Definition of Cellulite

Cellulite is not a disease. It is a colloquial term used to describe pockets of fat and other material trapped in pockets of connective tissue beneath the skin. Clinically, this condition is responsible for a progressive dimpling (also known as “orange peel” or “cottage cheese”) appearance of the skin. 90% of women of all ages are affected by this “mattress” phenomenon of the skin. The buttocks and the thighs are the most common sites of the condition

Main factors responsible for cellulite.
The following can produce cellulite condition:

(i) Poor lifestyle (lack of exercise, excess consumption of saturated fat and sugar, poor hydration).

(ii) Anomalies concerning enzymatic or hormonal/endocrine functions (eg too much oestrogen can decrease lopolysis).

(iii) Hormonal changes at puberty and peri-menopause as well as intake of hormonal contraceptives and certain pathologies such as ovarian tumours.

(iv) Gender.

(v) Heredity.

(vii) Certain medications.

(viii) Health conditions.

The Consequences
Due to the architecture of the hypodermis, any excess of fat storage, impairment of microcirculation, fluidstasis/lymphedema and alteration of connective tissues stimulates a reorganization of fat cells and accentuates the appearance of cellulite.

What is Endermologie® used for?
(i) Relief of minor muscle aches and pains

(ii) Relaxation of muscle spasms.

(iii) Increase of local blood circulation.

(iv) Most importantly, the Endermologie® LPG cosmetic therapy system was the first to meet all FDA regulatory requirements to be marketed for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite.

How does Endermologie® work?
The technique is a one of a kind non-invasive technique, which consists of a constant suction between two motorized rollers. It creates a skin fold, stretches the underlying tissue and helps to mobilise the skin fold throughout using specific manoeuvres .

The effectiveness of massage treatments on cellulite demonstrated that the use of the LPG technique results in a smoothing of the interface layer between the dermis and hypodermis. It also demonstrated that cellulite reduction occurs primarily as the result of increasing the local blood circulation.

There is an increase in collagen production between treatments approx. four and six.

The Endermologie® Treatment Programme
LPG recommends a course of 14 treatments to obtain results, although you might need another course. Treatment time is 35 minutes. LPG recommends 2 treatments a week. No time off! Do not wait more than one week between each treatment. Maintenance is once every 4 weeks. Never do more than 2 courses in a row as the body will stop responding.

Whilst enrolled in the Endermologie® programme, it is recommended that patients incorporate proper nutrition and healthy eating habits in order to achieve optimal results. Treatments with the ES1 therapeutic massager involve the stimulation of circulation. The body’s role in the removal of waste products will be facilitated if a proper diet is maintained during the course of treatment. Wholesome natural foods, fruits, vegetables, grains and lean proteins should be emphasized. Saturated fats, excess sugars, processed foods and soft drinks should be eliminated or at least reduced to very small quantities. Minimal intake (the equivalent of one or two glasses of wine per day) is allowed. However, it should be noted that alcohol dehydrates the body and therefore extra water should be consumed to compensate for the loss.

Patients on the Endermologie® cosmetic therapy system should aim to do 35-40 minutes of sustained aerobic exercise three times weekly. A specific diet plan can be assessed by consulting with a registered dietician or a nutritionist for healthy weight loss.

Contra-indications and Precautions
(i) Unregulated high blood pressure and hypertensions are precautions that should be checked before beginning a course of Endermologie® as treatment can be quite vigorous and there is a chance of over stimulating the patients circulation.

(ii) Skin conditions such as eruptions, open wounds or sores, haemtomas, keloids, hypersensitive skin and unexplained discolourations are contraindications over the affected areas only. Localised problems can be avoided during the massage itself, but widespread skin problems would make the massage impossible.

(iii) Cancer patients should be avoided and also cancer patients in remission should not be treated.

(iv) Hernias are of special concern since any ruptures in the abdominal wall might be aggravated if treated directly. Varicose veins should be avoided. Spider veins, on the other hand are not contraindications and there has been no evidence whatsoever that the ES1 therapeutic massager massages will cause spider veins to appear.

(v) Phlebitis and blood clots are entirely contraindications as they are diseases directly linked to blood circulation, which is greatly stimulated during Endermologie® massages. Do not massage in cases of unexplained calf pain.

(vi) Pregnancy and lactating women are contraindicated.

(vii) Anti-coagulant drugs may cause patients to bruise extremely easily and therefore patients taking these or other such drugs should not be treated. People taking small doses of aspirin on a daily dose are, however, not contraindicated.

(viii). Diabetics often bruise easily and should receive special attention before beginning the treatment. Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic should not be treated without the doctor’s permission. Type II diabetics whose diets are under control can be treated to their comfort level but may not get good results. They are too sensitive and they have poor circulation.

(ix). Pseudo-atropy is a localized condition that occurs after injections, such as cortisone. If the indention is visible it should be brought to patient’s attention before beginning treatment. Avoid the area where an injection has been administered.

Note- this list is not exhaustive, therefore a doctors approval should always be given prior to commencing the Endermologie® programme if the patient has an existing condition.

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