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| In our never ending search for the elusive “Fountain of Youth,” nothing strikes a chord like
the term “cellulite.” Interestingly, the term “cellulite” was first introduced
to us by a fashion magazine. That fact is sufficient to generate speculation
among opposing sides to this controversial subject. Dr. Mégane Fabre
|
|
CONQUERING CELLULITE
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS CELLULITE?
CURES AND TREATMENTS
TOPICAL TREATMENTS
BODY WRAPPING
ELECTRIC MUSCLE STIMULATION (EMS)
LIPOSUCTION
GLOSSARY
RESOURCES
INTRODUCTION
What we
endeavor to present here is an overview of the facts surrounding “cellulite”
with an eye toward education. We make no recommendations nor endorsements as to
the efficacy of any products that may be mentioned, nor do we recommend or
endorse any particular treatments that we might discuss.
We hope to
present the pros and cons of the arguments and allow you to make your own
determination and course of action.
It is
interesting to note that nearly two decades ago, The Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA) stated that "there is no medical condition known or
described as cellulite in this country.”
Because there
is no official medical term for the conditions, does that mean that there can be
a “cure?” Apparently so, as evidenced by the thousands of products and
procedures available to combat the condition.
WHAT IS CELLULITE?
Cellulite is a term that is used to
describe fat deposits under the skin that outwardly give the skin a
dimpled, or orange-peel like appearance. Cellulite is most often seen in women
because the fat is arranged in large chambers separated by columns of collagen
fibers.
Fibrous strands of tissue connect your skin
to deeper tissue layers, creating compartments of ordinary fat cells. When the
fat cells increase in size, the compartments bulge and produce the dimpling
appearance on your skin.
In overweight people excess fat is stuffed
in these compartments causing them to bulge out. On the surface of the skin the
bulging provides the dimply appearance of cellulite, especially in areas such as
the hips, buttocks or thighs.
Oddly enough, cellulite is predetermined by
genetics so even thin women can develop the appearance. Factors such as
hormones, pregnancy, and aging may all attribute to the weakening of the
collagen fibers to give the cellulite appearance.
Even people diagnosed as “morbidly
obese” are not necessarily genetically pre-disposed to cellulite and may display
no symptoms at all.
It is important to note that even though it
is unsightly, cellulite is normal for many women and some men as well. The
dimpling appears to be less obvious when the subject has thicker skin which
further enforces the genetic predisposition. As the body ages, the skin becomes
thinner and there is nothing that can be done for that natural aging process.
CURES AND TREATMENTS
If our research indicates that cellulite is
not recognized as a disease, is there no such thing as a “cure?” We aren’t here
to make that determination. That is something the reader should pursue for him
or herself. Whether there is or is not a “cure,” there are various methods of
treatment and we will endeavor to review them for you with an eye toward
“Conquering Cellulite.”
All you need to do is begin a search for
information about cellulite and you will find yourself bombarded with commercial
messages. There are hundreds of sources all claiming to reduce or eliminate the
ravages of cellulite, and “for only $xxxxx you too can rid yourself of this
condition.”
The most widely advertised methods we have
found are topical creams and/or ointments, body wrapping, electronic muscle
stimulation and liposuction. Let’s review them beginning with topicals.
TOPICAL TREATMENTS
Numerous products are available to
consumers that are promoted in the area of “skin care products” and/or “thigh
creams.” Some of the claims are:
- Increased collagen production
- Strengthening collagen and elastin fibers
- Cellulite reduction through cellular stimulation to release stored fat
- Weight reduction through appetite suppression, increased metabolism, and fat burning
- Reduced water retention.
When is a topical considered a drug or a cosmetic? That’s a difficult question.
According to the government drugs, unlike cosmetics, alter the structure or
function of the body. Here’s where it gets really confusing. If the
manufacturers claim that thigh creams or other topical treatments eliminate
cellulite, is that considered as “altering the structure or function of the
body?”
We
don’t have the answer to that question nor are we in a position to present a
plausible argument either way.
What
we do know, is that many people have hidden allergies. These allergies
only surface when the individual comes in contact with a “new” trigger. Some of
the thigh creams and other topical products contain an ingredient that can be
potentially harmful for certain individuals. We will discuss that in just a
moment.
