CELLULITE REDUCTION

Millions of women have cellulite in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Southern California and struggle constantly to find an effective treatment. You work hard to look your best but cellulite - the dimpled, rippled skin that many women have on parts of their mid and lower body - can ruin the look of even the most toned silhouette. As you certainly know, cellulite is far more than simply a cosmetic issue - poor skin texture can make you self-conscious in shorts or a bathing suit, and may even make you uncomfortable in intimate settings.

It is estimated that 85 to 90 percent of women have some degree of cellulite. Los Angeles and Southern California women seeking a solution traditionally had to make do with ineffective creams, pills, or body wraps, but now they have better choices. Though cellulite presents a challenging problem, advanced technology is finally helping women enjoy noticeably smoother skin. Marina Plastic Surgery Associates offers patients 3 of the latest treatment options - SmoothShapes®, Body by Thermage®, and VelaShape™.

Cellulite Reduction at a Glance
Treatment For	Areas of dimpled or "orange peel" skin that commonly form on the hips, thighs, buttocks, and legs of women
Expected Result	After a Los Angeles cellulite treatment series is completed, notably smoother skin can be revealed
Treatment Time	Treatments last about 30 minutes. Multiple sessions may be needed for maximum results
Recovery	Cellulite reduction is completely non-invasive, so you can carry on with your activities immediately after treatment
For Best Result	Maintain a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, and schedule regular maintenance treatments if needed

What Causes Cellulite?

While some women think cellulite is caused by excess weight, the reality is that the presence of cellulite is largely genetic. Fibrous connective tissue under the skin helps to keep the skin firm, but for women with cellulite in Los Angeles, fat cells push against this connective tissue and bulge out, creating a dimpled, uneven skin appearance.

How Does Cellulite Reduction Work?

While each of the cellulite treatments we offer has unique technology, the basic idea is to shrink fat cells while loosening the connective tissue that causes the "banded" skin appearance typified by cellulite. The exact method of treatment varies and our cellulite reduction specialists in Southern California can share more details about treatment technology during a consultation.

What Are My Treatment Options?

VelaShape: A non-surgical treatment cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cellulite treatment and temporary reduction of thigh circumference, VelaShape smoothes the appearance of cellulite and achieves subtle body contouring. By using light and radiofrequency energy, VelaShape improves lymphatic drainage and reduces the size of fat cells to gradually enhance the appearance of cellulite. Women generally need 4 to 6 treatments for best results.

SmoothShapes: Marina Plastic Surgery is the first practice in Los Angeles to offer this cellulite improvement technology, the result of 7 years of intensive research and development. Through the exclusive Photomology® system, laser and light technology is combined with vacuum and mechanical massage to achieve non-invasive cellulite improvement over a series of treatments.

Body by Thermage: With a single non-invasive treatment session, connective tissue health can be restored for long-lasting smooth skin appearance. In fact, post-treatment results may continue to improve for up to 6 months. Thermage is FDA-approved for temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

What Are Treatments Like?

Cellulite reduction is one of the most comfortable treatments performed at our practice. Many of the technologies use a massaging action that can even make treatment feel enjoyable. Depending on the size of the treatment area and the specific technique used, you can be in and out of our office in under an hour.

Does It Hurt and What Can Go Wrong?

Patients do not generally experience any significant discomfort during or after treatment. Very few aftereffects are reported, but if you bruise easily, you may experience some light bruising after treatment depending on the technique used.

What Should I Expect Following Treatment?

Results will reveal themselves gradually. If more than one treatment is required, you should continue to notice subtle improvements shortly after each treatment. Each woman responds in her own way to the treatment, with some achieving dramatically smoother skin while others see less significant results. You can help maximize the amount of cosmetic improvement by eating a healthy diet and continuing to exercise.

For more information from our cellulite reduction specialists in Southern California, we encourage you to call to schedule an in-office consultation.