Anyone who has cellulite can attest to how unsightly it looks! The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery estimates that 90% of women and 10% of men experience cellulite primarily in their buttocks, abdomen, and thighs. There are many reasons why cellulite forms in the first place but most point to the presence of hormones, and in particular, estrogen, regardless of a person’s weight or body mass index.
The key to minimizing cellulite is to increase collagen production. Thanks to new non-surgical techniques, cellulite is becoming easier to treat. With minimally invasive treatments, dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can help reduce the characteristic dimpling and restore a smoother, firmer texture to skin affected by cellulite. This year alone, the FDA has approved several new treatments.
In April, Qwo, made by Endo Aesthetics, came on the market as an injectable treatment for cellulite in the buttocks. Qwo is made of enzymes that target the structural causes of cellulite under the skin. By injecting directly into cellulite, Qwo may help release the collagen-rich bands that pull on the skin’s surface and contribute to “dimpling.” Before treatment begins, the patient stands so the doctor can circle any dimples that need to be treated. Then, once the patient is lying down, the doctor injects Qwo into those spots. Each buttock can receive up to 12 injections a visit, which takes about 15 minutes.
The medical device company Soliton’s Rapid Acoustic Pulse (“RAP”) device has been cleared by the FDA, too. This rapid-pulsed technology harnesses the power of sound to break apart the fibrous septa bands beneath the skin. Patients may see results after one 40-to-60-minute treatment.
Other FDA approvals include the Cellfina System to treat the primary structural cause of cellulite, the connective bands woven throughout fat in the thighs and buttocks. This one-time cellulite treatment is performed at a doctor’s office in less than an hour and the treated skin can bounce back to smooth itself out in about three days. Cellulaze from Cynosure uses a tiny laser probe that is inserted beneath the skin’s surface to heat the tissues.
Other treatments may use energy from radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, infrared light, skin fillers (injectable dermal fillers), or radial pulses to heat skin and stimulate collagen production. While there are many treatments available, some can be costly for patients and none offer a permanent solution.
