The Advanced Dermatology & Laser Center now offers cellulite treatment with Silhouette and Endermologie Liponic Sculpting. We are proud to be the first facility in northern california to offer both of these state-of-the art techniques for treating cellulite.


Cellulite Treatment versus The New Liposuction, Which Is Best? --by Robert M. Peppercorn M.D
Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon

Cellulite: Swollen fat cell chambers and reduced connective tissue elasticity cause depressions at connective tissue anchor points. Healthy Skin: Lower fat cell chamber volumes combine with elastic tissue fibers result in smooth, healthy looking skin.

During the past several weeks, I have been asked numerous questions about the newly introduced cellulite removal processes that are now available. The biggest question, of course is, Is it comparable to liposuction? Basically, there is no comparison between liposuction and the new cellulite treatments. We should first discuss cellulite and what it is. Cellulite is the dimpling appearance that occurs around the outer thighs, buttocks and other body areas where large areas of fat come into close proximity to the skin. Women are affected by cellulite more than men and one does not have to be heavy to develop this dimpled appearance called cellulite. The tendency to develop cellulite is often hereditary and not always helped by weight loss. The modern theory of cellulite is that the supporting walls underlying the skin called fibrous septae do not hold the skin together in an even manner. This uneven support under the skin results in this irregular bulging and dimpled appearance that bothers so many individuals. No lotion or cream will help cellulite.

The new cellulite treatments were first developed in France and are often referred to as liponic sculpting. These non-invasive and non-surgical techniques involve the use of a high-tech machine that moves over the skin producing a rolling and sucking motion that gradually results in a change in skin texture and appearance where the treatment is applied. The results can be a much smoother and slimmer appearance especially when the treatments are combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

The newest forms of liponic sculpting are called Endermologie and Silhouette. These treatments utilize a high-tech device, a computer program and an experienced technician to perform the therapy. Researchers have found that one to two sessions per week offers the best results. Patients undergoing these refreshing treatments often describe the feeling as being like a deep and relaxing massage. Most people see results after 5 or 6 sessions, but the full course of treatments (13-15 treatments) is required to achieve the best results. The results will vary depending on the age, lifestyle and hormonal status of the individual. Many of our clients are reporting losses of inches from their figures after only 3-4 treatments. For most clients, the results will last for 6 to 18 months. Once a month maintenance treatments are recommended after completion of the sessions. Endermologie or Silhouette treatments can also speed up and improve healing after liposuction. We offer several sessions of liponic sculpting to our liposuction patients as a benefit with their surgery. It is highly recommended that diet and exercise be modified in a way to promote a healthier lifestyle as well. Men have also benefited in such problem areas as love handles and loose chest (pectoral) areas. The sessions are performed while the clients wear special pantyhose in most cases. This allows the apparatus to smoothly glide over the body and ensures optimal hygiene. Unlike liposuction, liponic sculpting does not involve breaking through the skin in any way.

Liposuction, put simply, is the removal of fat through tiny incisions in the skin using long slim tubes called cannulas that are attached to a powerful suction machine. Unlike cellulite treatments, lipoplasty or liposuction results are permanent. The procedure is meant for body contouring and not for treatment of obesity. Localized accumulations of fat which are often inherited can only be removed permanently by the process of liposuction. The tiny scars that are left after the surgery will fade after healing. The total number of fat cells in the body is fairly constant, and once these cells are removed, the body contour changes. If you gain weight after liposuction surgery, it will primarily be distributed to other areas of the body. No longer will fat accumulate first in the treated areas and no longer will they be the last places where weight will be lost. The new liposuction is performed painlessly completely under local anesthesia while the patient is awake. Although most patients prefer to receive a tranquilizer prior to the surgery, some patients prefer to receive no pain or tranquilizing drugs. This newer technique is referred to as tumescent liposuction and has very few risks compared to older surgical methods performed under general anesthesia. Costs for liposuction surgery will vary from doctor to doctor and from location to location. Having a procedure performed under local anesthesia markedly decreases the costs of liposuction. We charge our patients between $2,000 - $2,500 per area to be treated. A typical area would be the lower abdomen or the outer thighs. Costs for the non-invasive cellulite treatment will also vary greatly from office to office. We charge approximately $65-75 per half hour session. When patients sign up for the 15 treatment package the total cost is $910 which brings the average cost per session down to about $60 (in other words, giving one session for free).

If you would like to receive information on the newest non-surgical and non-invasive method of cellulite treatment, please contact us and request information on: Endermologie & Silhouette Liponic Body Sculpting.