The 7 Things You Need To Know About Cellulite Lasers
Lasers are becoming the go-to in the beauty world and naturally cellulite lasers are no exception.
There are laser treatments for anything from wrinkles to acne to unwanted hair to regretful tattoos, and anywhere in between.
But if lasers aren’t your thing, no need to fret.
There are plenty of other ways to get rid of cellulite and many of them are natural and totally doable.
Check out this article that goes through 17 different cellulite treatments, ranging from the most simple to the most extreme.
Ok, now that you’re caught up with all the various treatment plans out there, let’s get back to our topic of the super hi-tech lasers, since that’s probably what you’re curious about.
Lasers are nothing short of mind-blowing but also slightly terrifying at the same time.
They are some women’s BFFs and others greatest fear.
Quick story time…
Rewind back to my early college days of constant pool parties complete with a “sun’s out buns out” mentality.
This was all fine and dandy other than the sheer torture of shaving, waxing, plucking, basically any way to induce more pain on my body for the sake of dolphin smooth skin.
Because god forbid a stray hair was spotted in unchartered territory from the sun’s unforgiving rays of light.
Laser hair removal was all the rage at the time, but also very new.
New is exciting and exudes seemingly endless possibilities but new also means uncertainty and risk and change. 3 of my least favorite things.
So, everyone was chomping at the bit to try out laser hair removal and step into a perfectly hair free world until the end of time.
Finally, one of my closest friends went to LaserAway, because if it’s ritzy and celebrities do it then all systems go.
So we bombarded her with a million questions: Does it hurt? Can you feel it? Does it smell? How does it work? Can you go into the sun after? Are you a naked mole rat? Can I touch you? Does it last forever? Are you officially broke now?
You know… all the standard questions.
She raved about the results and gave enough info that I literally went the next day and bought a full treatment plan.
Unfortunately, since everyone is different, my results weren’t the same as hers.
I saw some improvement but it’s more like laser hair reduction rather than removal. This is a key moral of the story that we’re going to revisit later.
With that being said, there’s definite promise and potential with laser treatments.
But you have to know before you go.
So, let’s take your hand and walk you through cellulite lasers, the good, the bad and the ugly.
The Truth About Cellulite Lasers
Time to get down to the nitty-gritty of these fancy futuristic machines.
1. What Are They And How Do They Work?
Image via Women’s Health
There are a handful of different cellulite lasers out there and more will be added to that list as time and technology progress.
However, the one we’re going to focus on is Cellulaze.
Cellulaze is FDA-approved and tops the charts as the most common and effective cellulite laser.
This procedure works by inserting a small laser tube (about the size of a tip of a pen) underneath the skin.
The heat from the laser cuts and releases the septae or fibrous bands that cause the dimpling of the skin aka cellulite.
Fat is also melted and liquefied during the process.
The procedure improves the quality and thickness of your skin and stimulates the production of new elastin and collagen.
This leads to smoother, healthier skin.
At the end of the procedure, the liquefied fat is gently pressed out.
An interesting fact about Cellulaze that’s different from most laser treatments is you only need one procedure.
Image via Daily Mail
2. Who Are The Best Candidates?
The best candidates and thus best results are women with mild to moderate cellulite on their thighs, hips, and buttocks and who aren’t significantly overweight.
Also, the individuals must understand the time commitments with this treatment.
It’s not intended or advised for people with skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis or with medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
3. Does It Hurt?
Some clinics offer general anesthesia during this treatment but the vast majority of patients and the standard protocol is just local anesthesia.
So instead of going completely under, just a certain part of the body is numbed from any sensations.
Pain levels vary depending on the person and treatment area.
Some experience a nippy feeling from the laser and some pinching and needles from the actual numbing process.
And others feel virtually nothing and rank the pain level as a 1 out of 10.
In any case, the initial pain during the procedure is considered a mild discomfort with light pressure.
The entire session lasts about 1 – 2 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area.
4. What’s The Recovery Time Like?
Patients may go back to regular activities after a few days to a week of downtime.
You’ll be instructed to wear a compression garment for about the next 4-6 weeks to help with the recovery process.
You can expect to see some bruising, swelling, and pain of the treatment area for about a week or so after.
As far as scarring goes, the incisions are very small.
It’s said with proper care that scars will be hardly noticeable after you’ve healed.
5. What Are The Expected Results And Are They Permanent?
It’s been studied that Cellulaze increases skin’s thickness by 25% and elasticity by 29%.
Thicker, more elastic skin helps smooth the surface and reduces the look of cellulite.
Reports say that those with mild cellulite have about 50% overall significant improvement and less for individuals with severe cellulite.
A whopping 93% of Cellulaze patients say they’re very satisfied or satisfied with the results.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that the results last for one year, potentially a little longer.
However, you’re expected to maintain proper diet and exercise to prolong your results.
6. What’s The Pocket Book Damage?
This cellulite laser treatment isn’t a casual expense.
The minimum amount for a treatment session is $2,500 and goes upwards of $5,000+ depending on your particular situation.
7. Finally, What’s The Bottom Line With Cellulite Lasers?
Cellulite lasers are promising but they are a far cry from a permanent cellulite solution.
Going back to our moral of the story…these lasers need to be rebranded as a cellulite reduction plan, not complete cellulite removal.
If you have moderate cellulite, 2 to 5 grand to spare, and a few weeks of recovery time at your disposal, you may be a good candidate for a cellulite laser treatment.
Once you’re all healed, you can see some significant improvements with the appearance of your cellulite.
However, the blissful effects only last for about a year, then it’s back to bumpy behinds.
When you tally up the overall cost, down time, and temporary results, it really isn’t worth it.
You’re much better off with more natural solutions like diet, exercise, massage, exfoliation, and cellulite creams.
All of these treatment plans work well and won’t break the bank or cause any unnecessary pain or recovery time.
So, save your money and go buy a cellulite cream and cute new outfit instead.
