It is almost impossible to cope with the “orange peel” on the hips and buttocks through diet or exercise - treating cellulite requires an integrated approach . In the struggle for the beauty of their bodies, modern women use many means, the most progressive and safe of which are hardware methods. Modern hardware cosmetology uses the principles of medical physiotherapy and uses light, sound, electric current, cold and other physical factors to influence the tissues of the human body. One of the most popular hardware methods of figure correction is ultrasound therapy , which helps change the condition of problem areas from the inside.
What is cellulite?
Thanks to popular culture, cellulite is associated with excess weight, however, many slender women also suffer from imperfect skin texture in the thighs and buttocks. But in men, cellulite does not occur even with severe obesity. What explains these phenomena?
Under the skin of every person there is a layer of subcutaneous fat - a kind of energy reserve for the body. The subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis) has a honeycomb-like structure, the cells of which are formed by elastic collagen fibers. Each cell contains a fat lobule consisting of fat cells called hypocytes. In addition to collagen and fat cells, the hypodermis is penetrated by many vessels carrying blood and lymph.
Fat lobules in female subcutaneous fat are larger and located perpendicular to the surface of the skin, which is why their increase in size immediately leads to an unattractive “orange” effect. Fat lobules in men are smaller in size and spherical in shape, which is why their increase does not lead to noticeable changes in the relief in problem areas.
Experts call the two main mechanisms of cellulite an abnormal increase in the volume of hypocytes and stagnation in the hypodermis, leading to edema and disruption of natural metabolism in cells. Cellulite can be caused by both internal (heredity, hormonal imbalance) and external (poor diet, wearing tight clothes) factors. In most cases, the appearance of “orange peel” is caused by a whole range of different reasons, which greatly complicates the fight against cellulite using conventional methods.
Experts distinguish 4 stages of cellulite according to the severity of the defect:
- Stage 1. The uneven relief is noticeable only when pinching the fold. The color of the skin in problem areas is not changed, there is slight swelling;
- Stage 2. The “orange peel” effect is noticeable when the muscles in the problem area are tense, the skin in the affected areas turns pale, and swelling appears;
- Stage 3. The skin in problem areas has a pronounced uneven texture caused by the formation of accumulations of fat cells in the hypodermis. The skin in problem areas is swollen and pale, the tissues are painful on palpation;
- Stage 4. Pronounced nodes and depressions are noticeable under the skin, the skin has a bluish tint, and severe swelling is observed.
Expected Result
Many girls mistakenly believe that using only hand massagers you can completely get rid of cellulite. This is wrong.
The devices have a positive external effect on the integument. Activation of peripheral blood flow and metabolism rejuvenates the skin and restores its structure. However, the devices have little effect directly on the deep-lying subcutaneous tissue.
To get rid of excess fat and lose extra pounds, you need to combine body massage with dieting. The diet should be filled with products that promote accelerated breakdown of fats, normalize digestion, and saturate the body with vitamins and microelements. You need to eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, lean meat and fish.
You will have to give up:
- semi-finished products;
- fast food;
- muffins, cream desserts;
- "soda";
- flour;
- pickles;
- smoked meats;
- sweets;
- fatty, fried foods.
It is better to replace the usual coffee with green tea, herbal decoctions, and minimize the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is also important to walk more, do gymnastics regularly, and quit smoking.
Fight cellulite
From a medical point of view, cellulite is a cosmetic defect. The medical term for cellulite “gynoid lipodystrophy” is used only in the case of a pronounced defect of the 4th stage, leading to impaired sensitivity in problem areas and significant metabolic disorders. The main unpleasant consequence of cellulite is the psychological discomfort that constantly occurs when wearing open clothes.
The greater the severity of the defect, the more comprehensive the approach to cellulite treatment needs to be implemented. To reduce weight, a standard set of diets and physical exercises is used; anti-cellulite cosmetics are used to remove excess fluid and restore skin tone.
The most difficult task is the breakdown of fat deposits in the subcutaneous fat. Most creams and medications are not able to penetrate even into the deep layers of the epidermis without additional help, so the effect of using such products is only superficial. To split large painful nodes, surgical or cosmetic equipment is used to mechanically destroy accumulations of fat cells.
