Cellulite Treatment

Cellulite, also called hydrolipodystrophy, is an inflammation of the subcutaneous cellular and adipose tissues. It affects 80 percent of women and numerous men, although the condition differs between the two sexes and is generally found in different areas of the body.

In the case of women, the causes of this disharmony of the figure are complex. It is related both to heredity and major hormone changes. It is found mainly on the hips, thighs and buttocks ("saddlebags").

Three phenomena play a role in female cellulite: Water retention, hypertrophy of the fatty (adipose) tissue, fibrosis caused by a stimulation of collagen fibers.

Among men it would be more accurate to speak of adiposity or lipodystrophy, as there is no water retention. This cellulite is often located on the neck, shoulders, chest, abdomen, and the well-known "love handles."

In all cases, the growth of adipose cells leads to a compression and hardening of the surrounding tissues. Clinical evidence of cellulite often includes an "orange skin" or "corrugated" appearance when the skin is pinched.

It is important to remember that cellulite treatment requires a change in eating habits (an aggravating factor of cellulite) and regular physical activity.

Treatment methods

Local treatments: numerous creams and gels which act on the microcirculation of the skin surface and which seem to be of minimal effectiveness, except for the massaging involved. Manual lymph draining: this stimulation of the lymphatic system is appropriate only for patients suffering from lymphatic insufficiency and is therefore not very useful in the treatment of cellulite.

Surgery (liposuction, liposculpture): it targets the deep fat tissues more specifically and must be complemented by a treatment of the cellulite closer to the skin surface.

High-technology massages and VelaShape:

for several years, various institutes have been combining suction with "palpé-roulé" massage on a large scale. However, a new non-laser treatment, VelaShape from Syneron, makes it possible to treat cellulite medically. This technology was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in June 2005.Certificat FDA (Food and Drug Administration ).
In the course of the study conducted for the FDA, all patients experienced a visual improvement and hip reduction.


Velashape treatment

Unlike other "palpé-roulé" systems, VelaShape does not merely break down the adipose tissues. Its combination of infrared light and bipolar radiofrequency allows for a controlled deep heating of the tissues, helping the lymphatic system to naturally eliminate the fat cells. Thus, VelaShape actively manipulates the tissues thanks to the technology called elõs, employing infrared and radiofrequency in conjunction with palpé-roulé massage and suction. In addition, vacuum suction gently softens the skin, and improves blood circulation and lymph drainage. It allows for a uniform distribution of energy and a firming of the areas treated.

The infrared energy heats the treated area to a depth of 5mm.
The bipolar radiofrequency emitted by the rollers distributes the energy sufficiently into the adipose tissue to act on the fats to a depth of 18 mm.
The "palpé-roulé" and the suction actively manipulate the tissues.

Potential counter-indications

Aside from pregnancy, which is always counter-indicated as a matter of principle, the main counter-indication for cellulite treatment by VelaShape is the use of a pacemaker or any other cardiac stimulator. The treatment is not advised for persons using anticoagulants or who have problems related to bleeding.

How the session is conducted


Velashape Centre Laser Sorbonne

At your first free consultation, the doctor will give you an estimate specifying the priority areas to be treated. The VelaShape platform is equipped with two heads and can easily treat the smaller parts of the body (for example, the ankles and knees or the upper arms, for problems of sagging skin). The practitioner moves the manual device over the different areas of the body, raising them to a temperature that the patient can easily tolerate. The session lasts an average of thirty to forty-five minutes.

After treatment

Aside from a hot sensation, certain patients experience a temporary erythema. Some bruising may be possible; this will be reabsorbed by the body in a few days. You may resume your normal daily activities immediately after the session, even sports activities.

VelaShape is appropriate for both women and men and for all skin types from fair to dark, including tanned skins.

The cost of your treatment

The cost, specified on your estimate, depends on the length of the session and the size of the areas treated.
The price of one session varies from 90 to 120 €. In general one should anticipate approximately ten sessions, with two sessions a week on the average.

Significant results are usually seen as of the fourth week.
One session per month or every two months is recommended to maintain these results. During the course of your treatment you will consult with your doctor in order to eventually adapt the parameters and treatment of different areas and to establish a maintenance schedule if necessary.

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Last update : 2009-05-07