Dr. Ayham Al-Ayoubi
Cellulite. The bane of the modern woman’s life. Orange peel skin has become an affliction that many women place high on their list of concerns. It can strike at any time and at any age and now girls in their teens are as susceptible as their older, fuller figured counterparts. Just as we had begun to succumb to the idea of cellulite’s inevitable existence, a revolutionary new machine has been introduced to the fat-reduction market. It’s hard to believe that even the most severe of cases can be eradicated permanently, but a few short months ago, Dr. Ayham Al-Ayoubi introduced the first Cellulaze laser treatment machine to his Harley Street clinic in London to do just this. He spoke to Style.com Arabia about the treatment and dispelled a few cellulite myths along the way.
Before you tell us about the new treatment, what is cellulite exactly and how does it form?
Generally there are two types of fat in the body; one directly below the surface of the skin that is rich in blood capillaries and is formed from very closely knit, highly compact cells between which lies fibrous tissue, this is called super facial fat. The second type is much deeper, the cells are more interspersed and there is no interconnecting fibrous tissue, this is called deep loose fat. Women have more of the first kind of fat than the second which explains why cellulite is a female rather than a male problem. Men have a tendency to not get cellulite even if they are significantly overweight whereas females can get cellulite from as young as 13 or 15.
Is there any truth in the idea that cellulite is caused by toxins and pollutants in our food and surrounding environment? Why does it seem like more and more women are suffering?
No, there is no connection between an increase in pollutants in our contemporary environment and an increase in cellulite. It’s always been here, it’s just that things like high definition digital photography and Photoshop have made us more aware of it. It’s about fluctuating weight. When a woman gains weight, the fat cells directly beneath the surface of the skin expand and when she loses that weight, the connecting tissue draws the fat cells closer together again which causes pitting and results in the orange peel appearance.
There are a range of topical treatments available on the market. What are your views on those?
Over the last 100 years experts have run endless tests and tried to develop a number of treatments but they’ve never culminated in a product with visible long-lasting results. The different creams, massages, ultra-sound, ultra-shape, infrared even the tri-active laser or the radio waves in the VelaShape treatment only heat the surface cells. This tones the skin and improves its overall texture but it actually only diminishes the appearance of cellulite by about 20 to 30% as it doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
The creators of Smart Lipo discovered that the laser frequency is absorbed by both the fat cells and the fibrous tissue and so they developed the new Cellulaze laser treatment. Under local anesthesia, a tiny incision is made on the area that’s to be treated; more often than not this will be the thigh, backside, or legs. Unlike normal lipo, we don’t use knives or needles. A thin tube is inserted and directed downwards to liquefy and reduce the fat and cut the fibrous connections with the laser. The laser is then directed upwards to heat the tissue from the inside out. This heat increases collagen production which smoothes and tightens the surface skin resulting in an immediate 80 to 85% improvement in the overall appearance.
Are there any side effects and how many sessions are needed?
As with all lasers, there’s always a risk of burning the skin if the doctor is not as skilled as he should be. This machine however has been developed to monitor the temperature of the liquid fat and automatically switches off if the temperature gets too high. No matter how fast or slow the doctor moves, the machine emits the same amount of energy giving a more even result. And because the laser instantly causes the blood to clot, there’s no chance of internal bleeding. One session takes 15 to 30 minute depending on the size of the area and how advanced the cellulite actually is.
So there are stages of cellulite?
Yes there are three different stages. Level one is usually very minor and is receptive to other types of treatment such as VelaShape or VelaSmooth which is why I wouldn’t advise using the Cellulaze for this type of patient.
Levels two and three can be divided down further in to three more stages for each. From one session of the Cellulaze, a patient can go from a level three to a level two and from a level two to a level one.
Is it suitable for everyone and more importantly, is it painful?
Firstly, because the treatment is done under local anesthesia, it’s great for women who have a problem with general anesthetic and as it doesn’t cause bleeding it’s ideal for those who suffer from diabetes. Thirdly, as the incision is done in the exact area of treatment, there is no interference in the metabolic, hormonal or circulatory systems. So no risk factor. More importantly, nerve endings do not absorb this kind of laser, so there’s no risk of loss of feeling or sensitivity.
It’s not painful and the patient can carry on with her normal day to day activities as soon as the treatment’s over. She might be a little bit bruised due to the pressure applied to the skin when the excess fat, blood and fluids are pushed out of the incision but these will fade after two to three days. It’s best to wear loose, light clothing to avoid discomfort of the treated area and even though you can go about your usual routine, it’s best not to go to the gym until a week after treatment. The beach should also be avoided for around three weeks.
For more information visit www.lmaclinic.co.uk
