Cellulite, medically known as gynoid lipodystrophy, is characterised by skin that has a dimpled appearance. Although distressing, this is common, with an estimated 80% to 98% of women experiencing some form of the condition.(1) It most commonly appears on the thighs and buttocks, but can also be found on the breasts, upper arms, and the abdomen. But what causes cellulite, and how can we reduce its appearance?
Although the exact reason why cellulite occurs is not fully understood by scientists, sex, genetics, and lifestyle are all thought to play a role in its development.(2) Luckily, advances in aesthetic treatments have given patients a choice when it comes to cellulite. One such procedure is VASERsmooth; a pioneering skin restructuring liposuction technique with ultrasound can reduce the appearance of cellulite and give you the confidence boost you need to be proud of your body.
At The Hamlet Clinic in Highgate, Dr. Grant Hamlet is a leading figure in VASER liposculpture, having appeared in multiple publications and having led multiple VASER training courses for other doctors in the field. With VASERsmooth, he provides treatments to help you look your best and fight unsightly cellulite areas. Find help to address your cellulite by booking a personal consultation with Dr. Hamlet. Prospective patients can call 0207 137 4377 or submit an online form on our website
About Cellulite
Cellulite is far more common in women than in men. This is because fat distribution in women coincides with common areas where cellulite appears, most notably on the thighs. The condition is also thought to be related to the influence of oestrogen, one of the body’s key female hormones.(3) Although it doesn’t affect your overall health, and is not an uncomfortable condition, cellulite is something many people feel self-conscious about. It’s something that may prevent us from wearing clothing that exposes the affected areas. We may feel reluctant to wear a bikini in the summer, or we may seek to disguise our upper arms with long sleeves.
Signs of Cellulite
- Skin dimpling
- “Orange-peel” appearance
- Uneven skin texture
- More lumpy skin appearance when pinched
Cellulite occurs in areas of high adipose tissue density. Adipose tissue is the medical name for fat. The condition appears when the fibrous bands that connect the fat to lower tissues, known as septae, tighten and lose their elasticity. The tightness of the septae pushes fat cells against the skin. As a result, subcutaneous fat lobules herniate, causing cellulite’s characteristic dimpling. Doctors use a scale to grade the level of cellulite severity in the skin. It is assessed according to a four grade system:
Grades of Cellulite
Grade 0 – No dimpling when pressure is applied
Grade 1 – Dimpling when pressure is applied
Grade 2 – Dimpling visible when standing but not when lying down
Grade 3 – Dimpling visible when standing and when lying down
Can I Fix My Cellulite Without Surgery?
There are plenty of at-home and in-office cellulite treatments available, but the question is; do they really work? Anti-cellulite gels and lotions may promise results, but they are usually not profound. Additionally, studies show that in-office treatments such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing), radiofrequency therapies, and other non-invasive procedures show some effectiveness for cellulite reduction, but that they have little or no effect on body weight reduction and total percentage of body fat a patient has.(4) Although VASER is not a substitute for weight loss surgery, it can simultaneously remove stubborn fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite in the treated area in one convenient treatment!
VASERsmooth for Cellulite
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction dissolves and removes subcutaneous fat for a more refined aesthetic. VASERsmooth is a specialised high frequency device for cellulite reduction and removal. The unique handpiece delivers energy at 36,000 Hertz. It releases the fibrous septae that connect to the deeper tissues, which can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite. It’s beneficial for patients because it only targets the fat cells and septae, and does not damage surrounding nerves and tissues. It’s a procedure that results in less bruising than standard liposuction and reduced recovery time. What’s more, not only does VASERsmooth remove fat cells for good, it also tightens tissues and promotes new collagen formation, smoothing cellulite and increasing body confidence!
Candidates for VASERsmooth
Anyone who wishes to reduce the appearance of cellulite can be a candidate for VASERsmooth. If you’re a man or a woman with excessive skin dimpling and you are finding it difficult to hide, a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure to resolve it could be what you’re looking for. Candidates should be in good overall health and have no serious medical conditions that could negatively affect their treatment.
