1/28/11

Cellulite Treatments 2

Treatments

Most treatments for cellulite remain largely unsuccessful because they only target the appearance of cellulite. But the dimpling on the surface of the skin is merely a symptom of the underlying cause.

No treatment option is permanent. Cellulite can continue to develop as we age. The primary function of treatment is to improve the appearance of cellulite by enhancing skin tone, tightening skin, and promoting lymphatic drainage. An integrated approach to cellulite is probably best of all.

Some of the popular treatments for cellulite include the following:

Methylxanthines: Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyilline. These chemicals are present in many cellulite creams and are promoted as treatments for cellulite because of their known ability to break down fat stores. However, skin creams cannot deliver the required concentration of these chemicals for the length of time required for significant fat breakdown. While studies have shown a small reduction in thigh measurements with some of these preparations, they do not promote significant loss of cellulite.

Dietary supplements: Several of these products have been marketed and contain a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. Such claims are difficult to evaluate as is the case with similar assertions made on behalf of many supplements and alternative therapies. Concepts such as "metabolism," "circulation," or "cell damage" cannot be easily measured on an objective basis to determine whether or not any improvement has been achieved. Additionally, because these products are sold as dietary supplements and not as drugs, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are therefore exempt from meeting the scientific standards for both safety and effectiveness that are applied to drugs.

Furthermore, there are no valid clinical studies to support the use of these dietary supplements for the treatment of cellulite. Studies that have been conducted have not demonstrated any value of these supplements. Some dietary supplements that are promoted for the treatment of cellulite may also pose health risks or may interact with certain prescription drugs. For example, the formulation known as Cellasene contains iodine, which many doctors warn may be harmful for those with thyroid and other conditions.

Massage treatments: Several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. These machines use rolling cylinders to gather areas of skin and massage them inside a chamber. One example of massage treatments is Endermologie, which was developed in France and has been used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered device that suctions, pulls, and squeezes affected areas. Treatments are expensive and typically last for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are typically required before results are noticeable. Endermologie has been approved by the U.S. FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. While a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite may occur, the technique appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Regular maintenance treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will return.

Laser or light therapy: The FDA has approved two light-therapy devices that combine suction or massage with light therapy for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. TriActive is a treatment that combines a low-level laser treatment with suction and manipulation of the skin, while VelaSmooth is a treatment combining laser and massage therapy. Like Endermologie, both treatments require multiple treatment sessions and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. Laser/massage treatments are even more costly than massage treatments; the complete program generally costs thousands of dollars.

Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is a controversial treatment for cellulite that involves injecting drugs or other substances directly into affected tissue. Often, FDA-approved medications are used off-label (meaning that they have been approved for other conditions but not for treatment of this particular condition) in the injections. Herbs and vitamins are often used as well in the injection cocktails. Multiple injections over multiple (typically 10 or more) sessions are administered. Although this procedure is offered by some physicians, most experts feel that this treatment is unproven and risky. A 2005 report in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy stated that: "Patients considering mesotherapy for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy."

Collagenase: Collagenase is a naturally-occurring enzyme in the body that breaks down collagen, a component of connective tissue (the tissues that bind our cells together). A small study of 10 women with cellulite conducted in 2006 suggested that injections with this enzyme may be beneficial in improving the appearance of cellulite. The long-term effects of these injections are still unknown, and studies have not yet been carried out to determine the extent and duration of the improvements, if any. The treatment is considered experimental and is not yet routinely available, but research is underway to determine if collagenase injections may become an option for the treatment of cellulite.

Cellulite diets: Special "cellulite diets" have been proposed that claim to be effective in treating cellulite. Arguments for these diets claim that the combination of foods in the diet can reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected areas and diminish cellulite. However, no studies published in the medical literature have supported these claims. Experts note that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall health and appearance of skin, but specific diets designed to target cellulite are unnecessary.

Wraps: Many salons offer herbal or other types of body wraps as treatments for cellulite. Like cellulite diets, their effects have not been proven or reported in controlled studies in the medical literature. While wraps may decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of skin, these effects are temporary. It is also not possible to "detoxify" the body by the use of herbal or other wraps.

Sources:
http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/other-procedures/cellulite.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/cellulite/article.htm

1/22/11

Cellulite Treatments 1

What is cellulite?
Cellulite can be defined as lumpy substance that resembles cottage cheese and is commonly found on human parts such as buttocks, stomach and thighs. More specifically, the term is used to describe deposits of any material (generally fats) trapped in pockets of connective tissues that are situated just under the skin. Cosmetically, such condition is responsible for a progressive bulky appearance with creases and layers of fats that are visible even from the distance.

Cellulite is basically a modernized term for collections of the fat that push against the connective tissues those are just located under the skin resulting into dimpling or pucker or appearing like extra tires. One can check such condition by just pinching the skin around the upper thighs. If you pinch and you get some lumpy thing, the body might have cellulite. Cellulite is more common in women as compared to the men especially in the women above 35 years. However, nowadays, it is also getting common in adolescent girls and young women. This condition affects 80% of women and, with the passing of time, progressively worsens and gives rise not only to physical problems, but also to psychological ones as well.

