Non-Invasive, Safe and Effective Cellulite Treatment
Shockwave (EPAT/AWT/ Acoustic wave/ ESWT) is a safe, non-invasive, FDA-approved form of treatment that is used for the reduction of cellulite and other skin and body benefits.
Shockwave Therapy Possible Benefits:
- Non-Invasive
- No Anesthesia Required
- No Risk of Infection
- No Scarring
- No Downtime
- Over 80% Patient Satisfaction
- Cost Effective
- Faster, Easier Healing
What is EPAT/AWT Shockwave Therapy?
EPAT is also known as Shockwave Therapy and Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT). Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process. Damaged tissue gradually regenerates and eventually heals.
Shockwave Therapy was originally developed to treat injuries and chronic pain in joints and muscles. However, it reportedly improved mobility, healing and people also saw a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. This non-invasive procedure represents a proven treatment option for a broad range of conditions and is extremely versatile. It is commonly used to treat cellulite, joint and musculoskeletal pain, erectile dysfunction, to promote smoother results after liposuction or other procedures, and more.
ShockWave is used to treat cellulite wherever it appears on the body – especially on the outer and inner thigh area and buttocks. ShockWave is one of our most powerful techniques specifically for cellulite and works by sending pressure waves to the lower layers of tissue through a series of acoustic pulses that stimulate fat breakdown, collagen synthesis, and lymphatic drainage.
Research Shows Shockwave Therapy May:
- Increase skin elasticity
- Stimulate blood and lymph circulation
- Increase membrane permeability
- Remodel collagen within the skin
- Improve skin tone, elasticity and skin thickness by collagen stimulation
- Decreasing the subcutaneous fat cell size by lipolysis, and thus decreasing the fat pockets causing cellulite
- Improve local circulation and lymphatic drainage to decrease swelling and inflammation
- Stimulate healing and collagen production
What is cellulite?
Cellulite describes a condition where lumps and dimples appear on the surface of the skin, commonly referred to as “orange-peel” and “cottage-cheese”.
Cellulite is not a medical condition that must treated, but it is a condition that affects the aesthetics of an individual. It affects both men and women, although it is more common in females because the fat distribution and connective tissue are different than in males.
In cellulite, weak connective tissue fibers cause bulging of the septa of the subcutaneous adipose tissue – primarily in the thighs, upper arms, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. This causes dimpling of the skin surface. Cellulite is found almost exclusively in women since men have a different connective tissue structure in adipose tissue. In overweight persons and/or those with weak connective tissue, cellulite can already manifest in young adulthood; with increasing age, varying degrees of cellulite are found in as much as 80 percent of women.
What causes cellulite?
Cellulite is just fat beneath the skin that appears lumpy because it’s pushing against connective tissue and puckering – that’s why over 80% of women have some, whether they’re heavy or thin.
Some factors that predispose you for cellulite are genetic biotype, heredity, ethnic background, body weight, age, hormonal changes, poor diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity. Recently, inflammation has been implicated as a cause. Research shows it can also contribute to the formation of cellulite on women of all ages.
No one really knows the exact cause of cellulite.
The placement of fatty deposits and connective tissue in women are aligned parallel to each other, making the fatty deposit to protrude between layers of connective tissue. Placement of fatty deposits and connective tissue are in a criss-cross fashion in men. This is a possible reason why the appearance of cellulite is more common in women.
Another theory is that women undergoing menopause may experience a dip in blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin. Lower supply of blood flow means that there is less oxygen in the area, causing lower production of collagen.
Intrinsic aging may also be a contributing factor for the appearance of cellulite. Aging causes skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. This increases the chance of cellulite forming especially on the thighs and buttocks.
Shockwave Therapy: Effective treatment for cellulite
Shockwave therapy is device used by many disciplines in medicine such as orthopedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, and even veterinary medicine. It has been used by healthcare providers for many years to treat chronic pain and to restore mobility. It is an effective non-surgical treatment to speed up recovery for people suffering from acute or chronic pain.
Other than treating chronic pain, ShockWave Therapy has been studied and shown to be effective for cellulite treatment. Undergoing shockwave therapy disrupts the fibrous tissue responsible for the uneven appearance on the skin. By repeatedly applying constant pressure on the affected area, it improves the stimulation of blood flow and lymph circulation.
