By Doctor Catherine De Goursac.
Magazines always show flawless images of female and male bodies, completely free of cellulite. Is this only possible in a dream? Not any more, because we can now get rid of cellulite using a combination of treatments: cryolipolysis and high-intensity focused ultrasounds (HIFU) or cryolipolysis and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The choice treatment for cellulite is cryolipolysis. This technique is based on American studies that prove that fat cells (adipocytes) are highly sensitive to cold. When they are subjected to temperature close to 5 or 6°C, their metabolism changes and the cells self-destruct in a matter of 10 to 15 weeks.
The cryolipolysis device is a machine linked up to two cryodes ® equipped with four Peltier-effect (thermoelectric effect) patches that are placed all around the fatty area. The cryodes act like suction pads, with a vacuum, so that they “freeze” the fat cells, going right to the heart of the adipose panicle. Recently, we have been able to hone this technique by first heating the treatment area for a few minutes before cooling it, which makes the adipocytes even more sensitive to the cold and thus increases the crystallisation of the triglycerides before they are eliminated, and the results showed a 15% improvement.
After just two sessions, spaced three weeks apart, cryolipolysis can reduce the fatty mass by 20 to 45%. For larger bulges of fat, we recommend three sessions. The results are visible after 5 to 7 weeks, and are definitive after three months.
This is an effective, localised slimming method that is non-invasive and pain-free, and requires no anaesthetic or special preparations. Our experience enables us to improve the results even further by combining several techniques, according to the particular case being treated:
- In the case of cellulite under slightly sagging skin, we suggest cryolipolysis combined with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).
These ultrasounds deliver high intensity energy which penetrates to different depths of the skin (13mm, 7mm, 4.5mm, 3mm).
The machine is set so that it acts between the layer of fat at two different depths and each layer of the skin, to firm it up. The impacts emitted by the machine destroy the adipocytes with heat (not just by emptying them). Furthermore, they have a firming effect on the skin, which is useful for reshaping the belly, for example.
This is a pain-free treatment, requiring no injections or incisions. The best results are visible two months after treatment.
What are the best indications for this treatment?
- Slimming the body when the fatty folds exceed 1.5cm on the belly, thighs or arms.
- Treating sagging skin on the belly, inner thighs or arms at the same time.
These treatments are recommended for both women and men.
- In the case of cellulite associated with wrinkled skin and a request for rapid results, we recommend combining cryolipolysis with LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy).
This technique uses a low intensity laser which, at certain wavelengths on the visible spectrum (red), triggers a biochemical reaction in the cells in the hypodermis, where the fat cells live. Under this laser’s beam, the membrane of the adipocytes becomes porous and the fat is released from the cells then eliminated by the lymphatic system.
Three LLLT sessions are a good complement to one or two sessions of cryolipolysis, which destroys the adipocytes, but not all of them.
Furthermore, by stimulating the cells, this type of laser boosts the fibroblasts – elastic fibres in the dermis – which gives an additional firming effect.
The combination of cryolipolysis and low-intensity lasers is very useful in certain cases because it treats cellulite on the abdomen, saddlebags, buttocks and hips, and the arms and love handles in men.
Doctor Catherine De Goursac
Cosmetic and anti-aging doctor. Author of more than 30 publications, Member of the board of directors of the AFME and the FSMEA.