What are the causes of cellulite?

Causes of cellulite include hormonal changes during puberty, during pregnancy and pre/post menopausal periods. Certain anomalies, overproduction of estrogen, disturbance in endocrine functions etc can also increase fat storage in the body and finally result into cellulite. The person with sedentary lifestyle that lacks of exercises and physical activities is also susceptible to have cellulite. Excess consumption of saturated fats and sugary items, poor hydration etc. also contribute housing unwanted layers of the fats many where in the body that can later appear as cellulite. Poor blood circulation and poor lymphatic flow can also cause cellulite according to some health experts.

There are many components that contribute in deciding the degree or stage of the cellulite condition in the human body. Some of them that have great impact on having this condition include genes, gender and the amount of the fats you have on your body. Cellulite also depends upon how thick your skin is and what is your age.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite ?

There are many ways to treat cellulite. Physical activities such as exercises, strict diet and giving up sedentary lifestyle help a lot reducing fat and cellulite condition from the body. There are some ultramodern techniques such as laser therapy; liposuction etc can drastically reduce cellulite and other fatty layers from the body. Health advisor agree that aerobic exercises and certain strength training are two of the best tools to win battle against cellulite. Some of the herbal supplements such as Guggulu, Eclipta, Garcinia, Indian gooseberry etc are good as health supplements that help reducing the body weight and those extra layers of the fats. One should take care while wearing clothes and shoes since poorly fitted apparels and footwear can also result into poor blood circulation and finally can result into cellulite condition.

Sources:
http://www.cellulitetalk.org/
http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/other-procedures/cellulite.htm

1/14/11

Brazilian Butt: Fat injections or Fat grafting

Brazilian Butt Lift or Buttock Augmentation with fat grafting or fat injection consists in harvesting your own body fat from other areas of excess and transferring it into the buttock tissue. For example excess fat in the flanks, hips, lower back, thighs, or abdomen is liposuctioned, processed and then injected into the muscle and soft tissue of your buttocks. During this fat grafting process the buttocks can be contoured to the desired shape and size. The fullness and projection of the buttocks can be greatly increased by laying many fine layers of micro-fat grafts throughout the thickness of the Gluteal muscle and the subcutaneous tissue. Because some of this fat does reabsorb, fat injection might need to be repeated.

Benefits for buttock enhancement by fat injections
Buttock enhancement through fat injection is a less invasive procedure that allows you resume some activities in about 4 days and resume full activity in 20 days. Benefits of this procedure include:

-A more natural appearance as the newly sculpted buttocks use fat from your own body.
-Smaller incision area with less scarring.
-Shorter healing time.
-No chance of rejection.
-Procedure includes additional body sculpting due to liposuction from areas with excessive fat stores.

Will I have to repeat the buttock fat grafting (fat injections) procedure?
In 30% to 35% of the patients a repeat fat grafting is necessary because of significant absorption of fat. However, it is unlikely that further fat grafting beyond the second treatment will be necessary. An important consideration for buttock fat grafting is the availability of extra fat in different parts of the body. While fat is usually in abundance, there are patients in whom there is no extra fat available. In these patients buttock augmentation with fat is obviously not feasible.

The surgery
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. First liposuction is performed to shape the buttocks. If there is excess fat in the thighs, flanks, hips, or the abdomen, they are liposuctioned. The suctioned fat is then processed and injected in very thin layers in the buttock muscle and the subcutaneous tissue. Fat grafting has to be performed very meticulously to increase the chance of survival of the grafted fat cells. The injected fat has to be carefully added in order to achieve the desired contour and profile. Because approximately 30% of the injected fat dissolves, grafting is usually exaggerated and at times repeated several months later. Compression garments are worn for several weeks after surgery in order to help form the buttocks as well as to reduce swelling.

Anesthesia
Anesthesia may be local, epidural, or general, it will depend on what you and your surgeon decides is best for you.

Surgery length
The surgery takes about 2 hours.

What does buttocks augmentation surgery (Microfat grafting or fat injections) consist of?
By means of a cannula that is thinner than the ones used for conventional liposculpture, the surgeon removes the fat from certain areas of the body, such as the lower back, abdomen, waist, and hips. He then purifies the fat collected and injects it on the buttocks drop by drop, very close to blood vessels to be sure that the injected fat will have adequate blood supply.

