Cellulite: Let there be lite

MANILA, Philippines - Cellulite forms when lumpy fat deposits push against the connective tissue under a person’s skin to give it an uneven, “cottage cheese” appearance. In the scheme of things, it is not as frightening as other health conditions. After all, medical experts tell us that while one can die of obesity, cellulite cannot kill.

Still, cellulite remains a bane for thousands of women. It is unsightly and dimples the skin to what is commonly described as an orange-peel appearance. It may obliterate the curves of the knees and ankles so that the leg takes on the shape of the log. And then, of course, there is the discomfort. Certain body positions can cause fat cells to bunch up and press against the skin, resulting in pain.

The bad thing about cellulite is that one does not have to be overweight to get it. Current estimates by various health sites concur that from 80-90 percent of women have some cellulite on their thighs and buttocks. A combination of genetic predisposition, hormones, lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency has been shown to contribute to its appearance. “It’s a fact of female life,” experts tell us. Females are more predisposed to cellulite than men because of their thinner skin. Despite this, we refuse to throw in the towel. There are creams and treatments that lessen the severity of cellulite. Diet, coupled with exercise, has been shown to improve the appearance of fat-dimpled skin, and practitioners of Bikram yoga claim that the exercise promotes lymphatic drainage, thus preventing cellulite or improving it so that it becomes less unsightly.

For the rest of us who are not too conscientious with regular exercise, there are treatments that employ machines and massage. At The Spa on Bonifacio High Street, we tried Velasmooth Pro, a non-invasive body contouring and cellulite reduction treatment. We were told that it is “equipped with the synergy of four technologies in one system.” Applied to problem areas, Velasmooth helps to contour our bodies into a better shape, using light energy and electric current in the form of radio frequency. The device can be used on the hips, abdomen, buttocks, arms, calves, neck, and bra line; and treatments are meant to tighten the skin and improve its texture. Velasmooth is non-invasive, does not require sedation or anesthesia, and eight sessions of the procedure are recommended to achieve optimal results.

The treatment starts with the application of a gel to the problem area before the device is applied to heat the skin with infrared light. Once the skin is warmed, the device employs a gentle suction or vacuuming action to help bi-polar radio frequency reach the deeply buried fat deposits up to 20mm deep. The rationale behind this is that it improves circulation and stimulates metabolic action, thereby causing fat cells to shrink.

The procedure was akin to a thorough and soothing massage and I quickly fell asleep. The trained professional who administered the treatment awakened me after the hour-long treatment, and apart from a slight reddening of my thighs, there was no discomfort or pain. Two Velasmooth treatments are recommended each week for durations of six to eight weeks to achieve optimum results. But even after the first treatment, my skin was already firmer and tighter. And it didn’t seem like this was all just wishful thinking on my part.

For spa-cial people: Choose from a wide array of pampering and contouring programs at The Spa in Eastwood.

However, at P6,000 per session, Velasmooth Pro treatments are not cheap. Thus, it is a good thing that since the facility is celebrating its 15th year, a program called The Spa Privilege Pass entitles members to discounts for Velasmooth and other procedures at its Skin Dermatology & Laser Center; day spa treatments and luxury pampering; and barre3, a workout program that combines the benefits of Pilates, yoga, and ballet. Those who sign up for an annual membership by December 30, 2011 will get additional three months’ access to membership perks. The privilege card comes with discounts and treats from The Spa’s beauty and wellness partners such as Pevonia Botanica, Selvert Thermal, Shiseido, GNC, and others.

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To know more about its privilege cards or wellness, dermatological, laser, and contouring treatments, call The Spa Wellness branch nearest you. Or visit www.thespa.com.ph.