Before
you use any new topical treatment, you should “test” the product on a
small area of skin and give yourself sufficient time to observe any reactions.
You
should also carefully read product labels and follow directions. If it contains
an allergen that you already know affects you, obviously you won’t want to use
that particular product.
Persons who suffer from asthma need to pay particular attention.
“Aminophylline,” an approved prescription drug used in the treatment of asthma,
is an ingredient used in many thigh cream products that marketers claim will
dissolve the fat and smooth the skin.
Since
some individuals suffer from allergic reactions to ethylenediamine, a component
of aminophylline, there is some concern and these people may wish to avoid these
products so that they don't develop a sensitization (become allergic) to
aminophylline.
For
these and other reasons the government argues that the majority of “topical
agents and thigh creams” should be regulated as drugs. They further dispute the
efficacy of these creams. As we said earlier, that isn’t our determination to
make.
Some
dermatologists and clinicians have a differing point of view. One such practice
conducted an abstract study wherein they used a “double-blinded randomized
trial.” This means that neither the clinicians conducting the test nor the
subjects, knew which of a particular topical agent they were testing.
Twenty
women with a moderate degree of cellulite on the buttocks and/or thighs were
entered into a four-week, double-blinded, randomized trial where an
anti-cellulite cream was applied to the affected sites on a nightly basis.
Some
of them were randomly selected to use a neoprene garment on either leg. High
quality digital photography was used to photograph them from different angles
before and after four weeks of treatment.
17 of
the subjects actually completed the study. Of those 17, 76% saw overall
improvement in their cellulite. 54% reported even greater improvement on the
thigh that used the special garment.
The
dermatological evaluators found an improvement in 65% of treated legs with the
garment and 59% of treated legs without the garment.
Further, the evaluators found the thighs using the garment showed greater
improvement than those that did not in 65% of subjects. The topical agent used
in this study was found to be effective in reducing the appearance of cellulite
and the neoprene garment enhanced the effect of this topical agent in cellulite
reduction.
The
dermatological evaluators claim that the success of this study validates the
garment used to enhance the topical agent used.
Your
writer makes no claims as to the validity of the above test or the arguments set
forth by the government. Both present valid points of view.
Also
take note that we have no idea of the “brand names” of the products involved.
Again, you might want to check the contents of any product you may be
considering.
BODY WRAPPING
Many spas
and salons offer a process called “body wrapping.” This procedure claims to
remove inches from the waist, thighs, hips or other parts of the body. The
process includes the use of special wraps or clothing and can sometimes be used
with special lotions or creams that are applied to the skin.
Customers
are usually told that they can lose “inches” as opposed to pounds and that fat
will melt away bringing about a loss of inches in about an hour. One of the
claims is that wrapping will work because cellulite is “water logged fatty
tissue.”
What
overweight person wouldn’t love to find a product that will render them slim and
trim while they sleep?
Unfortunately, many people think that body wrapping is a relatively “new”
procedure and jump on the bandwagon quickly. The truth is that the body
wrapping craze has been around for some time.
Over two
decades ago, government “watchdogs” reported:
“Who can blame
the fretfully flabby for being lured by the promise of losing inches without
doing anything more strenuous than popping a pill or wrapping up the offending
flesh? Who can resist ads for body wraps that promise ‘to burn away fat even
while you sleep,’ to ‘lose 4-6 inches the first day?"
What
do these wraps consist of?
Some
are plastic or rubber garments worn around the waist, some cover the waist, hips
and thighs, and others cover nearly the entire body.
Some
are to be worn while carrying out routine activities, others while exercising,
and some while sleeping. One is inflated with air from a vacuum cleaner. Another
uses an electric hair dryer to blow in warm air. Some are used after a cream,
gel or lotion is applied or after the wrap is soaked in a solution.
The
garments and wraps, with or without lotions and creams, say that they reduce
body dimensions by removing fluids. Most medical experts agree that such
treatment will cause a loss of inches and perhaps pounds due to profuse
perspiration. But the reductions are temporary. The fluid is soon replaced by
drinking or eating.
Remember, rapid and excessive fluid loss is potentially dangerous because it can
bring on severe dehydration and can upset the balance of important electrolytes
in the body. Reputable spas are aware of any potential hazards such as this, so
do your homework and select a spa with a good reputation.
