Endermologie

Endermologie is a non-invasive technique for reducing the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite often shows up as dimpling on the skin, sometimes called the cottage cheese look, even in those who are fit. The look of cellulite does not necessary diminish with weight loss and liposuction fails to address this top layer of fat under the skin.

French plastic surgeons developed the techniques used in endermologie. The process is now patented in the US as well. Endermologie uses rollers that often feel like deep tissue massage, over problem areas of the skin. At the same time, suction is used to redistribute the skin and remove dimpling. Those opting for endermologie usually need about 14 to 28 45-minutes sessions to see results and must also have monthly treatments afterwards to maintain the smooth skin look.

Endermologie works best on candidates who are fit, and who are usually between the ages of 30 to 45. Those who do not regularly exercise may see only temporary results and those over 30 pounds (13.60 kg) overweight tend not to benefit from the procedure. Beyond regular exercise, drinking water on the day of procedures helps yield a better result. Doctors frequently ask patients to drink eight glasses of water prior to the procedure, and to maintain this habit daily afterwards.

Side effects are minimal and may involve bruising or soreness in the areas treated. Many patients like the feel of endermologie and find this temporary soreness a small price to pay. Those who are extremely sensitive to pain may find the pressure exerted by rollers very uncomfortable.

Endermologie was the first treatment approved by the FDA to allow the claim of “temporary reduction of cellulite”. It is a massage machine with 2 rollers and a gentle suction action that when rolled over the top layer of fat makes a fold. Only a certified endermologist shall provide this service. This folding action stretches the connective tissue and results in the reduction of cellulite and body measurements. FDA approved claims that involved Endermologie treatments that included temporary reduction of cellulite, reduced body measurements, increased circulation, relief of muscular pain, and reduction of muscle spasms.
It was developed in the 1980’s as a non-surgical method to treat the scars of burn victims, who began to notice improvements in their cellulite as well. From that point forward the any benefits of Endermologie began to be recognized.

Typical questions about Endermologie:

• Q: Does Endermologie reduce cellulite?
  A: Yes. Endermologie has been extensively studied and received approval by the FDA to specifically make the claim that it does reduce cellulite.

• Q: How many Endermologie treatments are necessary?
  A: Usually 14-28 initial treatments, 1 to 2 times a week, are necessary to achieve the optimal results, with a monthly visit thereafter for maintenance. Treatments are usually 30 minutes in duration, and the entire body will be treated. In addition to the targeted areas, your Endermologie treatments will help increase lymphatic flow and help promote better circulation throughout your entire body.

• Q: When will I begin to see results?
  A: Approximately 6 treatments will be necessary to begin seeing results from having Endermologie preformed on your body. Just as we do not notice our body when our weight loss is only 1-2 pounds, but only notice our body improvements as that weight loss becomes accumulative. Likewise, with cellulite reduction through Endermologie, you will dramatically observe the reduction of your appearance of cellulite as your number of treatments increases.

• Q: Does Endermologie replace the need for liposuction?
  A: While liposuction does not reduce the appearance of cellulite, the converse is true for Endermologie. Liposuction can actually leave loose skin which will increase the appearance of cellulite that it does not take out. Liposuction mainly attacks the middle layer of fat, sucking out fat cells but leaving the top layer of skin still dimpled and full of cellulite. In contrast, Endermologie will directly attack the dimpled top layer of skin, breaking up the congested lymphatic flow which promotes the appearance of cellulite.

• Q: How does Endermologie differ from liposuction?
  A: The main difference between Endermologie and liposuction is that Endermologie does not involve any physically invasive techniques whatsoever. Many individuals, due to that reason, choose to see the level of results attained from performing Endermologie prior to committing themselves to the surgical alternative of liposuction.

• Q: Is the Endermologie treatment painful?
  A: Actually, the majority of patients compare receiving Endermologie to receiving a very deep massage and find the treatment very relaxing. Moreover, the intensity of the rolling action can be adjusted to achieve your personal comfort level.

• Q: What are the after-effects from receiving Endermologie?
  A: You will likely feel an increase in energy and an overall feeling of relaxation. Minor, temporary bruising might occur, similar to what you would receive from a deep tissue massage.

• Q: What steps will I have to undertake before having Endermologie performed?
  A: You should drink at least 8 cups of water prior to the treatment and continue to hydrate your body properly during the course of treatment. Drinking a sufficient amount of water will help the treatment eliminate the waste from your body and encourage the necessary stimulation of your lymphatic system to reduce the amount of cellulite apparent in your body.

• Q: Can’t I achieve these results on my own?
  A: Although relatively inexpensive, home-based machines do not at all achieve the same results as a clinically-supervised treatment. Most hand-held machines, which run around $100, are more expensive in the long-run since you will likely still opt to take a more traditional route after wasting your money on such a device. Home treatments are not FDA approved and lack the scientific research to prove their unfounded claims. Compare home devices to vacuums: a small hand held device is not as effective as a comprehensive, large commercial device.

• Q: Can I stop exercising once I undergo Endermologie?
  A: Any treatments received, including lipsuction, will still recommend that you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, to promote better results.

• Q: Can men benefit from Endermologie technology?
  A: Men and women show equally amazing results from the treatment. For men, the trouble areas of “love handles” and loose pectoral tissue can achieve a positive result once treatment begins.

Also See:

 

• Indications for Endermologie