Cellulite Treatment
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Tchabo MedSpa
Medical Spa & Cosmetic-Laser Specialist located in Arlington, VA
Cellulite is more common than you know: Approximately 90% of all women have cellulite, regardless of age or body type. Completely getting rid of cellulite can prove difficult, but Dr. Jean-Gilles Tchabo of Tchabo Care Obstetrics & Gynecology, in Arlington, Virginia, offers several successful and minimally invasive tools in the battle of the bulge.
Cellulite Treatment Q & A
What is cellulite and who is at risk of having it?
Quite simply, cellulite is fat pressing up against connective tissue, which is what causes the lumpy appearance. Cellulite usually appears in the thighs, abdominal area, upper arms and flank, and can be found in women of all body types, from skinny to obese. In fact, because the connective tissue structures between men and women are different, as are the number of fat layers -- women have more -- 90% of women have some amount of cellulite, while only 10% of men have the condition.
Cellulite also appears with more frequency as women age and estrogen levels drop: The drop in estrogen affects blood flow, collagen and more, which all impact fat cells.
Other causes of cellulite are:
- obesity
- nutrition
- dehydration
- genetics
- lack of exercise
- skin thickness and tone
How does Dr. Tchabo treat cellulite?
Dr. Tchabo provides minimally invasive methods of reducing the appearance of cellulite. These procedures, which include Icon and Smartlipo™, are light-therapy protocols that don’t involve making any large incisions, which leads to a lower risk of complications, such as bleeding, infections, and tissue damage.
Dr. Tchabo is happy to discuss the different treatment options based on the level of the cellulite.
How do Icon and SmartLipo treatments work?
Icon™ and SmartLipo involve placing a tiny cannula and laser fiber into the skin in targeted areas. This allows energy to reach under the skin and destroy fat cells, which are then suctioned out. The damage this energy causes helps stimulate collagen production, which leads to healthier and smoother skin in the treated area.
With SmartLipo, local anesthesia is used and a typical in-office treatment lasts for one to two hours. Afterward, patients may experience some swelling or bruising, which is addressed with a compression garment, but normal activities can be resumed within a day or two.
When will I see results and how long do they last?
With SmartLipo, most patients see progressive results starting as soon as a week after the treatment and continuing for several months after treatment. Since fat cells are permanently destroyed in the treated area, results can be long-lasting. Overall results vary depending on the person, but Dr. Tchabo will share recommendations for achieving longer-lasting success, such as diet and exercise plans.