Some
people have tried using “plastic wrap” as body wrap material. In fact, that was
a very popular practice several decades ago.
Body
wrapping has evolved since those days, becoming much more sophisticated. Prices
for a body wrap range anywhere from $40 an hour up to as much as several
thousand dollars at some of the upscale spas.
Some
advertising claims that body wrapping will eliminate, or at the least reduce,
cellulite but we’ll leave that up to you to determine. What we can tell you is
that visiting a spa or salon for body wrapping may be a wonderfully rejuvenating
experience, leaving you rested, relaxed and refreshed.
And
who wouldn’t like to have a few hours being pampered and fussed over in a
relaxing environment regardless if it helps the cellulite problem.
Some
spas advertise herbal and other natural wraps. In fact, the methods and
products applied are widely varied. Let’s explore some of the components that
make up a good “wrap” experience.
Herbal
wraps. Some of the higher end spas go so far as to grow their own “herbs” for
use in their body wraps, but that isn’t necessary for a good body wrap
experience. Herbs can be fresh, or dried and usually organically grown is best.
Each
herb has a specific effect. Some increase circulation, another may soothe the
skin and so on.
The
herbs are steeped in very hot water (almost boiling) then special muslin sheets
are soaked in the solution. It is these herb-infused sheets along with other
insulating layers that wrap around the body.
How
the treatments work is interesting. The goal is to create a condition not
unlike your body when you have a fever. We all know that when we have a fever,
our body eliminates toxins by sweating.
It’s
the same principle with body wraps. The results vary. Some people report a
very intense detoxification while for others it might be mild.
Methods of application and content vary as well. Seaweed, mud and salt are
popular body wraps. Most often, the subject is wrapped from neck to toe with
the arms set close to the sides of the body. This can be uncomfortable for
someone who suffers from claustrophobia.
The
easiest correction for this is to keep the arms free from the wrap. Most people
who are claustrophobic find the works and that all they need to be able to feel
free to remove themselves if they choose.
Whatever type of body wrap you select make certain that you feel comfortable
with the spa and that a technician is always close at hand.
Care
should be taken when selecting a salon or spa. Some things to consider:
- How long have they been offering body wraps?
- Do they have a licensed clinician whose sole purpose is massage and/or body wraps?
- Where do their herbs and other contents come from?
- Do they offer any special pricing for new clients?
- Will they allow a tour of their facilities prior to purchase?
- Have they had any unresolved complaints reported by the Better Business Bureau?
- Do they have any package pricing for multiple visits?
Watch
your local publications for coupon offers. This can be a good way to try out a
service at a bargain. Ask your friends if they have had a body wrapping
experience and whether they enjoyed it and what kind of results did they
experience. You may even want to check for “two for one” specials and try it
out with a friend!
Whether the experience reduces your cellulite or not, if you follow the
guidelines you are in for a pleasant experience. Who knows, you might just like
it enough to include it in your long term personal care budget!
ELECTRIC MUSCLE STIMULATION (EMS)
We
will discuss two different types of EMS equipment. The first is a procedure
that sends electrical current to muscle and fatty tissue. The second is the use
of a “massage like” piece of equipment.
Physicians have used electrical muscle stimulation using approved devices for
some time. They are a legitimate process approved for specific conditions.
Some of those conditions are
- Increase blood circulation
- Prevent blood clots
- Relax muscle spasms
- Rehabilitate muscle function after a stroke
Providers of EMS equipment for consumer use will tell you that the process will:
- Reduce breast size
- Remove wrinkles
- Do face lifts
- Reduce bellies
- Remove cellulite
There
is no clinical evidence that proves such claims, but we will endeavor to briefly
explain how this process works according to the providers.
The
premise is that using EMS, the brain sends a nerve impulse to the “motor point”
of the muscle you desire to change. This signal is a message to the muscle to
expand and contract.
Electrodes are placed on specific motor points of the muscle group(s) to be
exercised. When the electrical stimulation is applied through the electrodes
using a mild current the muscle will expand and contract. The theory is that
this makes it possible to duplicate regular exercise without the effort using
conventional means.
