Endermologie is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for cellulite. Studies have shown that a regimen of 14-28 weekly treatments results in a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite, with monthly treatments required thereafter to maintain results. Treatments generally last about 30 minutes, and since the pressure of the machine can be adjusted to the patient’s comfort level, feel like a deep tissue massage. Minimal bruising is possible, but most patients report feeling relaxed or energized after a session.
To understand how endermologie works, it is first necessary to understand what cellulite is. When fat cells within the subcutaneous layer of the skin expand too much, they apply pressure to the collagen fibers that make up the connective tissue around them. The collagen fibers bend, which pulls the surface of the skin into a dimple, causing the characteristic appearance of cellulite. Cellulite affects women more than men, and is resistant to diet and exercise. Even liposuction cannot remove cellulite, because the procedure targets deeper fat within the body. Connective tissue under the skin makes it difficult for the surgeon to effectively remove the cellulite and leave a smooth appearance.
Endermologie removes cellulite through compression and kneading. The machine consists of two rollers with low-pressure suction that is moved firmly over the problem areas. Each time the rollers come together, the skin is forced into a fold, squeezing the subcutaneous fat cells and slightly compressing them. The vigorous massaging action of the skin folding also stretches the collagen fibers in the connective tissue, loosening their hold on the surface of the skin. The combination of these two major actions results in the reduction of dimpling and puckering of the outer skin. Endermologie also increases blood flow to the treated area, which stimulates the drainage of accumulated fluid that also contribute to the puffy look.
Besides increased effectiveness, endermologie’s advantage over liposuction is the fact that it is non-invasive. The entire procedure is performed outside of the body, and the skin is never penetrated. This virtually eliminates the risk of scarring and infection that comes with traditional surgery, and also eliminates the need for anesthesia and recovery time. This procedure should only be performed by a certified endermologist who is a medical doctor; thus, it is not advised for and nurses and technicians to perform the procedure without a doctor present.
The most important thing to remember is that the entire treatment regimen must be completed. Results are usually noticed after the sixth treatment and gradually get more and more dramatic as the treatments progress. For the best possible results, a proper diet and exercise routine should be in progress before, during, and after treatment, and monthly maintenance sessions are required after the regimen is finished. Endermologie is not a weight-loss tool. In fact, doctors have reported that patients already at their target weight have the best results.