Laser Cellulite Treatment

Cellulite Laser Treatments

Cellulite lasers are the newest technology to attack the unsightly look of cellulite. Cellulite is a common term that has been used to describe the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people get on their thighs, hips and buttocks.  This condition is rarely seen in men but can be found in over 80% of women over the age of 20.  Originally thought to be linked with obesity, it has been since discovered that cellulite holds no such connection.  While cellulite occurs because of the body’s fat cells, its appearance is only due to the way the fat cells lie on or in between the connective tissues of the body, not because of how many fat cells an individual actually has.

While cellulite is an ever-growing concern for many women today, the main keys to preventing cellulite growth are maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, exercising, reducing tension and increasing overall body circulation.  But for those fighting a continuing battle, laser cellulite treatments can greatly reduce the appearance of cellulite in the body.  Laser cellulite treatment combines massage with laser light in order to maximize skin tightening in the treated area.  The cellulite laser combination of laser and massage works to enhance overall body contour and significantly reduce the outer appearance of cellulite.

Treatments with lasers and other devices are sometimes painful, need to be repeated periodically, and must be done by a physician. But women who seek more dramatic results may want to try these pricey techniques before lower-tech options.

A caveat: Some of the technologies are FDA-approved as Class I devices–meaning, they present minimal potential for harm. But others are being used off-label–that is, not for the purpose for which they are approved. And some are still being tested and have not yet been submitted for FDA approval.

How does Cellulite Laser Treatment Work?

Although there are several different ways the treatment is administered, the most common is the use of radio frequency waves in the infrared range that are directed into the skin to a depth of only about 1.5 cm. The waves heat and effectively melt the fatty cells.

Cellulite laser surgery is combined with deep skin massage and skin smoothing with flat paddles that deliver the RF waves into the skin. Creams and various medications are often used in conjunction with the treatment. The cellulite laser surgery smoothes the skin and reduces the dimpled look that causes so much embarrassment.

Cellulite laser surgery is totally non-invasive, and there is no recovery time involved. Although still fairly new in the United States, the procedure has been used in Europe for some time with great success.

Types of Cellulite Laser Treatments

Laser Toning
For cellulite that has more ripples than isolated, divotlike depressions, Beverly Hills dermatologist Harold Lancer, MD, relies on the Galaxy, a device commonly used for facial wrinkles. It directs radio frequency and laser light energy beneath the skin’s surface, causing a wound response that lays down new collagen and tightens the skin. “I’ve treated 100 patients with the Galaxy, and the results are good,” he says. He is one of a few doctors using the laser for cellulite.

Cold-Laser Massage
The Tri-Active laser was approved by the FDA in January 2004 and is permitted to claim that it “temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite.” This device combines suction massage to increase lymphatic drainage, which filters fluid from cells; low-intensity diode heat to stimulate collagen production and tighten skin; and a cooling head to counter any burning sensation. “It’s so painless you can fall asleep while it’s being done,” says Mitchel Goldman, MD, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego.

Number Of Treatments.

Expect 10 or more treatments in any one major treatment area such as across your buttocks, thighs or other cellulite deposit areas. Individual sessions will average 30 to 40 minutes. Total costs will be a multiplier of your total number of sessions, usually spaced across 3 to 4 months.

Cellulite Laser Results

The results from using laser to remove cellulite from your body will vary on a wide variety of issues. This non-evasive technology results is determined by the person who is being treated and how their body reacts to the treatment.  The results can also be determined by the different body parts being treated. Different parts of the body could react differently to the laser treatment and some show better results than others. You can also see results if the laser treatment is combined with liposuction, diet and exercise or any other cellulite reduction method that is being used. Finally the results can be determined by the amount of treatments that the individual gets. It is recommended that follow up visits are needed to ensure that the affected area is treated properly. Failure to follow up with treatment may give the person unfavorable results.

Cost of Cellulite Laser Treatment

For the laser cellulite treatment to be effective you have to do treatments more than 10 times. Depending on the doctor that you go to they may have the price for an individual treatment or they might offer a package combining your required treatment.

The price mentioned is an average and might be more or less depending on your doctor and where you live. A single treatment of the TriActive laser treatment usually costs anywhere from $100 to $150. For a bundled package of 16 treatments, it can cost between $1500-$1800. There are usually maintenance treatments after your complete your intial work. These are usually less than $100