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What is 'cellulite'?...
Although there are many theories trying to define 'cellulite', the basic fact is that this condition appears when subcutaneous collagen fibers' natural elasticity is exceeded by the steady growth of layers of fat cells under the skin. These collagen fibers bundles sustain the normal structure of the skin and deeper tissues.
Cellulite becomes apparent when these subcutaneous fibers [collagen and otherwise] are stretched to their limits. This is a slow process; over time, the skin on the affected area acquires a typical 'orange skin' look. Occasionally, due to the particular structure of skin tissues, ripples and dimples may also appear.
Why does cellulite affect women?...
Cellulite affects more women than men. As noted above, this condition is caused by excessive deposits of fat in subcutaneous tissues. In women, subcutaneous fat cells on the thighs, buttocks and hips have an imbalance of 'receptors' on their surface that allow them to store fat and retain it.
Fat cells have receptors 'Alpha' that allow for more fat deposits and 'Beta' that would facilitate fat to leave the cells: women have more receptors 'Alpha' than 'Beta' in the lower part of the body [the approximate ratio is 8:1].
Cellulite is most commonly seen on women who are overweight. However, it is also a problem for many thin women, because of cellular receptors' imbalance, which, ultimately, would cause the common 'pear' shaped figure.
How can cellulite be treated?...
Cellulite can be reduced or eliminated by the application of Mesotherapy treatments, which are based on the injection of carefully selected medications on the affected area. These medications would act on the 'Beta' receptors, allowing the fat inside the fat cells to be released.
Celluplasty® is the application of specialized microsurgical procedures that reshape or modify collagen/fibrous tissues on the deeper layers of the skin; Celluplasty® could be used with Mesotherapy to achieve more satisfactory results.
The use of massage-suction devices to treat cellulite is ineffective. Their application results in a temporary smoothing effect on the skin of the treated area; however, they do not change the number of fat cells or their fat content. With this type of treatment, cellulite will reappear on treated areas in about five to seven days…
What is Celluplasty®?...
Celluplasty® or Selective Dermatoplasty [SDP] is a combination of plastic surgery procedures that includes microsurgical techniques, applied to modify or reshape subcutaneous tissues on areas affected by cellulite. Celluplasty® is also applied to treat several other conditions affecting the skin's deeper layers.
When is Celluplasty® indicated?...
Celluplasty® is the treatment of choice for situations where cellulite is advanced, with deep dimples and ripples [particularly on the upper thighs and buttocks]. In these situations, Mesotherapy alone would not do much to change the appearance of the skin; However, Mesotherapy could be applied after Celluplasty® to obtain a better cosmetic result.
Are there any complications from Mesotherapy or Celluplasty®?...
Mesotherapy treatments eliminate fat from the skin's deeper layers. It is successful when applied for cellulite and also for body sculpting, particularly when patients exercise and adopt a low-fat diet. The FDA-approved medications used at McLean Medical Institute are hypoallergenic and tested for many years. There are no complications; occasional small bruises may appear, but they fade away in a few days.
Celluplasty® procedures are considered 'minor' and as such, performed using a local anesthetic medication. Some bruising may be expected [depending on the size of the treated area], but it fades in a few days.
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Copyright © 2008 McLean Medical Institute®
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