During
your conventional exercise, your brain is sending messages down the spinal cord
through the nerves with the muscles you are using, causing them to relax and
contract. Your brain is controlling the muscle using what is called voluntary
muscle action.
EMS
uses the outside electrical source to stimulate the nerves and send signals to
your muscle to expand and contract. It send an electrical current through
adhesive electrodes creating the expansion and contraction. This would be
considered involuntary muscle action.
It is
believed by some that EMS stimulates large nerve axons, or long outgrowths of a
nerve cell body. Some of these cannot be stimulated voluntarily so the logic is
that EMS might allow for increased development of tissue by enlarging it without
multiplying cells.
The
second piece of equipment is a “massage like” device. We will not mention the
name as it is trademarked and it is not our intent to provide advertising for
any specific method of equipment.
They
claim to have the first FDA approved device for temporarily reducing the
appearance of cellulite. The process is what they term a “subdermal” approach
for temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite.
It
consists of a hand held motorized device with two adjustable rollers and suction
which creates a symmetrical skin-fold. They state that, “the skin gently folds
and unfolds under the continuous action of the rollers allowing for smooth and
regulated deep tissue mobilization.
As the
viscosity of the subcutaneous fat layer decreases, blood flow and lymphatic
drainage increase, facilitating the elimination of excess fluid and metabolites,
while improving overall cellular function.”
This
is supposed to help you to reduce cellulite and probably brew your morning
coffee!
All
joking aside, if not used properly these devices can produce harmful effects.
Because they border on “snake oil salesman” techniques in their advertising and
claims, our suggestion is to go ahead and research them but buyer beware.
LIPOSUCTION
Finally we arrive at the granddaddy of all procedures – liposuction.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure
intended to remove fat deposits and shape the body. Fat is removed from under
the skin with the use of a vacuum-suction canula (a hollow pen-like instrument)
or using an ultrasonic probe that emulfsies (breaks up into small pieces) the
fat and then removes it with suction.
Persons with localized fat may decide to
have liposuction to remove fat from just one specific area. Liposuction is a
procedure for shaping the body and is not recommended for weight loss.
Liposuction may be performed on the
abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face. A
liposuction procedure may include more than one site, for instance, the abdomen,
back, and thighs all on the same day.
Who performs liposuction and where is it performed?
Most liposuction procedures are
performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists. However, all that is required
to perform liposuction is a medical degree, so any licensed physician may
perform liposuction.
This can be a bit discomforting because
it means that even a “podiatrist” can legally perform liposuction procedures
without any specialty training.
It’s a good idea to find out all you can
about a particular physician before considering him or her to perform your
procedure. Check with your local licensing board, ask your physician how many
procedures like yours has he/she done and can you see before and after
photographs.
Don’t be afraid to ask your physician
probing questions. Remember, you are paying for a service and you deserve to
know the answers to any questions. Ask him for in depth explanations of what
your procedure consists of and what your prognosis is for healing.
Don’t have unrealistic expectations.
The recent “make over” craze on television gives the impression that anyone and
everyone is a candidate for a make over. Don’t enter into a decision based on
what you see on television.
The patients you see on television are
the very best candidates in terms of health and other factors. They are
selected based on the fact that their “before” and “after” will show drastic
results. That just isn’t true for the average person.
If you expect to come out of liposuction
looking like Britney Spears, you will be very disappointed. That is not to say
that you can’t expect results. More than likely you will and the end result
will give you a younger look. Just don’t expect unrealistic results.
Some professional medical organizations
recommend special training for physicians, it isn’t required by law. So the
more information you can determine, the safer you can feel about your procedure.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so
remember even the best screened patients under the care of the best trained and
experienced physicians may experience complications as a result of liposuction.
Liposuction may be performed in a
- Doctors office
- Surgical center
- Hospital
Because liposuction is a surgical
procedure, it is important that it be performed in a clean environment.
Emergencies may arise during any surgery and access to emergency medical
equipment and/or a nearby hospital emergency room is important. These are things
that you should ask your physician before the liposuction procedure.
Be wary of advertisements that say or
imply that you will have a perfect appearance after liposuction. Yes, back to
those realistic expectations. Remember that advertisements are meant to sell
you a product or service, not to inform you of all the potential problems with
that service.