A safe and non-traumatic alternative to interventions such as surgical liposuction is ultrasound therapy - the most modern and effective method of destroying fat deposits without compromising the integrity of the skin.
Ultrasound capabilities
To combat the “orange peel”, both ultrasound therapy in its pure form and ultraphonophresis , which is a combination of the application of medicinal cosmetics and ultrasound exposure, are used. Many years of experience have shown that ultrasound methods are effective even in the fight against stage 3-4 cellulite.
In medical practice, both high-frequency (700-3000 kHz) and low-frequency (21-42 kHz) ultrasound are used. For the treatment of cellulite, low frequencies are most effective - such an effect allows you to penetrate deeply into the tissue and has an anti-inflammatory, disintegrating and anti-edematous effect. In addition to the gradual loosening of fat deposits, low-frequency ultrasound stimulates metabolism in the tissues of subcutaneous fat, due to which the released toxins and waste products are eliminated much faster, and painful swelling does not occur on the legs.
Ultrasonic waves are reflected from the boundaries of various media depending on the level of their acoustic resistance. In connection with this phenomenon, the main condition for effective therapy is the maximum proximity of the wave emitter to the skin - such an organization of the procedure allows you to create an airless space at the border with the skin, as well as provide the greatest angle of incidence of ultrasonic waves. Depending on the area and condition of the problem areas, the emitter either remains in a fixed position or moves to cover a larger area.
Benefit
Massager The roller massager is very easy to use and effective, according to reviews from women who have tried it. To conduct a massage session with such a device, you do not need to have any special equipment, which cannot be said about manual massage. In addition, the roller massager has an affordable price and takes up little space, which makes it especially convenient to use at home. A roller massager is a small device with a handle and a roller on which wooden or silicone or rubber massage rollers are located. For greater efficiency, it is better to choose a wooden massager, as it has a more intense effect on problem areas, while a rubber one is more suitable for people with sensitive skin or thin blood vessels, this option helps to avoid bruises. The benefits of such a tool are difficult to overestimate; regular procedures using roller massage improve blood circulation in the affected area, tighten the skin and tone the muscles. As a result, adipose tissue breaks down and gradually leaves the subcutaneous layer, and cellulite disappears.
The mechanism of the effect of ultrasound on cellulite
Mechanical factor. Due to acoustic pressure, ultrasonic waves give the effect of “cellular massage” of living tissues, which activates metabolism in cells (protein and ATP synthesis) and increases the permeability of intercellular membranes.
Thermal factor. The transformation of mechanical energy into thermal energy causes a slight increase in temperature and further accelerates metabolic processes in skin cells and subcutaneous fat.
Physico-chemical factor. By activating metabolic processes, ultrasound stimulates biochemical activity in the body, accelerates the synthesis of cellular components, and also has a general analgesic, antiseptic and resorption effect.
The penetration depth of ultrasonic waves directly depends on the method of their creation. The most common high-frequency ultrasound equipment generates waves up to 1000 kHz (maximum penetration depth 10 cm), and waves up to 3000 kHz (up to 3 cm). As a rule, the selection of the frequency of exposure depends on both the severity of cellulite and the stage of treatment.
Brief overview of the massager market
The main buyers of this type of equipment are businesswomen aged 29–45 who want to keep fit, but due to their busy schedules cannot regularly visit a massage parlor. The second category of active users are women involved in the sports industry (fitness trainers, dancers), fitness models and Instagram bloggers, for whom it is important to look perfect both in life and in photos.
Throughout 2019–2020, the massager market has shown steady growth. A significant share falls on imported devices: 52% from China, 11% from Germany, 9% from South Korea. In Russia they also make special equipment, mainly of the mechanical type, which, due to its low cost and versatility of use, is in particular demand among people of retirement age.
According to 2021 data, the leading brands of cellulite massagers were Planta, Nozomi, Yamaguchi and Gezatone. They have been presenting their products to Russian buyers for quite a long time, have official representative offices and a network of partners in the country, due to which they provide a high level of service.
Ultraphonophresis
The unique ability of ultrasound to increase the permeability of blood vessels and epithelium inspired specialists in the field of cosmetology to create ultraphonophresis - a combined technique that includes the influence of ultrasonic waves and the application of various drugs to the surface of the skin.