The increase in the exchange of blood lipids stimulates the metabolism of fatty deposits. In addition, the treatment triggers the skin to produce more collagen and elastin fibers.
Clinically validated Cellulite Shockwave Therapy is one of today’s top non-surgical solutions for cellulite, and it’s available right now in the comfort of our office at Contemporary Health Center.
If you are ready to reduce the appearance of cellulite, Shockwave Therapy may be the fast, powerful solution you’ve been seeking. Schedule your consultation today with our highly skilled, experienced, and compassionate therapy providers. 239.561.9191
How is Schockwave Therapy Performed?
ShockWave Therapy (or extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)) targets fat fibers with powerful sound waves in much the same way it’s been breaking up kidney stones for years. Our highly skilled practitioners use an FDA cleared soundwave device to direct vibrating waves against your fibrous tissue, shattering it, so your body can safely expel it.
First, you will have a consultation with our shockwave therapy provider. During your consultation, you will discuss your medical history, current cellulite concerns, medications you are taking and your expectations. Our cellulite therapy provider will answer questions you may have and recommend treatment options, pricing, and discuss a protocol that is right for you.
On the day of your procedure, you will lie down on a comfortable treatment table. Your dimpled treatment area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Your specialist will then administer the Shockwave Therapy device over your treatment area. A typical session lasts no longer than 15-20 minutes.
Our shockwave is delivered by placing a probe up against the areas of cellulite, as it passes over the area it emits radial waves through the skin. The treated cells are then flushed away through the body’s natural removal process and continue for up to 3 months.
How long is a Treatment Session?
A typical EPAT/AWT Shockwave Therapy session takes anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes. First, we apply a conducting gel to the area you want treated. Then we move the acoustic wand over the skin’s surface, administering a strong, vibrating pulse. Pressure, length of session, and intensity will depend on your particular treatment areas, severity of your cellulite dimpling, and therapy tolerance.
Do I need anesthesia for the therapy?
ShockWave Therapy is done in a comfortable treatment room in the office without any need of anesthetic or pain medication.
Is Shockwave Therapy painful?
The providers at Contemporary Health Center minimize the discomfort of the treatment by skillfully manipulating the tissue and the direction of the pressure wave pulses. For most areas, such as the thighs and buttocks, the discomfort is minimal. You will feel a strong vibration during the procedure, but there won’t be any major discomfort.
The tenderness felt during or just after completion of the treatment may be moderate, but typically passes in 48 hours or less. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce the level of discomfort until it passes.
What will I experience during treatment session?
The treatment itself is quite noisy, making a loud knocking sound. We suggest you bring headphones to block out the annoying sound. You will lie down on the treatment table and relax.
What are the potential risks of Shockwave Therapy?
The most common risks are temporary, such as bruising of the treated area, pinpoint bleeding of the skin, and superficial spider veins. Be sure to discuss all medications and health conditions during your initial consultation, so you can get the most out of your treatment and minimize your risk of side effects.
Are there side effects?
Unlike surgery or medications, Shockwave Therapy causes few or no side effects. You will feel a strong vibration during the procedure, but there won’t be any major discomfort. Afterward, you may experience slight discomfort, redness, hematomas, skin lesions with cortisone use,
bruising, swelling, or sensitivity that will resolve on its own. Sensitivity and bruising may last up to 10 days before resolving. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help reduce the level of discomfort until it passes.
Is there any downtime?
No, you can go back to work and daily life immediately.
Although there is no downtime after a treatment, it is recommended to take it easy for approximately 48 hours afterwards.
When will I see results?
You may see some visible results after 1 session. Most patients, though, will see visible results after 4-5 treatments. It often takes 6 or more treatments to achieve more dramatic changes to the condition. Full benefits, though, will take up to 3 months to develop as the damaged tissue is expelled and new healthier tissue develops.
Am I a candidate for Cellulite Shockwave Therapy?
Because shockwave is so safe and non-invasive, most patients with any degree of cellulite are good candidates. However, there are some that are not candidates for this therapy.