Don't base your decision simply on cost
and remember that you don't have to settle for the first doctor or procedure you
investigate. The decision you make about liposuction surgery is an important one
but not one that you must make right away.
You should learn as much as you can
about liposuction. It is important for you to read the patient information that
your doctor provides.
Do not feel that because you speak to a
physician about this procedure that you must go through with it. Take your time
to decide whether liposuction is right for you and whether you are willing to
take the risks of undergoing liposuction for its benefits.
Visit several physicians if it will help
you make the right decision. Initial consultations are generally free and it
can be helpful and enlightening to have several different opinions. It can also
help you to make an intelligent decision based on all the facts. Selecting a
physician that you feel comfortable with should be a main concern.
When is Liposuction not for me?
It may not be for you if you are not accustomed to taking
risks. Complications can arise and are unavoidable in a percentage of all
patients.
Cost is a huge factor to take under consideration. Since
liposuction is primarily considered “cosmetic,” most medical insurance companies
will not pay for the procedure placing the burden directly on you.
If you
are considering liposuction as a means to lose weight, then liposuction is not
for you. This is a procedure designed to shape the body and is not recommended
for losing weight.
If
you are on certain medications that affect healing this may not be a procedure
you should risk. Some of the considerations are:
- Current infection
- History of bleeding
- Heart disease
- Edema
- Blood clotting medications
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Anti-coagulants
- Any medications that may interact with the drugs used during liposuction.
Your
skin elasticity may not be adequate. Your doctor will evaluate the skin at the
site where you are considering liposuction to determine if skin is elastic
enough to shrink after liposuction.
If it
is not, it will be baggy after liposuction. This may cause you to have to
consider plastic surgery to eliminate the excess skin.
Our analysis of liposuction would not be
complete without pointing out some of the risks involved.
As a general rule, most patients are
pleased with the outcome of their liposuction surgery. However, like any other
medical procedure, there are risks involved. That's why it is important for you
to understand the limitations and possible complications of liposuction surgery.
Before you have liposuction, you should
be aware of these risks and should weigh the risks and benefits based on your
own personal value system. Try to avoid being influenced by friends that have
had the procedure or doctors encouraging you to do so. Decide for yourself
whether you are willing to take the risks involved in liposuction.
Take your time deciding if you are
willing to accept the risks inherent in liposuction. Because it is usually a
cosmetic procedure, and not medically necessary, there is no reason to rush.
Gather as much information as you can so
that you make an informed decision about whether liposuction is right for you.
Don't believe that complications "only happen to other people." It is important
for you to understand what the risks are and decide if you are willing to accept
the possibility that it might happen to you.
What are the possible complications?
Infections may happen
after any surgery and may occur after liposuction. Some physicians prescribe an
antibiotic to all patients undergoing liposuction but other physicians do not.
It is important to keep the wound(s) clean but even if you do, infections may
sometimes occur from the surgery.
Sometimes, infections may be serious or life threatening such as in cases of
necrotizing fasciitis (bacteria eat away at the tissue) or with toxic shock
syndrome, a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by a bacteria, that is
associated with surgery (you may have heard of toxic shock syndrome occurring in
women using tampons, also).
Embolism may occur when fat is loosened and enters the blood through blood
vessels ruptured (broken) during liposuction. Pieces of fat get trapped in the
blood vessels, gather in the lungs, or travel to the brain.
The
signs of pulmonary emboli (fat clots in the lungs) may be shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing. If you have the signs or symptoms of fat emboli after
liposuction, it is important for you to seek emergency medical care at once. Fat
emboli may cause permanent disability or, in some cases, be fatal.
Puncture wounds to the organs. During liposuction, the physician is unable to
see where the canula or probe is.
It is
possible to puncture or damage internal organs during liposuction. This may
happen, for instance, if the intestines are punctured during abdominal
liposuction. When organs are damaged, surgery may be required to repair them.
Visceral perforations may also be fatal.
After
liposuction, there may be a pooling of serum, the straw colored liquid from your
blood, in areas where tissue has been removed.
