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New Combination Treatment for Cellulite
By Barbara Wells
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For many people, cellulite is one of the most frustrating physical issues. No matter how hard you work out or how carefully you monitor our diet, you just cannot get rid of that lumpy, dimpled appearance on your thigh, hip or buttock area. What is it, and why won't it go away?
Cellulite is caused by the bands of tissue that connect muscle to skin in our bodies. If these bands are tight, the fat between them and the muscle can bulge out and display a dimpled appearance. There is nothing medically unusual about this condition—in fact almost all women, and many men, have cellulite due to a genetic predisposition, hormonal changes and/or weight gain.
Some treatments may provide temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite—including liposuction, fat injections, herbal and dietary supplements and creams and lotions—but to date there is no "magic cure" for cellulite, despite what those late night infomercials claim!
However, a study published in the November/December 2008 issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal suggest that a combination treatment using laser energy and fat transplantation shows promise in significantly improving cellulite. In fact, nearly 85 percent of the patients in the study rated their results as "good" or "excellent."
The treatment uses laser energy to stimulate collagen formation under the skin, as well as to tighten it and reduce fatty tissue. The laser treatment is followed by injections of the patient's own fat to fill in the depressed areas. Along with visible improvement, there are very few adverse effects, most of which are mild and temporary.
The doctors treated 52 women between the ages of 18-47 who had severe cases of cellulite and had not undergone previous surgical treatments. After the laser tightening and fat injections, patients received a massage to evenly distribute the fat and returned the next day for additional therapeutic postoperative treatments. The follow-up period ranged from a year to almost three years.
Cosmetic medical procedures continue to gain in popularity, and studies have shown that the public's attitudes toward cosmetic surgery and the boost it can provide to one's self-esteem are generally favorable:
- A 2002 study by David B. Sarwer, Ph.D., found that that most patients report improvements in their body image after surgery.
- In a 2008 study, Dr. Sarwer found that only 28 percent of women polled disagreed with the statement: "I approve of persons undergoing cosmetic surgery to increase their self-esteem."
No matter which type of procedure you are interested in, it is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon, especially if you are curious about an emerging treatment such as the one described in this article. The plastic surgeons in the directory found on BeautyforLife.com perform only those procedures that have been thoroughly researched, tested and approved for patients, but they are happy to discuss all types of cosmetic surgical procedures with you during a consultation.
Surgeons that are a part of the Beauty for Life team have a comprehensive understanding of the aging process: the ways skin and bodies change over time, the impact of the environment and lifestyle, and the best ways to enhance and maintain a natural appearance at any age. They have the right qualifications to help you make the best decision about a procedure. All Beauty for Life surgeons are:
- Are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and/or members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®
- Have at least six years of training and experience in surgery, with three years specifically in plastic surgery
- Annually complete continuing medical education, including patient safety training
- Perform surgery only in accredited, state-licensed, or Medicare-certified surgical facilities, and
- Adhere to a strict code of ethics
To learn more about how to have the safest possible cosmetic surgery experience, please view the patient safety information available at BeautyforLife.com
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