What is cellulite?
Cellulite describes the deposits of dimpled fat found principally on the thighs and buttocks of women. The resulting dimpled or uneven skin is a nagging problem for most women – even those who work hard to keep fit.  

What causes cellulite?
While we can trace the problem to genetics, hormones and lifestyle, localized factors directly responsible for cellulite involve poor circulatory exchanges and stiff connective tissue.

How do poor circulatory exchanges lead to cellulite?
Swelling from lipid accumulation in fat cells exerts pressure on the circulatory system, causing a slowdown both in the intake of nutrients and the drainage of waste products. Poor exchanges lead to a gradual stiffening of the connective tissue, which shortens as it stiffens, pulling the skin down.  At the same time, the clusters of enlarged fat cells pull the skin up. The consequence of this push/pull mechanism results in the dimpled appearance of the skin.

Where does cellulite most commonly occur?
The accumulation of lipids in the fat cells most commonly occurs on legs, buttocks, abdomen and arms.

Who suffers from cellulite?
Cellulite is a problem that primarily affects women; even women who are not overweight and who keep fit and healthy suffer from it.  Although obesity does not cause dimpling, it does become more obvious with weight gain.  More than 80 percent of women have some degree of cellulite.

How does Acoustic Wave Therapy™ work?
AWT™ mechanically vibrates connective tissue in the affected areas of the body, improving the skin’s appearance by

• Causing the connective tissue to stretch, which increases its elasticity;
• Producing localized edema that increases vascularization (the organic process whereby body tissue develops capillaries), ensuring better exchanges to the connective tissue;
• Producing an inflammatory reaction that triggers the release of healing mediators, creating fibroblastic proliferation leading to a new, thickened band of collagen being deposited in the upper and mid portions of the skin.

 How was Acoustic Wave Therapy™ developed?
Physicians have long used acoustic pulses to help patients ease the pain associated with poor circulation and stiff joints and tendons.  Now, with Acoustic Wave Therapy™ (AWT)™, this technology has been adapted to improve the appearance of the skin. 

What results are achieved with the Acoustic Wave Therapy™ program?
Visible firming and smoothing of the skin is evident in before-and-after photos.  Initial clinical study results show that AWT™ patients typically experience:

• Improvement in skin texture
• Improvement in skin elasticity
• Dermal firming

What is the AWT treatment program?
Patients are treated twice per week for three weeks.  Sessions typically last less than a half hour.  Additional treatments are necessary for about 20 percent of patients.  We recommend that patients have a maintenance session once every three months after completing the initial program.

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