Aside from creams and Endermologie, new surgical procedures are being touted as the answer to the cellulite problem.
Physicians in San Jose, Costa Rica recently reported on a year study for cellulite treatment that they say can smooth out dimpled skin. Cosmetic surgeons Clara Lieberman, M.D. and Joseph Cohen, M.D., say that cellulite can become less obvious with a liposuction-like procedure they have recently developed. The objective of the procedure is to break the fibrous "bridges" that form under the skin to create cellulite as the results of connective tissue breakdown. The thin metal rods (cannulas) used in liposuction are inserted into the skin to separate connective tissue from the dermis, resulting in a smoother appearance.
According to the study, 14 out of 20 patients exhibited clinical disappearance of cellulite. For the patients who were not satisfied, doctors repeated the treatment after four months along with traditional fat removal, after which optimal results were observed, according to the study authors.
Another surgical procedure to treat cellulite involves not only breaking the fibrous bridges, but also reinjecting some of the harvested fat to keep the surgically detached cords from reattaching. The surgeons claim that the result of this technique produces a real improvement in the dimpling. The results are very preliminary and the procedures have not been attempted upon a large number of patients.
Cellulite Surgical Treatment: Who Is a Candidate?
The optimal candidate for these surgical procedures is a person who has specific areas of unwanted cellulite, but is not obese. Additionally, physicians look for a person who maintains a healthy and active lifestyle and a reasonably good diet. This is because the best way to treat cellulite is through the integration of several approaches. Undergoing surgery without making a commitment to exercise and diet undermines the likelihood of an acceptable outcome.
Patients should be in reasonably good health. The procedure may not be suitable for a person with bleeding disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Because smoking interferes with the healing process, patients who do smoke should refrain for at least two weeks prior to surgery. Patients should also not take any aspirin or other NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin. Also, avoid Vitamin E for two weeks as this may interfere with healing as well.
Cellulite Surgical Treatment: Risks
Risks of these procedures include temporary bruising and bleeding. Permanent scarring from the incision sites may also appear. Like other surgeries, there is a slight risk of infection. All of these problems depend upon the competency of the physician involved. Be certain that your cosmetic surgeon is experienced and competent before deciding to undergo these procedures since they are fairly new.
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