Cellulite is a skin condition that many of us face, but frustratingly, it’s proven to be quite challenging to tackle, especially with non-surgical methods. Despite being a common issue, the precise reasons for its occurrence remain somewhat elusive. The condition primarily involves the unique structure beneath our skin. Essentially, we have fibrous cords, almost like strings, that link our skin to our underlying muscles. The fat that resides between these cords and the muscle tends to be the main culprit behind cellulite. When this fat pushes upwards against the skin, and those fibrous cords pull downwards, the result is the characteristic dimpling effect we know as cellulite.
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However, it’s not just about fat or your overall body weight. There are various other factors that can contribute to the development of cellulite. Interestingly, cellulite can even be found on individuals who are in excellent shape and have well-toned muscles. These other influencing factors could include fluctuating hormone levels, genetic predispositions, the natural ageing process, and a decrease in the skin’s elasticity. Therefore, even if you’re physically fit and active, you might still find yourself grappling with cellulite due to these other considerations.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition that’s often recognised by the dimpled or puckered appearance it gives to the skin, especially around our thighs and buttocks. This effect is caused by connective bands that thread through the layers of fat beneath our skin. When these bands tighten and pull downwards, the skin above them dips, forming the characteristic “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” look we associate with cellulite.
The interesting aspect about cellulite is that despite being a common issue, treating it effectively can be challenging. This is largely because we’re still not completely sure of its exact cause. While it’s typically associated with fat, it’s not solely down to that.
Cellulite affects about 80% of women, and it doesn’t discriminate based on body shape or size. Even those in peak physical condition can have it. This suggests that factors beyond fat also contribute to the development of cellulite. These factors can include genetic predispositions, the process of ageing, hormone fluctuations, and varying levels of skin elasticity. So, although fat might play a part in causing cellulite, it’s clearly only one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Cellulite Removal Treatments
At Centre for Surgery, we offer a range of treatments designed to improve the look of cellulite.
One option is the use of mono threads, also known as smooth threads. These can be used to lessen the visibility of cellulite by inserting them strategically just beneath the skin where the cellulite is present. Mono threads serve to tighten the skin on the body, making it firmer and promoting greater elasticity. They are inserted following a specific, mesh-like pattern to achieve this skin tightness. Additionally, they also stimulate the production of collagen, a protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity. This stimulation of collagen helps to extend the duration of the treatment’s results.
Another way to tackle cellulite is through stimulatory filler treatments, which could include products such as Sculptra or Radiesse. Stimulatory fillers are less about adding volume and more about enhancing the skin’s structural integrity. They work by encouraging the growth of new scar tissue and boosting collagen production.
Sculptra, in particular, progressively improves the overall skin structure over time and triggers a substantial increase in collagen production, with some volume building. Radiesse, on the other hand, while also a collagen stimulator, is more suited to providing an immediate volume boost. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who need to fill out deeper skin depressions, thereby enhancing the appearance of dimpling and rippling.
Morpheus8 Body Treatment for Cellulite
Another treatment option we offer at Centre for Surgery for tackling cellulite is Morpheus8 Body. This method focuses on tightening the skin, reducing minor amounts of unwanted fat and encouraging collagen production. It achieves this through a unique combination of deep microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) heat.
Morpheus8 Body has the capability to target skin tissue at various depths simultaneously, allowing for an effective remodelling of the skin and enhancing overall skin uniformity. This ultimately helps to diminish the visible effects of cellulite.
In some cases, we may suggest pairing Morpheus8 Body with Laser Skin Tightening for optimal results. This involves using a Fotona laser in a specialised laser treatment that, while not directly targeting cellulite, works to tighten the skin. By enhancing the skin’s firmness, the overall appearance of the skin, including cellulite, can be significantly improved.
During your face-to-face consultation at our clinic on Baker Street, we’ll be able to discuss the best course of action for you. It might be that a single treatment approach will be most effective, or a combination of treatments could yield the best results. We can carry out combinations of treatments, such as Sculptra/Radiesse and mono threads, or Morpheus8 Body and laser skin tightening, all in one day for your convenience.
However, it’s important to note that if you’re undergoing a combination of treatments, there should be a gap of one month between sessions of Morpheus8 Body and laser skin tightening and those of threads and/or Sculptra/Radiesse treatments. This ensures that each treatment has time to work effectively and your skin has the chance to heal and respond optimally to the procedures.
The Cellulite Removal Procedure
The specifics of your procedure and the time you’ll need to spend at the clinic will depend on the type of treatment you’re undergoing or if you’re having a combination of treatments.
If you’re getting threads, the procedure can take anywhere between 45 to 60 minutes. To ensure your comfort, a local anaesthetic will be administered before the procedure. Your practitioner will then insert the threads just beneath the surface of your skin, adjusting them strategically in the areas where you’re seeking to reduce cellulite.
For Sculptra/Radiesse, the procedure can take anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes. If you’ve previously had fillers for the face, you’ll find the procedure very similar. The only difference is that the injection area will be wherever you have cellulite, which is typically around the thighs and/or buttocks.
If you’re having the Morpheus8 Body treatment, a local anaesthetic will also be used. Once the area is numbed, radiofrequency (RF) heat will be delivered through tiny injections, in a manner similar to traditional microneedling treatments. This procedure typically takes around an hour.
If you opt for laser skin tightening, the treatment will take about 30 minutes. It is a relatively straightforward procedure that involves the controlled application of laser energy over the skin. A specialist handpiece is used to apply the laser to the skin.
Recovery after Cellulite Treatment
Because these cellulite treatments are minimally invasive, they usually don’t require much, if any, downtime. Moreover, these treatments are typically carried out on parts of the body like the thighs and buttocks, which can be easily concealed.
