Cellulite treatment by Thermage

by Dr. Natnicha Loichuen

It is estimated that Cellulite afflicts about 90 percent of women over the age of 30. Although primarily a problem with women, men can also have cellulite in the same areas of the body.

Cellulite is the name given to the dimpled (sometimes called orange peel or cottage cheese) appearance of skin caused by a bulging out of fatty deposits under the top layer of our skin. That layer of fat below the skin's surface has always been there; it is only when the bond or connective tissues between the collagen layer and the fat starts to weaken that the process gets underway. When this layer of collagen gets too thin or too large, holes start to appear, and then the fat underneath starts to bulge out. This is what causes the bumps on our skin to form.

What causes cellulite?

The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

•Hormonal factors – Hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development. Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.

•Genetics – Certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin and circulatory insufficiency.

•Diet – People who eat too much fat, carbohydrates or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.

•Lifestyle factors – Cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

•Clothing – Underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.

What are the two types of cellulite?

Research has identified two types of cellulite. The first is from any 'pinch' or 'compression' of tissue in the thighs or buttocks. An example of this is when you see the 'orange peel' look in your thighs when crossing your legs while seated. This is very gender-typical to almost all women of various ages, and is suggested to be the compression of the fat-cell chambers underlying the skin.

The second type of cellulite is the 'orange peel' appearance that a woman may have in her natural stance or when lying down.

The cellulite procedure by Thermage

The Cellulite procedure by Thermage is the result of 21 months of clinical and technology development. The advanced, deep-heating ThermaTip CL rebuilds collagen connective tissues and improves blood flow to the tissue, helping to improve the smooth appearance of the skin's surface without surgery, injections or downtime.

The Thermage system consists of one device platform with a large selection of single-patient treatment tips (i.e., face, body and eyes), each of which features a unique heating profile to target treatments for a specific area, including skin tightening, body contouring and the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

The special Body and Cellulite Tips deliver pulses of heat deeply into the subcutaneous layer. This tip uses the same mono-polar capacitive radio frequency technology as other Thermage tips, but penetrates much deeper into the sub-dermal and fatty layers of the skin, restoring collagen connective tissue and equilibrating fibrous septa elasticity to improve the smooth appearance of the skin's surface. It also improves circulation and metabolism in cellulite-prone tissues to reduce fluid and significantly improve the lumpy bumpy appearance of cellulite.

Most other cellulite treatments require multiple procedures. Clinical evaluations have demonstrated that Thermage technology noticeably reduces the appearance of cellulite after just a single treatment. Ideal candidates for this treatment are patients who have a normal weight and a mild to moderate cellulite problem.

Call 038-411190 or visit Nicha Clinic at Pattaya 2nd Road (Opposite View Talay Beach Condo and Central Festival Pattaya) for more information and to book a FREE consultation.