During the procedure, a lipolytic medicinal substance is mixed with a base (palm oil, petroleum jelly, etc.), applied to the skin and exposed to ultrasound. The waves emitted by the emitter help the drug penetrate into the deep layers of the skin through the sebaceous ducts, and also ensure the simultaneous activation of metabolic processes in cells.
One of the most effective means for eliminating “orange peel” is currently considered to be gels and creams with algae extracts containing hydrolyzed fibers. An effective combination of phytoextracts and ultrasound allows you to solve a wide range of cosmetic problems and cope even with severe signs of cellulite.
Before the ultraphonofresis procedure, the skin in problem areas is cleaned with peeling and covered with a contact substance (an anti-cellulite drug mixed with a base), and then treated with a radiator. In cases of severe stage 4 cellulite, problem areas can be divided into several zones, which are treated step by step within each session. The total session time is about 10-20 minutes, and the duration of the entire course is about 10-20 procedures, repeated after 2-3 months to consolidate the effect.
Top 5. Beurer CM50
Rating (2021): 4.43
11 reviews from resources taken into account: Yandex.Market, IRecommend
Easy maintenance The roller device is equipped with removable wheels. They are easy to remove and do not require special cleaning.
- Characteristics
Price: 3,490 rub.
- Country: Germany (manufactured in China)
- Power: 20W
- Number of modes: 2
- Power source: mains
The German device is equipped with ribbed rollers. When turned on, they are accelerated by the motor in a split second and create the effect of a professional manual anti-cellulite massage. Roller wheels can be easily removed for cleaning. You need to wash them in plain water; no special detergents are needed. The curved shape helps the device fit comfortably in your hand. For additional fixation, the device is attached to the hand using Velcro. Even during a long massage session, the hand does not get tired. The weight of the device is about 500 g. The power of the device is average for the segment, which, on the one hand, guarantees the safety of sessions, on the other hand, it is not enough to eliminate high-grade cellulite.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Secure fixation
- Little weight
- Easy to care for
- Low power
Specifics of ultrasound application
The healing effects of ultrasonic waves can solve a wide range of cosmetic problems - from reducing the “orange peel” effect to evening out skin color. The main indications for the use of ultrasound therapy and ultraphonophresis are:
- Cellulite;
- Chronic inflammation of connective tissue;
- Skin pigmentation;
- Scars (traumatic, post-acne);
- Bruising.
Contraindications to ultrasound treatment are:
- Malignant tumors of any type and location, oncological diseases;
- Pregnancy period;
- Acute thrombophlebitis;
- Hypertension;
- Ischemia, heart rhythm disturbances;
- Endocrine disorders;
- Inflammatory processes of internal organs and tissues.
Ultrasound therapy is one of the most progressive methods of combating cellulite. In the absence of contraindications, ultrasound treatment can be started both for preventive purposes and to eliminate the “orange peel” characteristic of the later stages of cellulite. The general scheme of the intervention, as well as the selection of the necessary anti-cellulite products, is carried out before the start of treatment by a specialist in the field of hardware cosmetology, taking into account all the nuances of the patient’s condition and his physical characteristics.
In addition to the opportunity to regain the flawless shape of your buttocks, abdomen and thighs, ultrasound therapy has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and the entire body, restoring ease of movement and self-confidence!
How to do manual anti-cellulite massage
Self-massage against cellulite with a hand massager should be performed according to the following scheme:
- Take a soft gel bath. Steam your body thoroughly.
- Use a scrub to free the surface of the integument from keratinized particles of the epithelium. A ready-made product or one prepared at home is suitable for this. For example, from sea salt or coffee with honey.
- Treat problem areas with vegetable oil (olive, wheat, peach) or anti-cellulite composition.
- Start the massage session. Any device should be moved from bottom to top - from feet to legs, thighs, buttocks, stomach. Move smoothly only vertically, horizontally, diagonally. Sharp, chaotic jerks can easily damage the dermis.
- Massage each area for 15 minutes.
Attention: it is forbidden to work on the mammary glands, groin, inner part of the kneecap and thighs, spine, axillary areas, and navel area.
The session should be completed with relaxing, soothing strokes. Apply anti-cellulite, moisturizing or nourishing cream to the body.
