied on the skin, it can create microscopic vacuum bubbles in the hypodermal adipose tissue (what we call “cellulite”) or subcutaneous adipose tissue (what we call “fat”).

These “bubbles” first increase in size and then collapse and this is what we refer to as ‘cavitation’: the collapsing of cavities / bubbles.

• Ultrasonic cavitation disrupts fat cell membranes, which results in the release of stored fat into the interstitial fluid around the fat cell. The triglycerides (fat) released are then taken up by the lymphatic and blood vessels and distributed throughout the body, where it can be oxidized (burned) for energy.
• As the fat membrane is disrupted/broken and fat is spilled out of the fat cell, the fat cell itself enters apoptosis (dies off).
• On the other hand, nearby cells, such as fibroblasts (collagen cells) do not get affected negatively by the ultrasound - in contrast they actually benefit from the stimulus provided by it. This stimulation leads to increased collagen and elastin synthesis.
• Fibrosis (scar tissue inside the skin and an important aspect of cellulite) is also known to be reduced by ultrasound.
• Finally, ultrasound has a positive effect on micro-circulation on the area treated.

In summary, ultrasound assists with cellulite removal in four different ways:

• Cellulite fat reduction
• Skin firming
• Fibrosis reduction
• Circulation improvement

This sounds all very impressive and one would be carried away to think that ultrasonic is an instant “cure” for cellulite and/or fat reduction. However, the process is gradual, not instant.

So even with the best high-power equipment, power and application time are limited to ensure safety as well as efficacy. This means that a course of 4-6 treatments is recommended, as opposed to the 1-2 session "miracles" many people believe in and many clinics advertise.

As with everything in life, balance is the key, i.e. using optimum power (not too high, not too low) applied skillfully and safely.

Cellulite contains a fraction of the fat that subcutaneous adipose tissue does, so ultrasound is both effective and efficient for cellulite removal.

The cellulite reduction effects of ultrasound are long-lasting if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regime. On the other hand, it is very easy to deposit new fat again in your hypodermis (cellulite skin layer) if you overeat, drink too much alcohol and/or stay very inactive.

So use your course of treatments as a stimulus for life-long lifestyle change, not only for a quick result!