Cellulite Treatment

There is no known reason why cellulite develops but certain risk factors that may contribute to the development of cellulite include;

• Weight gain or loss
• Hormone changes throughout life, such as pregnancy and menopause
• Loss of tone and elasticity due to ageing
• Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle
• Poor nutrition

The Cellulaze procedure is an innovative treatment to combat the effects and symptoms of cellulite by attacking the very structure of the cellulite cells.

Cellulite occurs when underlying tissue bands stiffen and the fat cells they surround enlarge, pushing up against the skin to create the effect recognized as cellulite. The cellulaze procedure pulses a laser wavelength under the skin via a tiny fibroptic cable to target the cellulite at its source in the underlying tissue. The pulse gradually heats the skin to melt away the fat and release the fibrous bands contributing to the cellulite 'look', replacing it with a more even look. The laser energy finally stimulates collagen production to increase skin elasticity.

In just one treatment Cellulaze can visually improve the appearance of cellulite, increase skin thickness and elasticity and produce measurable clinical improvements lasting a full year or longer.

Cellulaze is the first and only minimally invasive cellulite treatment to be supported by clinical evidence under trial conditions.

Most commonly, cellulite appears in areas where fat deposits are most concentrated. These typically include:

• Back
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs (saddlebags)

Cellulaze is an appropriate treatment to treat cellulite wherever it appears on the body, and it is also common to treat the following areas:

• Bra strap
• Chin
• Cheeks
• Face
• Knees
• Mons pubis
• Neck
• Upper arms

Our Cellulaze procedures are performed by Mr Ayham Al-Ayoubi, a leading surgeon and pioneer of new techniques and surgical innovations. Mr Al-Ayoubi fully developed the concept of Laser-Assisted Liposuction and was the first surgeon to introduce all generations of SmartLipo and Cellulaze laser into the UK.

Whilst there are several alternative treatments for cellulite removal, the best treatment for cellulite involve powerful laser solutions such as Cellulaze and Smart Lipo since results are clinically proven, long term and can be achieved in a single session.

Other non–laser alternatives include:

• losing weight, e.g. exercise, diet
• applying topical creams and lotions
• professional treatments, e.g. massaging and collagen stimulation

These are unable to deliver as long-lasting or fully visible results as Cellulaze as their action does not target the underlying structure of the cellulite formation.

For example, whilst diet and exercise can help hugely in terms of fat loss, the associated restoration of skin elasticity that is achieved by laser is not possible. Creams are only able to achieve this tightening effect temporarily through the action of active ingredient caffeine and are unable to yield long-term results.

There are several ways to eliminate cellulite and get rid of cellulite symptoms.

Non-invasive alternatives include losing weight, applying topical creams and lotions and undergoing professional treatments such as massage and collagen stimulation. These alternatives aim to treat the condition only superficially by working at the skin's surface going some way to reduce cellulite symptoms but are unable to fully eliminate cellulite or get rid of cellulite completely.

We always recommend minimally invasive laser techniques such as Cellulaze or Smart Lipo if you want to fully remove cellulite.

• Losing weight: dieting and exercise combats cellulite by reducing the number of fat cells in the body. But fat cells themselves are only half of the equation. If your skin elasticity isn't restored simultaneously the overall effect can be sagging which make the bumps look worse.
• Topical solutions: the easiest of all the solutions but the most temporary in terms of results. Caffeine is typically leveraged as an active ingredient to make the bumps look smoother, or else Vitamin A derivatives are used to thicken the outer layer of the skin. These treatments are only temporary however
• Professional Treatments: massage and suction techniques are used to boost circulation and stimulate collagen production. You'll probably need about six sessions to start seeing your results. These aren't fully effective, however, and you can expect to see a 50% reduction of symptoms at best

Yes, we do recommend Smart Lipo as a potential alternative.

Smart Lipo, which requires local anaesthesia, involves the removal of the fat cells by rupturing them with a laser. This solution achieves the most permanent and long-lasting results.

To find out more about the full spectrum of ways to eliminate cellulite at Cadogan Clinic, speak to one of our specialist advisors.

It is said that 95% of females have cellulite, and it is normal.

It is much rarer in men and this is thought to be due to the fact that there is less fat in men in the areas where we see cellulite.

Men also have a different arrangement of fat in the superficial layer of skin, which are arranged flatter, rather than as vertical columns. The influence of female hormones in cellulite is mainly down to fat distribution, as it is at puberty that girls develop fat over the buttocks, hips and lower abdomen where cellulite most commonly occurs.

The Cellulaze procedure itself lasts from between one to two hours, depending on the size and number of areas being treated.

Treatment can be done under local or light general anaesthetic.

You will typically only require one single treatment. In cases of particularly stubborn cellulite, a stepped programme may be recommended.

Some results will be visible immediately, although it typically takes between 3 – 6 months to see your results in full.

Cellulaze cellulite treatment results are permanent as it is the underlying structures of cellulite that are targeted by this high powered laser treatment.

That said, cellulite tends to worsen with age, so over time you might see the condition gradually return. You will be starting from a far improved position, however.

You should avoid gaining or losing too much weight to preserve your results.

Pain is managed completely by anaesthetic during the procedure. You may have some bruising or swelling post-procedure, but this is easily managed with painkillers.

Yes, it is very safe. Cellulaze lasers are precisely controlled by your surgeon and contain built-in safety mechanisms to prevent misfiring.

Cellulaze laser treatment is FDA and CE approved.

Cellulaze recovery time is always quick since the procedure is minimally invasive and only requires either local or light general anaesthesia.

This means that you can be back to normal daily activities within just a day or two. Cellulaze recovery may involve wearing a compression garment for a short period after treatment, but your doctor will advise according to his or her preferred recovery process.

Yes, cellulite generally worsens as our skin loses its elasticity and becomes saggy due to a lack of collagen. These are key elements of the ageing process.

Whilst your results will be permanent for the treated area, it is possible that with age additional cellulite forms in the region.

Your consultant will explain this in detail at your consultation.