You
may experience "paresthesias" which is an altered sensation at the site of the
liposuction. This may either be in the form of an increased sensitivity (pain)
in the area, or the loss of any feeling (numbness) in the area. If these changes
in sensation persist for a long period of time (weeks or months) you should
inform your physician. In some cases, these changes in sensation may be
permanent.
Swelling may occur after liposuction. In some cases, swelling may persist for
weeks or months after liposuction.
The
skin above the liposuction site may become necrotic or "die." When this happens,
skin may change color and be sloughed (fall) off. Large areas of skin necrosis
may become infected with bacteria or microorganisms.
During
ultrasound assisted liposuction, the ultrasound probe may become very hot and
can cause burns.
Fat
tissue, which contains a lot of liquid, is removed during liposuction. Also,
physicians may inject large amounts of fluids during liposuction. This may
result in a fluid imbalance.
While
you are in the physician's office, surgical center or hospital, the staff will
be watching you for signs of fluid imbalance. However, this may happen after you
go home and can result in serious conditions such as heart problems, excess
fluid collecting in the lungs, or kidney problems as your kidneys try to
maintain fluid balance.
Toxicity from anesthesia is a risk factor. Lidocaine, a drug that numbs the
skin, is frequently used as a local anesthetic during liposuction. You may have
had a similar drug, novocaine, to numb your mouth at the dentist.
Large
volumes of liquid with lidocaine may be injected during liposuction. This may
result in very high doses of lidocaine. The signs of this are lightheadedness,
restlessness, drowsiness, tinnitis (a ringing in the ears), slurred speech,
metallic taste in the mouth, numbness of the lips and tongue, shivering, muscle
twitching and convulsions.
Lidocaine toxicity may cause the heart to stop. Of course, this can be fatal. In
general, any type of anesthesia may cause complications and is always considered
a risk during any surgery.
There
are numerous reports of deaths related to the liposuction procedure. Although it
is difficult to be sure how often death from liposuction happens, there are
several studies that estimate how often patients undergoing liposuction die
during the procedure or as a result of it. None of the studies is perfect so the
results are just estimates.
Some of the studies indicate that the
risk of death due to liposuction is as low as 3 deaths for every 100,000
liposuction operations performed. However, other studies indicate that the risk
of death is between 20 and 100 deaths per 100,000 liposuction procedures.
One study suggests that the death rate
is higher in liposuction surgeries in which other surgical procedures are also
performed at the same time. In order to understand the size of the risk, one
paper compares the deaths from liposuction to that for deaths from car accidents
(16 per 100,000).
It is important to remember that
liposuction is a surgical procedure and that there may be serious complications,
including death.
Before you undergo liposuction, you
should have a complete physical exam so that your doctor can determine if you
are an acceptable candidate for liposuction.
It is important for you to discuss any
medical conditions that you have and to tell your doctor about any medications
that you are taking including any herbal or other non-prescription ones. If your
doctor decides that you can have liposuction, discuss the procedure thoroughly
with him or her before deciding if you want to go through with the procedure.
Just because a physician says that you
may have liposuction does not mean that you must decide to have liposuction. You
may still change your mind even after discussing the procedure with a physician.
Your physician should be able to answer
any questions that you have about liposuction including questions about what to
expect during and after liposuction and the complications or problems that
sometimes occur with liposuction. Some physicians will provide written
information about liposuction. You may also take information from this website
to your appointment to discuss with your physician.
You may want to have someone drive you
to your appointment for liposuction. You may be tired or uncomfortable after
liposuction and unable to drive yourself home. Discuss this with your physician
before the day of your procedure.
Your physician may prescribe an
antibiotic drug for you to take before and after the surgery. This is to prevent
infections.
On the day of the liposuction surgery,
the physician will mark your body with a pen to indicate where the fat is to be
removed. Then you will receive anesthesia, that is medicine that prevents you
from feeling pain. Some physicians use only local anesthesia, that is,
anesthesia that they inject with a syringe or pump into the area where they will
do the liposuction.
The anesthesia medicine is injected
along with a lot of fluid, usually buffered salt water and epinephrine, a drug
to reduce bleeding. Large volumes of liquid may be injected, until the skin is
very firm. If your physician uses only this kind of local anesthesia, also
sometimes called tumescent anesthesia, then you will be awake during the
procedure. Other physicians use local anesthesia and a sedative that can be
taken by mouth or injected from a syringe. Still others prefer to use general
anesthesia, that is to use anesthesia that will put you to sleep during the
procedure. This is usually done in a hospital.