Contraindications or precautions:
The following factors may be contraindications for Shockwave Therapy:
being under 18 years of age
having an infection
having open growth plates or metal pins
receiving treatment for a malignant tumor
are managing nerve or circulation disorders (neuropathy or vasovagal sensistivty)
taking anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications
Coagulation Disorders (hemophilia)
Use of Anticoagulants, especially Marcumar
Thrombosis
Have a Heart condition
Have a pacemaker or defribillator
Tumor Diseases, Carcinoma Patients
Pregnancy
Cortisone Therapy up to 6 weeks before EPAT Treatment
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
Powerful sound waves are used to stimulate microcirculation within the fat layer, increasing the metabolic function of the area. Free fatty acids and glycerol are released from the fat cells and sit in the intercellular space. Natural metabolic systems then remove these waste products from the body. At the same time, the sound waves stimulate connective tissue giving the skin a firmer tone and reducing dimples on the skin’s surface.
What is really happening during the ESWT process is that shock waves cause micro-tears in the connective tissues while breaking down the fatty deposits (cellulite). When the minor tearing (injury) occurs, the body automatically increases the amount of collagen to the affected area as a means of healing. When the collagen goes to work and restores/heals tendons and tissue, the treated/injured tendons and tissue are replaced with a denser, rejuvenated frame (collagen fibers) and from there, firmer and tighter tendons and tissue. From the outside, the visible result is lifted, firmer, smoother skin.
The shock waves are transmitted via a handheld treatment device which delivers a series of acoustic (similar to sound) waves directly into the deep connective tissue of the affected area. Acoustic waves generate strong, energized pulses that send vibrations directly to the skin and tissue.
What areas can be improved with Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave is most often used to counter cellulite wherever it appears on the body – especially on the outer and inner thigh area and buttocks.
How many sessions are commonly needed?
This depends on the severity of your cellulite. Your provider will assess your cellulite and estimate the number of treatments you may need to achieve the level of reduction you desire.
Some patients may achieve results they desire after only a single series of 6 treatments. This is highly individualized therapy, though and results will be assessed throughout therapy.
A typical treatment series usually starts at 6-12 treatments performed 2x per week for 3-6 weeks. For optimal results, especially for those with severe cellulite, 2 or 3 series may be required with a total of up to 18 treatments.
Those with light cellulite may choose to start with 1 series of 6 treatments and assess the results they have achieved before determining if further treatment is desirable.
Those with moderate cellulite may desire to begin with 1 series but may need 2 series to achieve the desired results.
In most cases, those with severe cellulite will want to plan for 2 series (12 treatments). Then, after the 2nd series, assess the cellulite reduction.
What results will I get? Is there any guarantee that Shockwave will work for me?
Cellulite is a tough issue and can affect anyone of any weight and age. This is one of very few treatments available for reducing cellulite and we feel confident that it is possible to get amazing results. That’s exciting to us and our patients!
Each individual will respond to treatment differently and it is impossible to know how much your body will respond.
We cannot make any guarantees concerning results. You should decide for yourself whether your cellulite warrants giving this treatment a try and assess what results you are seeing throughout your therapy.
We can guarantee that we will thoroughly deliver the appropriate amount of acoustic pulse waves at the power strengths that have been studied and found beneficial to reducing cellulite.
A success rate for achieving noticeable improvement in smoother, firmer skin with less visible cellulite is as high as 75% or more for patients treated. The results have been documented in extensive scientific case studies. One study, published on PubMed.gov, states that “More than 90% of the subjects would undergo the treatment again and 89% were satisfied with the results. No serious adverse events were reported”.
How long do the results last? Long term results
The results are long lasting and create a change to the tissue. Although how much an individual tends to develop cellulite is impossible to determine, research seems to suggest that results should last 2+ years and may even be more permanent.
Other benefits of Shockwave Therapy:
Along with treating cellulite, the therapy will also help to stimulate collagen production, rejuvenate connective tissue, improve elasticity of the skin and give skin an overall firmer, smoother and tighter appearance.
Aftercare:
- Drink 2 – 3 liters of water daily, keep a large bottle with you at all times and infuse with lemons and limes for flavor. This will flush out the damaged tissue and dead fat cells out of your body through the lymphatic system.
- Reduce your intake of caffeine.
- Exercise vigorously after treatment to help stimulate lymphatic drainage (the body’s process of the removal of fat).
- No ice, aspiring or ibuprofen, or anti-inflammatory medications during your treatment series. These products interfere with the healing process that is intentionally triggered by the treatment. Use Tylenol or acetaminophen ONLY, if necessary, to treat headaches or discomfort.
