Health

HealthWatch: Laser Treatment For Cellulite

Results Last 6 Months Longer Than With Similar Devices

NEW YORK (CBS) ― More than 90 percent of women battle some amount of unsightly cellulite and getting rid of it isn't easy. But now, a revolutionary and painless procedure is helping to reduce its appearance so skin looks smooth once again.

CBS 2 HD got a first-hand look at how it works.

Aneish Lewin said she can't stand her cellulite.

"I for one have cellulite all over my legs and I will not wear shorts bathing suits, anything that's going to show my legs," patient Lewin said.

"I'm 5-foot-9 and I have very long legs and I would love to show them."

Her valiant efforts to get rid of it just haven't worked.

"I went as far as using coffee grinds and a rolling pin," Lewin said.

So now she's in the office of Dr. Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas to try a new laser for cellulite reduction.

It's called "accent" and it uses radiofrequency energy applied to the skin's surface.

"It then penetrates into the tissue and tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite as well as wrinkles that are on the skin's surface," Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas said.

Each treatment with the device, which is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, is quick and easy.

"All that's required is to put a little bit of baby oil on the skin so that the hand piece of the device will glide over the skin very easily and smoothly," Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas said.

And it's completely painless.

"There will be a little bit of warmth felt by the patient, but certainly not pain," Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas said.

Doctors who use the accent technique say results last six months longer than those from similar devices on the market. This has to do with deeper penetration of the radiofrequency waves.

There is no downtime after the procedure. Patients can have it on their lunch hour and go right back to work.

"It was like a massage," Lewin said.

She said she saw results after just one session.

"Well, before when I would sit down and I could see the cellulite appear on the side. Like right now, I can't see it," Lewin said.

Although treatments can make a big difference, cellulite is tough to prevent since it's mostly genetic. Make sure to stay hydrated, quit smoking and maintain good muscle tone through exercise -- so it's appearance may be less noticeable.

Most doctors recommend between four to six sessions for best results. Each session costs between $750 and $1,000. 

 

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