What is Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Question

my friend said acoustic wave therapy will help with arm cellulite.  is this true?

Daryl K. Hoffman, MD · Answer

AWT is a new treatment to smooth the dimpling effect of cellulite. AWT is nonsurgical and noninvasive. It uses acoustic pulses to treat cellulite. Treatments are about a half hour, twice a week for three weeks. Noticeable improvement may occur after three to four treatments but may take longer. There is no cure for cellulite but AWT can help in a majority of cases.

Jack G. Bertolino, MD · Answer

AWT wave forms are faster then sound waves. They enhance blood flow to the area being treated. An example is ED in men and cellulite in women. For mild cellulite it is good. If cellulite is Grade 3-4 opt for other options like Aveli. JB

Lisa Zdinak, MD · Answer

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.

What is Acoustic Wave Therapy?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.