What is cellulitis?

This type of localized obesity (cellulitis) is characterized by fatty tissue that remains more or less locked in nearby tissue that is thicker and harder than usual.

The tissue that surrounds fatty cells, called connective tissue, becomes thicker, more glutinous. The fluid exchanges between tissues diminish and water retention increases. This water then changes into jelly and stores itself in the thickness of the connective tissue. The connective tissue loses its suppleness and becomes much less efficient, more or less capable of ensuring nutritious exchanges. Moreover, it has been noted that cellulitis responds little or not at all to dieting.

The look of cellulitis

The skin takes a very unsightly lumpy and flabby look that recalls waves and that is often sensitive to local pressure. Many women pinch their skin in order to make this orange-peel skin show up. This is not a sign to detect cellulitis contrary to popular belief.

Many slightly plump babies have this orange-peel skin look on their buttocks. It surely cannot be said that they have cellulitis! Nothing beats looking at oneself in the mirror. If you notice rolls of flesh where there shouldn’t be any and if, when you stretch the thigh’s skin upward, the rolls are still there, you can then suspect the presence of cellulitis.

Possible causes

Several hypotheses have been put forward concerning the possible causes of cellulitis. There is talk of stress, bad elimination of wastes due to circulatory disorders, constipation and bad liver operation.

These are general causes. Many people with these disorders do not produce cellulitis and a great number of women with cellulitis do not have any of these disorders.

Some people mention heredity or rather heritage of a trend, of a metabolism favouring this phenomenon called cellulitis. But it is difficult to evaluate its extent.

The most plausible hypothesis is that of a disorder related to the hormonal process, because this problem affects practically only women. Often the aggravation of cellulitis occurs during the different periods of a woman’s active genital life (puberty, pregnancy, intake of contraceptives, premenopause).

Cellulitis affects more the curvatures characteristic of women at the hip, buttocks and thigh level. It can be seen in other parts of the body but that is less frequent.

More or less effective treatments for cellulitis

Drugs like pills and suppositories seem clinically little effective.

Manual massages have the effect of stimulating superficial circulation and can produce a feeling of well-being but their action on cellulitis seems temporary.

Hot baths and whirlpool baths have the effect of dilating the superficial vessels and of temporarily increasing circulation but they do not directly act on cellulitis.

Physical exercise and walking do not have direct action on cellulitis. They are recommended because they activate circulation and tend to make tissues firmer by improving their tone.

It is important to avoid taking on weight since there will be fat accumulations that will store themselves first in the preferred sites of cellulitis. A diet rich in protein to maintain good muscle structure but poor in fat and sugar to avoid gaining weight is recommended. Drinking a lot of water promotes better elimination of wastes through the kidneys.

In general, it is suggested to avoid salt to those who tend to produce oedema (swelling) and experience congestions in the premenstrual phase. Salt does not put on weight and to avoid taking salt does not help lose weight.

Treatments that act directly on cellulitis

We cannot act directly on the causes of cellulitis because we do not yet understand them well enough; we therefore try to correct its effects. We however need to know that cellulitis will reappear eventually. Cellulitis cannot be healed but it can be controlled.

Enzyme injections aim at returning to the liquid form the water that has turned to jelly in the connective tissue and to transform the fatty substances locked in the fatty cells into smaller molecules that will be eliminated more easily. They also soften the fibrous strips that create traction on the skin, thereby resulting in the typical depressions of cellulite.

Clinically enzymes play a very useful role in reducing the rolls of flesh, i.e. in reducing cellulitis. They are catalysers. A catalyser is a chemical substance that, when introduced in the course of a chemical reaction, supports it.

Recently the promising effects of caffeine- and aminophylline-based creams have been reported in US dermatology conventions and in certain Canadian articles on dermatology. These creams help blood circulation and nutrition exchanges, thereby lessening the appearance of orange-peel skin.

But you must remember that there is no miracle drug for the treatment of cellulitis, though some seem more effective than others.

Subcision consists in freeing under the skin small areas of fixation or depression using tiny blades that will enable raising the skin. This technique requires no incision or stopping of one’s daily activities.

Lipotransfer consists in freeing under the skin fat cells grouped in small lumps and in distributing them evenly. This technique involves no fat extraction (as in the case of liposuction). Lipotransfer however requires local anaesthesia as well as wearing a pressure garment for 2 weeks. (See also Liposculpture)

Lipolysis allows to liquefy and degrade the fat contained in the fat cells through the local injection of a drug (phosphatidylcholine) which is obtained from the soy bean and known for increasing the activity of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of glycerides. Efficient for localized deposits, it is widely used in many countries. However, it is not yet officially approved in Canada for this particular application. Its use is therefore on an experimental basis.

VelaSmooth™ is an apparatus that combines several technologies such as Elos™ (optical energy with radiofrequency) and mechanical application of the palpate-roll-suction type. While smoothing out cellulitis, it also helps in some cases to improve the body’s curve and to reduce the circumference of the body parts treated.

The application of Elos™ technology to the hypoderm aims at transferring heat to the fatty tissues associated with cellulitis. The hyperthermal effect exercised on these cells activates the metabolism of the energy stocked (lipolysis) in order to reduce the size of the fatty lobules. This results in a reduction of the orange-peel skin effect that is caused by the dilated fat cells jutting out on the connective tissue sustaining the hypoderm.

The mechanical action of the rolls gently kneads the skin and eases the in-depth penetration of heat to the hypoderm. The machine can also temporarily stretch the connective tissue, which results in a smoother look for the skin’s surface after as little as four treatments. The negative pressure or aspiration dilates the blood vessels and locally activates blood circulation.

Frequently asked questions about VelaSmoothTM

Is the VelaSmooth™ treatment safe?
The treatment is very safe for the skin of any type (I to VI) and can even be performed on a tanned skin. Optical and radiofrequency energies do not entail any long-term risks.

What results can I expect?
A gradual reduction in cellulitis in the treated areas. Furthermore, an improvement in the skin surface may be perceptible after only four treatments. In some cases, an improved body curve and a reduction in the circumference of the treated body parts will be noted.

How often will I need to receive treatments?
The initial treatment consists of 10 sessions at the rate of 2 per week over 5 weeks. The maintenance treatment usually consists of one monthly session, once of the initial treatment has been completed, so as to conserve the results achieved. Each session lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.

Is the treatment painful?
The VelaSmooth™ treatment is described as a sensation of heat and massage. The mechanical rollers and the vacuum device “pull” on the skin. The applicator, when passing over the treatment site, gently stretches the surface of the skin.

What happens after each treatment?
The heat applied can leave the skin red or pink for a short while. You may also feel your skin warm during the first hours following the treatment. You will however be able to resume your normal activities immediately.

The VelaSmooth™ cellulitis treatment is designed for whom?
To anyone wishing to reduce cellulitis in the thighs, hips, buttocks, stomach or arms. A healthy lifestyle can also enhance the shaping effects and the reduction in measurements.

For More Information on Cellulitis

For more information on cellulitis and for a relevant evaluation, please feel free to contact Dr. Élise Bernier and her team.