Thermage is a cutting-edge technology that delivers non-invasive cellulite reduction and skin tightening. It’s an effective alternative to traditional cellulite reduction techniques that may require surgery or invasive procedures.
If you’d like to reduce your cellulite non-surgically with Thermage, contact The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shalini Gupta today.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a common skin condition that is usually harmless. It’s characterized by lumpy dimples that appear on areas of the skin, including around the thighs, hips, abdomen, and buttocks.
What Causes Cellulite?
Many people think cellulite is caused by fat, but it’s not quite that simple.
An increase in body fat can create more noticeable cellulite. But the actual cause of cellulite is when deposits of fat push against connective tissue beneath your skin, which is pulled by fibrous connective cords.
The uneven push-pull creates the dimpled appearance of cellulite and is why even people with low body fat percentages can have visible cellulite.
Other Causes of Cellulite
Some things that can worsen the appearance or amount of cellulite on your body include your body fat percentage, age, hormones, and genes.
If you have a high body fat percentage, then you have more fat deposits that are pushing up against your skin. This makes cellulite more visible.
Cellulite also becomes more prominent as you age because your skin becomes weaker and thinner.
Everyone experiences fluctuations in hormone levels at some point in their lives. An imbalance in hormonal levels can lead to stubborn fat deposits, causing visible cellulite.
Finally, some people are simply genetically prone to having more cellulite than other people.
In many cases, cosmetic medical treatment is necessary to reduce or eliminate the appearance of cellulite altogether.
Types of Cellulite
There are three different types of cellulite. Knowing which type you have can help inform your treatment options.
Soft Cellulite
The first type is known as “soft cellulite.” Soft cellulite is associated with poor diet and lifestyle, as it typically becomes visible with either weight gain or lack of muscle tone.
Soft cellulite is associated with sagging skin, so it can also be attributed to age. It’s often found in areas of your body where fat tends to accumulate. These areas will be different for everyone since your genetics dictate how your body fat distributes itself.
However, soft cellulite will typically accumulate on your stomach, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. It’s usually more visible when you’re lying down versus when you’re standing.
There are treatment intervention options for soft cellulite, but the best treatment is to keep up your diet and exercise routine.
Hard Cellulite
Hard cellulite is common and occurs in just about everyone, including slim and toned people.
Hard cellulite can look like an orange peel. It is associated with blemishes and depressions along the hips, thighs, and glutes. It is usually painless, but some patients report that hard cellulite can feel painful when touched.
Treating hard cellulite is more challenging than treating soft cellulite. The results of treatment are usually temporary and require maintenance sessions.
Edematous Cellulite
The last type of cellulite is edematous cellulite, which is usually associated with a medical condition like poor circulation. Edematous cellulite is usually painful, so if you suspect you have edematous cellulite, you should consult with your physician.
Thermage Cellulite Treatment
Thermage is a cellulite treatment tool that can treat soft and hard cellulite from grades 0 to 3.
Grades of Cellulite
Cellulite is divided up into four grades of severity:
- Grade 0: cellulite isn’t visible but is starting to form in the dermis
- Grade 1: cellulite appears when skin is pinched
- Grade 2: cellulite becomes more visible when you’re standing
- Grade 3: cellulite is always visible and may be painful
All three grades can vary slightly from person to person, depending on genetic factors. During your consultation, Dr. Gupta will determine the type and grade of your cellulite to decide whether Thermage or another treatment will bring the aesthetic results you want.
How Thermage Cellulite Reduction Works
Thermage cellulite reduction uses a technology called radiofrequency (RF) energy to help tighten your skin. RF technology delivers controlled, localized pulses of light and heat deep into your skin to help stimulate collagen growth.
Collagen is a protein that helps protect the structural integrity of your skin. As new collagen is produced, your skin will become stronger, thicker, and more elastic. New collagen also helps with tissue regeneration, which can help smooth out your skin.
How Long Does an Appointment Take?
The average Thermage appointment can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. The time varies greatly depending on your treatment area.
For example, treating cellulite on your thighs and back in a single appointment will take longer than just treating your thighs.
Every treatment can be tailored according to your personal aesthetic goals and body type, making Thermage quite versatile.
When You Can Expect to See Results
You will notice some immediate improvement following your first Thermage cellulite treatment, and the results should only get better from there!
The majority of patients see continued improvement over the course of six months after treatment as their bodies continue to produce new collagen. For most patients, results also last a minimum of two years.
Thermage Cellulite Reduction in Cincinnati, OH
At The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center, Dr. Shalini Gupta performs all consultations to help patients get the best results possible.
Dr. Gupta is a licensed dermatologist with extensive knowledge and experience in cutting-edge technologies. She is board-certified in anti-aging medicine, allowing her to incorporate a variety of disciplines into her aesthetic practice.
To learn more about Thermage cellulite treatment, contact The Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center today in Cincinnati, OH, today.