Once the anesthesia is working, the
physician will make an incision (cut) in the area where the liposuction will be
performed. A canula, a hollow tube that is about the size and shape of a skinny
pen, will be inserted into the incision. The physician moves this canula back
and forth to suction out the fat. The fat, and liquid that has been injected,
are collected in a flask.
The physician will monitor the amount of
fluid and fat that are removed. Because you will be losing liquid and fat from
your body, it may be necessary to replace some of that fluid. This is done with
an intravenous (i.v.) line for the replacement of fluid.
Depending upon the amount of fat removed
and the location of the surgery (doctor's office, surgical center, hospital),
you may leave the doctor's office soon after the surgery or you may spend the
night in the surgical center or hospital. Ask your doctor how long it will be
before you should be able to return to your normal level of activity or if you
will need to miss work after liposuction.
The cuts where the doctor inserted the
canula may be leaky or drain fluids for several days. In some cases, the doctor
may insert a drainage tube to drain fluid away from the wound.
You will wear special tight garments to
keep your skin compressed after the liposuction procedure. Your doctor will tell
you how long to wear these, usually for weeks. Some doctors provide these
garments but others will tell you where to purchase them before your surgery.
Your doctor will also probably give you
some after-surgery instructions. This will include information about wearing
compression garments, taking an antibiotic if that has been prescribed, and the
level of activity that is safe for you after your liposuction procedure. You
should also have information about signs of problems that you should be aware
of, for instance the signs of infections or other problems that you need to know
about.
When the anesthesia wears off, you may
have some pain. If the pain is extreme or of a long duration, you should contact
your physician. You will also have some swelling after the surgery. In some
cases, this swelling will remain for weeks or even months. If you have pain and
swelling, this may be the sign of infection and you should contact your
physician.
You will have scars, usually small,
where the physician cuts your skin and inserts the canula to remove fat tissue.
While medical complications are
important, the reason that people have liposuction surgery is for cosmetic
reasons. The cosmetic effect after liposuction may be very good and many
patients report being satisfied.
However, it is possible that the
cosmetic effect will not be what you expected. In other words, your appearance
after liposuction may not be what you expected or wanted.
Some physicians counsel their patients
that reasonable expectations are important. It may be difficult to have
reasonable expectations after reading advertisements and looking at pictures of
women and men who have had liposuction.
We discussed this earlier, but remember
that advertising is made to make you want to purchase a product or service.
Advertisements do not usually tell you about problems or shortcomings of the
product or service.
Some cosmetic shortcomings after
liposuction include:
- There may be scars at the site where the doctor made the cut to insert the
liposuction canula. These scars are usually small and fade with time but in some
people, scars may be larger or more prominent.
- The liposuction site may have a wavy or bumpy appearance after liposuction.
- Liposuction results may not be permanent. If you gain weight after liposuction
surgery, the fat may return to sites where you had liposuction or to other
sites.
- Results may be less dramatic than what you were expecting and this can be
disappointing.
What Are Some Of The Alternatives?
Are
there alternatives to liposuction for cellulite reduction? With the occasional
rare exception, liposuction is usually considered cosmetic surgery. Therefore
it is not considered medically necessary.
Because of this, the decision is up to
you whether or not to undergo this procedure. You may decide that it is not
right for you. And you can make that determination right up to the point of
actually having the procedure.
Some of the alternatives to liposuction are:
- Change diet to lose some excess body fat.
- Exercise.
- Accept your body and appearance as it is.
- Use clothing or makeup to downplay or emphasize body or facial features.
- Try some of the other methods that we discussed such as topicals or body
wrapping.
Whatever method you select to deal with
cellulite, make certain that you have done your due diligence and select the
most appropriate method with the least amount of risk to obtain the results you
desire.
There really is no substitute for good,
old-fashioned, healthy nutrition and exercise. The tried and true methods do
work:
- Watch your diet.
- Incorporate fresh and natural foods into your diet
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
- Limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol
- Avoid high fat foods.
