They say approximately 80-90% women have some form of cellulite, don’t you think the other 10 -20% of woman are lying?
So, let’s talk about cellulite.
We can all do a quick google search and see the list of causes of cellulite, but this, we are not going to discuss. Let’s just note the main cause of cellulite and that’s being a woman.
Men do not get the dimpling effect of cellulite. So unfair, right? But why is this?
A man’s fat cells are held together by criss-cross fibres. And woman’s fat cells are held together by cube-liked fibres.
So, when a man’s fat cell gets larger, the skin actually just gets pulled firmer. And when a woman’s fat cell gets larger the fibres pull down on the skin leaving us this dumpling effect.
We all get bombarded with products, treatments and devices for cellulite. Yet it can be so confusing. Have you ever wondered why these treatments are so different and they all claim to treat cellulite?
If you understand the 3 types of cellulite. Everything will start to make sense.
What are the 3 types of cellulite ?
Aqueous cellulite (Watery cellulite)
The first type of Cellulite is, Aqueous cellulite (Watery cellulite) this appears as small raised bumps /dimples. This is associated with a suppleness of the skin and water retention. So, what treatments will work for this type of Cellulite? Any treatment that assists lymph flow. Treatments like Massage, Lymph drainage, Creams, body wraps, devices that use Vacuum suction even diet and exercise will work for this type of watery cellulite. A very popular device to use for this type of cellulite is the BTL Lymphastim.
Adipose cellulite (fat cellulite)
The second type of Cellulite is Adipose cellulite (fat cellulite). This is mainly found on thighs and buttocks, and gives an untoned appearance to skin. To get rid of adipose cellulite you need to target fat cells.
So, what treatments treat fat cells? Monopolar radio frequency, HIFEM, Lipolytic injections, Liposuction and of cause Diet and Exercise. The best treatment for this type of cellulite is the BTL Emtone, Exilis, Vanquish and Emsculpt Neo.
Fibrotic cellulite (hard cellulite)
The third type of cellulite is Fibrotic cellulite (hard cellulite). With Aging skin tissues sags, and collagen fibres harden. This kind of cellulite we see even in super fit and healthy woman. What will treat this type of cellulite? Any treatment that breaks the fibrotic buildup.
What are methods for Cellulite treatment?
The first method should only be done by a medical doctor, we call it Subcision. This is where a Medical doctor uses a blunt needle (we call it a cannula), they insert this cannula under the skin and with a fanning method they break up the connective tissue bands.
The second method uses Acoustic wave therapy (Shockwave/ Sound wave Therapy) to break these fibres. This technology is also used to break kidney stones. The best way to understand this technology, is to think of a jackhammer they use to break up concrete. Although it might sound like an aggressive treatment, it’s not painful at all. The Best devices for the treatment are the BTL Emtone and X-Wave.
The only device that can treat all 3 types of cellulite at the same time is the BTL Emtone. The BTL Emtone uses Mono-polar radiofrequency to treat the adipose cellulite. Acoustic wave therapy to break the fibrotic cellulite. The treatment is done in a massage Lymph draining movement, thus treating the aqueous cellulite. Emtone also stimulates fabulous skin tightening and improves skin texture.
What are the 4 Grades of cellulite?
These grades of cellulite are used by a therapist to record the improvement and results of the treatments. But this was created before every one had a cell phone in their hands. Today we just take a photo to see the result and improvement of the cellulite.
We offer 2 treatments that are designed to target cellulite, namely X-Wave and EMTone.
Speak to one of our therapists in our Cape Town or Johannesburg practice to find out which treatment works best for you.