After undergoing a mono thread treatment, you might experience tenderness, swelling and bruising in the area where the threads were inserted. Your skin might feel a bit tight and unusual for a couple of weeks. Any bruising and swelling should subside within a few days after the treatment.
You’ll be able to see the results of your mono thread treatment immediately, and the best results can be expected around 4-6 weeks after the procedure. The results will continue to improve over the months following your treatment.
Morpheus8 Body treatment can also cause mild bruising and swelling. You might notice small raised bumps in the treated area that could be a bit itchy. Your skin should heal within 24-48 hours after the treatment.
After a Morpheus8 Body treatment, you’ll see an immediate improvement in the quality of your skin. However, the skin tightening results will usually take about three weeks to become apparent.
Sculptra and Radiesse treatments typically don’t require any downtime. You should refrain from rigorous exercise for about 24-48 hours after the treatment, and any tenderness should also go away within this time frame.
Though the recovery period is short following Sculptra/Radiesse, the results require a bit of patience. You’ll see some immediate improvement, but the best results usually appear around the 3-4 week mark and continue to improve over the months following the treatment. This is because stimulatory fillers trigger your body to produce collagen and new scar tissue, and your body needs a minimum of one month to generate these components.
Laser skin tightening typically does not require any downtime and the results usually become visible within a similar time frame as with the Mopheus8 Body treatment.
Cellulite Removal FAQs
Who is cellulite treatment suitable for?
Anyone considering reducing the appearance of cellulite might find these treatments beneficial. The key factor here is to pinpoint the right treatment or a combination of procedures that would yield the most satisfying outcome. This largely depends on your individual body type and your desired end result. You’ll have the opportunity to talk about your expectations and evaluate all possible treatments during your face-to-face consultation at our clinic on Baker Street.
Who shouldn’t opt for cellulite treatment?
Each treatment has its own specific set of factors that might make it unsuitable for certain individuals. Generally speaking, you should refrain from undergoing cellulite treatment if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have a viral infection, or an infection at the proposed treatment site, it is recommended to postpone the treatment until you have fully recovered. Furthermore, individuals with autoimmune or bleeding disorders, as well as those who tend to develop keloid scars, should generally avoid these treatments.
After discussing your medical history, we’ll provide guidance on whether these treatments are appropriate and safe for you.
When will I see the results?
The timeline for seeing results from your treatment largely depends on the type of cellulite reduction procedure you choose.
With thread treatments, you are likely to see an immediate difference, with a significant improvement apparent around 4-6 weeks post-treatment. The results will keep getting better over time.
Sculptra/Radiesse treatments require a bit more patience. Although you will see some improvement right away, especially with Radiesse, the full results of your treatment will materialise about 3-4 weeks after your first session, with the best results appearing in the weeks and months following your final treatment session.
These treatments rely on your body’s natural process of collagen and scar tissue production, which needs time to enhance the appearance of the treated areas.
As for Morpheus8 Body treatment, you can expect to see an improvement in the overall quality of your skin within a few days of treatment. However, you’ll need to wait about 3 weeks to notice an improvement in skin tightness. The best results can be expected after your third and final treatment session. Laser skin tightening generally follows a similar timeline for results.
Will I need multiple treatments?
Cellulite can be a challenging condition to treat, often requiring repeat and maintenance treatments for optimal results. On average, most of the treatments mentioned will need a series of three sessions, typically spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to really see the best results. We would normally recommend yearly maintenance treatments to sustain these results.
How much does Cellulite Treatment cost?
The exact cost of cellulite treatment can vary significantly depending on a few factors:
- Type of Treatment: The choice between treatments like Mono threads, Sculptra/Radiesse, Morpheus8 Body, or laser skin tightening, will influence the overall cost. Each of these treatments comes with its own specific pricing.
- Combination Treatments: If a combination of treatments is recommended for optimal results, the total cost would naturally be higher.
- Number of Sessions Required: The severity of your cellulite and your desired outcome will dictate the number of treatment sessions you need. More sessions will increase the cost.
- Area of Treatment: Larger areas or multiple areas being treated will also increase the price.
Due to these variables, it’s difficult to provide a standard price for cellulite treatment. At Centre for Surgery, we believe in transparency and will provide you with a detailed quote after your personalised consultation with our specialists. This consultation allows us to understand your specific needs, goals, and suitability for the treatments, ensuring that we can provide an accurate cost estimation.
Why choose Centre for Surgery for Cellulite Treatment?
Choosing Centre for Surgery for your cellulite treatment comes with several advantages:
- Experienced Specialists: Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced aesthetic specialists who are well-versed in the latest cellulite reduction techniques. Our doctors are dedicated to providing the best possible results for each patient, tailoring the treatment plan according to your unique needs.
- Comprehensive Consultation: We believe in a personalised approach and our comprehensive consultation process ensures we understand your specific concerns, expectations, and desired outcomes. We’ll discuss all available treatment options and devise a bespoke treatment plan for you.
- Advanced Techniques: At Centre for Surgery, we utilise state-of-the-art techniques and technologies for cellulite reduction, including thread treatments, Sculptra/Radiesse, Morpheus8 Body, and laser skin tightening. We often combine treatments to achieve optimal results.
- Patient Safety: Your safety is our top priority. We follow stringent safety protocols and guidelines to ensure your treatment is carried out in a safe and controlled environment.
- Aftercare: Our commitment to you doesn’t end after the procedure. We provide excellent aftercare support, including follow-up appointments and advice, to ensure your recovery goes smoothly and you’re satisfied with the results.
- Trust: We have built our reputation on the trust of thousands of satisfied patients who have undergone aesthetic treatments at our clinic. We’re proud of the positive feedback and referrals we receive, which we believe is the true measure of our success.