The easiest way to find out if you’re a good candidate for VASERsmooth is to book a personal consultation with Dr. Hamlet. Call 0207 137 4377 to reach us or fill out an online contact form for further information about VASERsmooth and other surgical services at The Hamlet Clinic.
Personal Consultation
Dr. Hamlet can assess your cellulite for VASERsmooth at a personal consultation. You will have the chance to show him the areas you wish to treat and tell him more about your ideal cosmetic solution. He will rate the grade of your cellulite and recommend the best course of action for your individual circumstances. After thoroughly evaluating your medical background and the severity of your cellulite, he will schedule your VASERsmooth treatment.
While you wait for your VASERsmooth, don’t forget to read the latest in cosmetic surgery options on Dr. Hamlet’s blog!
Preparing for VASER
Before any VASER procedure you should:
- Tell Dr. Hamlet about any current medications you are on
- Inform him of any medical conditions that could affect your treatment
- Not take blood-thinning medications (e.g. ibuprofen and other NSAIDs) for up to two weeks
- Refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking according to Dr. Hamlet’s directions
We will give you a full list of instructions to follow carefully after your procedure is scheduled.
Vasersmooth Procedure
Dr. Hamlet will mark the areas for treatment with permanent markers before your procedure. He will carefully assess where there are dimpled indentations and mark these in one colour, then highlight areas of fat fullness with another colour. He will thoroughly sterilise the area, and prepare a wetting solution for use in the VASERsmooth procedure. In the first stage of the procedure, Dr. Hamlet will use a standard VASER ultrasound probe to deliver ultrasound energy to the treatment area. This action emulsifies the fat cells, making them easier to dislodge and remove completely. Once he is satisfied with this fat removal, he will insert the VASERsmooth probe, which loosens and disrupts the fibrous septae. He will remove additional fat pockets where necessary using a small cannula. For extra smoothing, he may perform fat transfer for the most optimal silhouette.
Recovery and Results of VASERsmooth
After your procedure, you will be left with only a few small incision sites which will be dressed accordingly before you leave our care. Dr. Hamlet may recommend you use a compression garment where necessary to protect your results and to ensure the area of treatment is secure during the healing process. You should expect some bruising and swelling in the first week, however this will dissipate significantly in the days that follow. Dr. Hamlet will prescribe pain medication for your comfort during recovery. You can expect to see smoother, better defined features free from the annoyance of cellulite once the healing process is complete.
Cost of Cellulite Treatment in Highgate
Every patient has different areas of cellulite to deal with, therefore the cost of individual VASERsmooth treatments will vary according to your needs. Dr. Hamlet will create a personalised treatment plan to address your needs and ensure you receive the highest quality care from start to finish. For options to help cover the cost of your treatment, The Hamlet Clinic offers financing to qualified patients.
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FAQ
Is cellulite the same as lipedema?
Cellulite and lipedema can both make the skin appear dimpled and uneven, however they are not the same. Cellulite is usually a cosmetic issue that does not affect overall health and is not painful. In contrast, lipedema is classified as a condition that requires medical treatment. It can cause discomfort and swollen limbs and is caused by problems in the lymphatic system.
What’s the difference between VASERsmooth and VASER?
All VASER liposuction techniques involve the additional benefits of ultrasound energy to melt fat and make it easier to extract. The VASERsmooth procedure differs from a standard VASER procedure because the handpiece is specially designed to destroy the vertical fibres called septae that cause cellulite to appear.
References
- Bass, L. S., & Kaminer, M. S. (2020). Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Cellulite: A Review. Dermatologic Surgery, 46(1), S77–S85. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002388
- Sadick, N. (2019). Treatment for cellulite. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 5(1), 68–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.09.002
- Tokarska, K., Tokarski, S., Woźniacka, A., Sysa-Jędrzejowska, A., & Bogaczewicz, J. (2018). Cellulite: a cosmetic or systemic issue? Contemporary views on the etiopathogenesis of cellulite. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 35(5), 442–446. https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2018.77235
- Alizadeh, Z., Halabchi, F., Mazaheri, R., Abolhasani, M., & Tabesh, M. (2016). Review of the Mechanisms and Effects of Noninvasive Body Contouring Devices on Cellulite and Subcutaneous Fat. International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.5812/ijem.36727