- Avoid hot baths or showers, steam or heat treatments for 24 hours.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for 48 – 72 hours.
What is my recommended therapy series and frequency:
Your provider will give you an idea of how many treatments you may need to achieve your goals or maximum benefits. Because each individual will respond to treatment differently and it is impossible to know how much their body will respond, we cannot make any guarantees concerning results. You should decide for yourself whether your cellulite warrants giving this treatment a try and assess what results you are seeing throughout your therapy.
MILD CELLULITE – 1 series
2x per week for 3 weeks, then assess results and continue treatment if necessary or further results are desired. It will take 12 weeks from the date of your last treatment to assess final results.
MODERATE CELLULITE – 1-2 series
2x per week for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, assess results and determine if another series may be beneficial. More significant cellulite may require more treatments to deliver satisfying results. It will take 12 weeks from the date of your last treatment to assess final results.
SEVERE CELLULITE – 2-3 series
2x per week for 6-9 weeks. It will take 12 weeks from the date of your last treatment to assess final results. Wait 12 weeks after your last treatment, assess the final results and discuss further treatments to further positive results or explore other more invasive treatment options if necessary.
Some opt for starting with a series of 2x per week for 3 weeks. Full benefits will take up to 3 months to develop as the damaged tissue is expelled and new healthier tissue develops.
What is an area?
Treatment areas are defined below. The treatment is designed to deliver sufficient pulses that trigger healing and stimulate regrowth of healthier, more flexible and well circulated tissue to each treatment area during each treatment. Multiple areas may be treated during 1 longer appointment if you book the appointment for the areas you would like to treat.
Back of upper arms
From below shoulder at underarm to above elbow
Abdomen
From under bra crease to above pubic bone
Buttocks
From sacral bone to crease under buttocks
*Hips are a separate area
Flanks
On the sides of the abdomen from under the bra line to above the hip bone
Hips/Love Handles
On the sides from the buttocks crease to the top of the hip bone
Thighs
Front OR back from above knees to under buttocks crease
*Front and back of thighs are 2 areas and treatment will take 30-45 minutes.
Skincare products that work with Shockwave to reduce cellulite:
SkinCeuticals SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate
Restore firm skin
To address stubborn areas on the body, such as the thighs, abdomen and backside, you need SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate. This firming and smoothing Cryo-Fluid treatment for the abdomen, thighs and arms has the power to help tighten and enhance skin that has become loose or uneven, minimizing the appearance of dimples and cellulite. The intensely moisturizing formula features peptides to help stimulate healthy collagen production and support the skin’s natural repair processes. It also soothes on contact to relieve irritation from environmental stressors, making it perfect for use directly after sun exposure.
Diminishes the appearance of cellulite with peptides
Improves the appearance of problem areas in as little as eight weeks
Creates a soft, supple texture
Try SkinCeuticals Body Tightening Concentrate, your body care solution.
Factors that contribute to cellulite
Loose connective tissue or dimpled bumpy skin often occurring as a result of giving birth, surgery and weight loss. Other factors that influence how much cellulite a person has and how visible it is include: poor diet, slow metabolism, age, lack of physical activity, hormone changes, dehydration, total body fat, genetics, as well as the skin’s thickness and color.
Cellulite and aging
With age, the body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, (fibers that make up ligaments and tendons, cartilage, skin and bone tissue) which give connective tissue strength, flexibility and elasticity, decreases. This causes the skin to dimple, sag, stretch, and lose its ability to snap back after stretching. The bands lose their elasticity and become more rigid and tense making cellulite more common with age. The skin also bruises and tears more easily and takes longer to heal.
Cellulite and Weight gain?
Enlarged fat cells bulge upwards toward the skin reducing the elasticity of the surrounding connective tissue, lymphatic flow and blood circulation, which leads to the undesirable dimpling or bumpy appearance.
Cost of cellulite reduction Shockwave Therapy:
Prices are for each single treatment area
1 series of 6 sessions for 1 area – $1950
2 series of 12 sessions for 1 area– $3600
3 series of 18 sessions for 1 area– $4950
Maintenance session for 1 area- $300 for each maintenance session after a series has been completed
1 session: $450 for individual sessions without treatment with a series