Fashion & Beauty :: February/March 2007
How's Your Bottom Line?
Cellulite. A girl’s worst enemy. Most of us have it and can’t do anything about it until now. What is cellulite? Cellulite is an accumulation of fat cells in the area of the skin known as the hypodermis. As the cells increase in size, the pressure reduces the circulation to the surrounding tissue. The connective tissue stiffens up and the dimpling deformity of cellulite begins. The main cause is estrogen. Yes, that’s right – men don’t get cellulite. You’re not alone in this battle ladies. Up to 80% of us have it. You don’t have to be overweight to have it either. Let’s get to know our enemy.
What are the stages of cellulite?
Stage 0. No cellulite. When lying or sitting – there is no presence
seen.
Stage 1. There is slight dimpling of the skin when doing a “pinch
test”.
Stage 2. Cellulite is visible when standing, but disappears when lying
down.
Stage 3. Dimpling and severe depressions. Cellulite is visible when standing
and sitting. This is commonly referred to as “orange peel’
type skin.
Cellulite commonly forms along the anterior and posterior thighs, the “saddle-bag” region, abdomen and buttocks. It can also form on the upper arms as well.
Ready for war? Previously, our only hope was liposuction. Most of us aren’t ready to go under the knife. There is a new weapon in town, Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT). With AWT, women can achieve smoother and firmer skin in the thighs, buttocks and saddlebag regions. AWT mechanically vibrates the connective tissue. This action disrupts the connective tissue to smooth and firm the skin. This action increases the circulation to the surrounding tissue. The increased circulation initiates an inflammatory process leading to more elastic skin and increased collagen production. The result – smoother skin and reversal of the dimpling. AWT was recently featured on CBS 3 TV Philadelphia as an up and coming treatment for cellulite.
AWT is done twice weekly for three weeks. Results are seen anywhere from three to six weeks post treatment. Results are unbelievable. Initial studies had 167 women treated. The average being 42.8 years of age. Patients noticed not only a change in the appearance of their cellulite, but a decrease in thigh circumference. Reflections has before and after photos for you to review. Reflections is the only regional provider for acoustic wave therapy. Call today for more information.
Susan Kirchdoerffer, D.O., is the Medical Director of Reflections, located at 2036 Foulk Road, Suite 101, Wilmington, DE. Reflections is open Monday through Friday and every other Saturday. Evening appointments are available. Call 302-246-2306 today to schedule a free consultation and start indulging yourself.
Reflections, A Medical Spa – How do you look in the
mirror?
