REVIA Magazine Issue #11

Dr. Irvin Wiesman holds over ten years' experience and is certified in three specialties: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery,
Hand & Micro-Vascular Surgery and General Surgery. A third generation surgeon, Dr. Irvin Wiesman is fascinated by the
function of the human body as well as its health and beauty. He specializes in Plastic & Reconstructive surgery of the
face, breast, and body, and is devoted to attaining the best results possible. He takes great care to guide his patients
throughout the surgical process, focusing on their individual needs and cosmetic goals. He is also a member of the
esteemed American Board of Plastic Surgery and the highly selective American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Irv's
health Tips
Cellulite: Is there hope?
Cellulite is the term used to describe the
dimpling of the skin most commonly seen
around the hips and thighs. It is more common
in women than men, and also more
frequently seen in older, post-menopausal
women. The difference between the sexes is
due to the makeup of the connective tissue
between the overlaying skin and the deep
muscle fascia. In women, this fascia has
been shown to be more vertically oriented,
thus creating closed pockets that cause enlarged
or excessive fat cells in order to “push
out” the overlaying adjacent skin, which
leads to the puckering we call “cellulite”.
When cellulite is present, there is nothing
abnormal about a person’s body makeup, or
their fat cells. Even a thin athletic body can
have localized areas of dimpling due to the
connective tissue compartmentalizing the fat
between the skin and underlying muscle.
The question is: What can be done?
Creams
We have all seen ads in fashion magazines
and infomercials marketing a wonder cream
that can “dissolve” cellulite. Most of these
creams contain a medicine called theophylline.
Theophylline is a commonly prescribed
asthma medication that also has a diuretic
effect. There have been many subjective
reports of improved body contour and cellulite,
as well as a decrease in waist and thigh
circumference with the use of theophylline,
however, the problem is there is no scientific
evidence supporting these individual claims.
But the good news is that are minimal side
effects from these kinds of products. There
is minimal systemic absorption of the cream,
in addition to the very low chance [25%] of
developing a rash.
Massage
Endermologie is a form of deep tissue massage
where a mechanical device is used to
essentially suction up folds of skin and roll
it two revolving rollers. It breaks down fat
and excretes it from the body, leading to a
corrected body contour purified of irregularities
and cellulite. An analysis of bodily
fluids proves these claims to be unfounded,
but there is an increase in collagen above the
muscle fascia, which may lead to a smoothing
out of contour irregularities. However,
this is yet to proven with clear scientific
data. Other things to consider with this form
of cellulite treatment is that it may take up
to 14 treatments, which may be painful, and
is also on the more expensive side.
Radio frequency (Javeshape tm, Accent
tm, Thermage) utilizes radiofrequency to
heat up the skin and subcutaneous tissue to
create skin tightening and slight volume reduction.
This technology can create a tighter,
smoother and long-lasting appearance of the
skin, usually taking 1-3 treatments before
achieving desired results.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical treatment is also a reasonable and
reliable option for treating the underlying
cause of cellulite. An instrument called a
pickle for, or loop lysing cannula, can be
used to disrupt the facial attachment between
the skin and underlying musical fascia
that causes dimpling. This may need to be
combined with liposuction, or fat injection,
to improve any contour irregularity and
prevent reattachment of the fascia, thereby
providing an overall improvement in body
contour and appearance.
Laser Therapy
Cellulaze is another invasive treatment that
utilizes laser (light) therapy to break up and
liquefy the fibrous bands of the fat packets.
The additional heat from the laser will also
improve the amount of skin tightening. In
this situation, it is wise to seek someone
experienced with laser treatments because
there is always the risk of causing permanent
burns to the skin.
Cellulite is a difficult, and often misunderstood,
problem affecting even the most
“fit” individuals. There is also little scientific
evidence behind the many treatments
currently advertised in media, especially on
TV and in magazines. Fortunately, many of
these treatments have little to no side effects.
Surgical intervention is an option, but
only after thoughtful and serious consideration.
Overall, leading a healthy lifestyle by
getting adequate exercise, and maintaining a
balanced diet are the best ways for people to
achieve their own “ideal” body. v
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revia reviamagazine.com #11, 2015