Sources:
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/Gluteoplasty-Enlargement-Gluteal-Zone-Buttock-Implants.php
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/procedures_categories.php?cat=15
http://www.lookingyourbest.com/bodycontouring/articles/ButtockAugmentation/BrazilianButtLift

1/8/11

Brazilian Butt: Implants

There are two different ways to enlarge your buttocks:

1) Brazilian Butt Lift: Fat injections or fat transfer to the buttocks
2) Butt Implants: Insertion of silicone implants

If you are considering undergo any of these procedures you must know what they are really about. Buttock augmentation with implants uses silicone implant which is inserted under each buttock muscle. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes about two hours. With buttock enhancement by fat injection, gentle liposuction is used to remove fat cells from donor sites, such as the thighs, abdomen, back or hips. The removed cells are then injected into the buttocks. This procedure provides for a body sculpting effect by reducing fat in areas where it is unwanted.

Benefits for buttock augmentation with implants
This is the preferred procedure for patients who do not have excess fat stores or whose excess fat is not sufficient to allow for buttock enhancement by fat injection. It is also a good procedure for those who want to make extreme modifications to both the size and shape of their buttocks.
Benefits for this procedure include:

-Allows for buttock enhancement in patients with little or no fat deposits available at donor sites.
-No risk of significant fat re-absorption, a side effect in some fat injection enhancements.

Recovery
If you are going to have buttock implants you are not allowed to sit on your buttocks for more than a few minutes at a time during, the first two weeks. This means no driving during this period. From the third to sixth week after surgery, you can only sit on soft pillows and cushions. Make sure that you have enough pillows and cushions to help you during this period.

Because the incision is located in the buttock crease, it needs to be meticulously cleaned in the shower at least once daily and every time after bowel movement, during the first two weeks. Therefore, make preparations for this.

The surgery

Anesthesia
Anesthesia may be local, epidural, or general, it will depend on what you and your surgeon decides is best for you.

Surgery length
The surgery takes about 2 hours.

What does buttocks augmentation (Silicone implants) surgery consist of?
The surgeon makes a small incision of 2 or 3 inches (5 cm or 7 cm) between the buttocks, right inside the midline. Through this incision, he makes a pocket inside each buttock and places the cohesive silicone gel implants inside each one of them. There are two possible locations for the implants; the location will be decided according to each patien's needs.

Submuscular: If you need to enhance the upper part of the buttocks and the lower part has a good volume (this is what most frequently happens), the implants will be located beneath the buttock muscle (gluteus maximums), approximately where jean pockets would be.

Subfascial: If you need to enhance the lower part of the buttocks and the upper part has a good volume, the implants will be located between the buttock muscle and its fascia (fascia or aponeurosis is the tissue that covers the muscle).

Sources:
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/Gluteoplasty-Enlargement-Gluteal-Zone-Buttock-Implants.php
http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/procedures_categories.php?cat=15

1/4/11

Lip Augmentation Implants And Surgeries

Lip augmentation creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Lips may be injected with collagen or with fat transferred from another site in the patient's body. Both liquid collagen and fat are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. Newer, longer-lasting options include implantable materials like AlloDerm and SoftForm.

Lip Augmentation surgery
It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, depending upon the technique and the skill of the surgeon. Your surgery may take longer if other procedures are being performed in conjunction with your lip augmentation, such as a lip lift or non-lip procedures.

Implants And Surgeries
You will most likely receive local anesthesia. A procedure can take up to two hours at your doctor's office or outpatient center, depending on the complexity, and you will be sent home the same day.

Here are the options:

Alloderm is a sheet of collagen created from deceased humans. Your surgeon inserts them through tiny incisions made on the inside part of the lip. This material offers only a temporary fix, lasting up to 12 months.

Fat grafting is the surgical method of inserting your own fat into your lips to achieve the desired fullness. You may achiever permanent results, but this method varies from person to person. Because it's your own fat, there is a chance that your body can reabsorb it.

Gore-Tex, SoftForm and soft ePTFE are synthetic materials that can achieve a permanent result. Unlike some of the other options we've listed above, your body will not absorb these. However, because they are synthetic, there is a risk of allergic reaction.

Local flap grafts is a surgical procedure that takes tissue and skin from the inside flap of your mouth. It's far more invasive than any other technique, and is often the last resort among plastic surgeons.
Your surgeon may also be able to make an incision along the upper line of your lip.

How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Your recovery will depend on your lifestyle and which procedure you undergo. If you are having injections, your recovery can take just a couple days. However, any swelling or bruising can last longer.

If you are having surgical implants or grafts, your recovery can take up to two weeks after the surgery.

It's important that you know yourself. Discuss how much time you think you'll need for recovery with your doctor. It may be necessary to take some time off work. You will need at least three days off from work, at minimum. If you are physically active, you will not be able to exercise for a few days after injections and perhaps for a few weeks after surgical implants.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Lip Augmentation?
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications. You can have allergic reactions to implants as we've described above or allergic reaction to anesthesia.

You can experience bleeding or an implant that hardens, which may require removal. You also risk infection or perhaps even nerve damage in some cases. It's very important that you discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to surgery and that you make your doctor aware of any existing medical conditions which may cause further complications.

Sources:
http://www.surgery.org/consumers/procedures/head/lip-augmentation
http://www.lipaugmentation.com/surgery_day.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/lip_augmentation/page2.htm
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