Lisa Zdinak, MD

Acoustic wave therapy is the
newest approach for reducing cellulite. It makes use of acoustic pulses
that create pressure waves to treat cellulite.

There are two major anatomical changes that give rise to the
dimples of cellulite. The first change is the hardening and contraction
of the fibrous collagen tissue that holds back the fat. The
contraction results in the dimpled appearance that characterizes
cellulite. Additionally, the contraction leads to a blockage of the
blood vessels and the lymphatic system that drains metabolic waste away
from the skin and its supporting structures. The decreased circulation
further hardens the septae and the lymphatic blockage leads to thick,
swollen appearing skin.

The second major cause of cellulite is the protrusion of fat
cells through the damaged fibers into the lower layer of the skin known
as the reticular dermis. This protrusion results in worsening of the
dimpling and further damage to the collagen supporting layer in a
viscous cycle.

Acoustic waves have been used in medicine for decades, but
the skin smoothing capabilities of acoustic wave therapy were discovered
by chance. Doctors using acoustic wave therapy to treat torn hamstring
muscles in female athletes noticed that the women kept requesting
additional treatment sessions even after their injuries were resolved.
The women subsequently admitted that they wanted to continue the
acoustic wave therapy because their thighs were smoother with less
dimpling and improved skin quality. The acoustic wave therapy was
fixing their cellulite!

Clinics in Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand
are reporting an impressive 98% success rate using acoustic waves to
treat cellulite with a significant long-term increase of skin
elasticity, new collagen formation, and an optical improvement in skin
texture with results lasting 6 to 12 months before limited maintenance
sessions are required.

The acoustic wave device works by creating rapid pulsations
on the skin surface, while sending pressure waves to the deeper regions
where cellulite develops.

The vibrating pressure waves stretch the stiffened
connective tissue fibers and restores the natural elasticity of the
skin. Collagen production is stimulated and the supporting fibrous layer
that holds back the invading fat lobules becomes stronger, giving rise
to visibly smoother skin.

The treatment session takes approximately 30 minutes.
Ultrasound conducting gel is applied to the area to be treated. Next,
the acoustic wand is smoothly passed over the skin surface to deliver a
powerful, vibrating massage [imagine 100 Swedish masseuses treating the
area at the same time]. The procedure is quick, painless, and there is
no down time. Noticeable improvement typically occurs between the third
and fourth treatment. Patients are typically treated twice per week for
six weeks [although once a week for twelve weeks is also a valid
treatment option]. Treatment time is approximately fifteen minutes per
treatment area [treatment area = back of thighs, front of thighs, side
of thighs, buttocks, upper arms, etc.]. Patients may wish to have a
maintenance session once every three months after completing the
program.

The treatment can be performed on all of the areas that are
prone to dimples, including the buttocks, thighs, arms, and tummy.

Thermage sweet spot is loose skin after pregnancy.  That being said have a look at the before and afters to see the best possible results to try to determine if you indeed are a candidate.  Or of course seek a free consultation.  Dont forget every before and after of every procedure is merely a guide showing you the best possible results. In fact the manufacturers all have libraries of pictures for the doctors to choose from.  That is why you will often see the same picture at more than one doctor's website.  Then go to the manufacturer's website Thermage and go to the physician locator.  You will see almost 100 providers in New York and the designations, Blue Diamond,  Pinnacle and Black Diamond ( being the highest).  That tells you who has purchased the most consumables to let you know how much experience each office has.   Also note what years those designations were awarded so you can also know how many years experience that office has.  That should give you a great start to getting the best results that your body is capable of.  PS even Black Diamond only means around 15 tips a month, but it also indicates to you the doctor is buying his consumables from Thermage not some bootleg tips for $25 putting you at risk for an inadequate or even dangerous outcome. 

Acoustic Wave therapy is so effective that we no longer offer Thermage for cellulite.  Acoustic wave is faster, around 70% less expensive than Thermage and more effective.  We still believe Thermage is your best choice for loose skin, but for cellulite its Acoustic Wave Therapy

There is absolutely no down time after acoustic wave therapy.  It is the gold standard for cellulite in europe and extremely effective.  All the patients love the treatment and their results