Cellulite And Stretch Mark Removal

What Causes Cellulite?

The skin’s connective tissue surrounds fat cells or subcutaneous fat, which is arranged in chambers, the margins of these chambers contain septae. Over time, the fat cells can increase in size and number, this phenomenon together with accumulation of localised edema, push the skin’s surface between the septae in an upward direction. This is what creates the lumpy and dimpled skin appearance, also known as the ‘cottage cheese’ appearance, associated with cellulite.

Why Do I Have Cellulite?

Underneath the skin lies a layer of fibrous connective tissue that is responsible for adhering the skin to the muscle beneath it. As the bands of connective tissue contract and stiffen with age, they pull down on the skin even more. At the same time, increasing fat stores push outward in the surrounding areas.

As we get older, the outer layer of skin weakens, thins, and loses elasticity. Gravity takes its toll, and the skin begins to sag. Since the connective septae remain intact and often contracts and stiffens further as time marches on, the appearance of cellulite continues to worsen with age.

Another probable aggravating factor in the development of cellulite is weight gain and weight loss, which further compromise skin elasticity, making cellulite more pronounced. While the appearance of cellulite tends to worsen in proportion to the amount of fat present in the affected area, cellulite can affect even the thinnest women.

Treatment of Cellulite

Dr Lanzer uses a combination of treatments to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, so there are countless treatment options possible. Many of these envelop the use of a handheld device to improve the appearance of cellulite in a topical manner, but also blood circulation. Procedures include surgical procedures such as subcision, cryolipolysis, Cellfina, endermologie, cellulaze and non-surgical devices such as the Venus Freeze, Ultrashape and Velashape. In most cases, the treatment provides an increase in collagen production, which in turn makes the skin look better and decreases the appearance of cellulite. The benefit of these procedures is also minimal downtime, if any downtime at all.

Some treatments for cellulite do not involve any procedures, but the use of a special retinol cream. Their success depends heavily on the severity of the cellulite. 

Dr Lanzer occasionally injects fat into the depressed areas of cellulite to reduce the depressions.The Cellulaze device is the first surgical treatment of cellulite and Dr Lanzer is the first in Victoria to offer this treatment. It works using a three step method. 1) Melting the fat, 2) Cutting of the fibrous bands that cause the bumpy look of cellulite and 3) tightening the skin for a smoother appearance.

The Velashape features the unique elos™ technology combination of Bi-polar Radio-frequency (RF), Infrared Light Energy, plus Vacuum and Mechanical Massage to deploy targeted heat to adipose tissue. The combination of these energies increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers. The net result is gradual smothering of skin’s surface.

Please note that cellulite treatments often fall under the classification of body contouring procedure. This includes various methods in fat reduction such as laser treatment, acoustic wave therapy, and other procedures offered in the world of dermatology, skincare, and cosmetic surgery. For more information about all the treatments currently available, please speak to your cosmetic surgery or dermatologist.

Many patients choose the cellulite treatments from The Dr Lanzer Clinic, as side-effects are very minor or non-existent. Of course, since side-effects can be different from patient to patient, we always advise patients to speak to a health professional before undergoing any treatment. For example, a patient may be prone to bruising or outbreaks. If you suffer from outbreaks on a regular basis, this is also something that should be reported to reduce the chance of side effects after your cellulite reduction treatment.

The Freeze machine is a brand new treatment. Dr Lanzer described on Television that this machine is used for Face and Body Treatments: Anti Ageing / Circumferential Reduction / Cellulite Reduction and Skin Tightening. It uses Magnetic Pulse and Radio-frequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production therefore helping to smooth out the skin and improve the appearance of cellulite. Approximately 6-10 treatments are required and are to be performed weekly or fortnightly.

The Ultrashape uses scientifically proven non-invasive ultrasound technology to break down unwanted fat. Focused ultrasound energy selectively targets fat cells in the chosen body area without harming surrounding tissues such as nerves or blood vessels. Approximately 3-4 treatments are required and are to be performed fortnightly.

Please note – as these devices are non surgical, results may vary between each individual patient and no guarantees can be made.

Dr Lanzer also recommends patients use our D’lumiere body sculpting cream to help tighten and smooth the skin. It creates a thermogenic effect, increases circulation, eliminates waste material and has a firming and toning effect on the skin. For more information about our cellulite creams and/or lotion, please contact our clinic. Evidently, this option provides a non-invasive treatment to patients. 

Occasionally fat can be injected as a dermal filler into the depressed areas of cellulite to reduce the depressions.

Stretch Marks

These are common linear lines that start off red and eventually become white. The body going through a growth spurt mostly causes them. When lines are in the red stage some lasers such as the Aura can be helpful. Other effective treatments for stretch marks include Airgent and the Dermafraxel.

Occasionally after liposuction the appearance of stretch marks are less prominent once the underlying fatty bulge is removed.

More About Cellulite

Cellulite is a common problem amongst women in Australia and since the problem may occur in women of all shapes and sizes, the problem is not necessarily isolated or caused by excess weight. Even though weight loss may improve cellulite for overweight patients, patients already on their target weight may find cellulite a little harder to tackle. While there are some dietary changes that may reduce the appearance of cellulite, if the problem persists the patient could choose a cellulite removal treatment at the Dr Lanzer Clinic to correct the issue.

If you are not yet familiar with the this removal treatments available at the Dr Lanzer Clinic, we recommend reading the information pages available on the website. If you still have some questions after reading our information pages, you can also contact our team for additional information. More details regarding cellulite removal can also be obtained during your initial appointment with Dr Lanzer, who can explain more about the procedure and tell you if you are a good candidate for this procedure. To book your appointment for cellulite removal at the Dr Lanzer Clinic, please contact our friendly support staff via chat message, email, web form or telephone.

Before and After Photos

All photographs represent one person’s experience, and results may vary for each patient. All photographs are of actual patients of Dr Lanzer. The visible change in these photographs has occurred as a result of the procedure/s undertaken. Best results are obtained when the procedure is combined with a balanced diet and exercise.

Some before and after photos shown are not exact, in that they vary in light, contrast, clothing, background, distance from camera, hairstyle and makeup.