- Get plenty of fiber.
- Quit or cut down on smoking.
- Avoid medications not necessary to health and well being.
- Get plenty of exercise.
Following a regimen of good health,
nutrition and exercise will rid your body of excess toxins and promote a general
state of health that is optimum for pursuing any program for dealing with
cellulite.
We have spent a great deal of time
discussing the various options for Conquering Cellulite. The bottom line is
that you may not be able to do that!
You have learned that genetics dictate
whether you have a predisposition for the condition. If you do, there is no
amount of money or procedures that can prevent it from happening to you.
Some of the treatments we presented may
help in reducing the problem but they certainly won’t eliminate it totally if
you carry the gene.
By all means do your own research to
determine if any of the treatments or methods we’ve mentioned here might help
you. Again, all we recommend is that you have realistic expectations.
We have used terminology that might be
somewhat new and unfamiliar. For that reason we are including a Glossary of
Terms and we hope you find that helpful in addition to our recommended
resources.
Lastly, think twice or three times
before investing huge amounts of cash for so-called treatments or cures. You
are now armed with the most important tool you need on your journey to
Conquering Cellulite. That tool is knowledge! Use it wisely!
GLOSSARY
Aminophylline - an approved prescription drug for the treatment of asthma.
Anesthetic - drugs that cause the loss of feeling or sensation.
Canula (or cannula) - a hollow pen-like instrument or tube used to draw off fluid.
Cellulite - Fat deposits under the skin that outwardly give the skin a dimpled, or orange-peel like appearance.
Cosmetic(s) - a toiletry designed to beautify the body; decorative rather than functional.
Edema - swelling caused by large amount of fluid in cells or tissues.
Emboli - something that blocks a blood vessel. See embolism.
Embolism - the blocking of a blood vessel or organ by pieces of matter such as fat.
EMS - Electrical Muscle Stimulator
Emulsify - to break up into small pieces.
Epinephrine - a drug injected before liposuction to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
Ethylenediamine - an ingredient in the approved prescription drug Aminophylline.
Genetics - The study of heredity and how traits are passed on through generations; the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms.
Infection - invasion by and multiplication of bacteria or microorganisms that can produce tissue injury.
Morbidly Obese - Persons who are 50-100% or 100 pounds above their ideal body weight.
Lidocaine - an anesthetic that may be injected in large amounts of liquid during liposuction.
Lipoplasty - another name for liposuction.
Liposuction - a usually cosmetic surgical procedure in which fat is removed from a specific area of the body, by means of suction.
Necrotizing Faciitis - a bacterial infection in which bacteria infect and kill the skin and underlying tissues.
Paresthesia - a change in feelings or sensation. May be an increase in feeling (pain) or a decrease in feeling (numbness).
Pulmonary embolism - pieces of fat may find their way into the blood stream and get stuck in the lungs during liposuction. This causes shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Probe - see canula.
Sedative - a drug that helps a person to relax and may make them feel sleepy.
Seroma - a collection of fluid from the blood that has pooled at the liposuction site.
Skin necrosis - skin or underlying tissue dies and falls off.
Subcutaneous - beneath the skin as in subcutaneous injection.
Subdermal - another term for beneath the skin.
Suction assisted liposuction - see liposuction.
Thrombophlebitis - inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot.
Topical - local application; as, a topical remedy.
Toxic Shock Syndrome - an infection caused by bacteria that release toxins into the body. This type of infection can occur after surgery if bacteria are accidentally introduced during the surgery.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction - a type of liposuction in which fat is first loosened by using an ultrasonic probe and then removed by means of suction.
Visceral perforations - organs may be punctured accidentally with the liposuction probe or canula during liposuction.
RESOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology
1350 I St. NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20005-4355
(202) 842-3555
(202) 842-4355 Fax
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
5550 Meadowbrook Dr.
Suite 120
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
Phone: 847-956-0900
Fax 847-956-0999
American Association of Plastic Surgeons
900 Cummings Center Suite 221-U
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: 978-927-8330
Fax: 978-524-8890
*********
DISCLAIMER: This information is not
presented as being from a medical practitioner and is for educational and
informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of
your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may
have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice
or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not
FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product
label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is
not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
*********
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