It is estimated that 80-90% of all women over the age of 20, regardless of weight or body shape, have cellulite. Cellulite is an irregularity in skin texture characterized by a mottled, dimpled appearance of the skin. This appearance has been described as an "orange peel" or "cottage cheese". This condition is most commonly seen in women, with cellulite most apparent in the thighs, hips and buttocks, but occasionally is present in the "love-handle" waist region in men. Cellulite is caused by the presence of chambers of fat immediately below the skin that become swollen. As the fat content increases, surrounding tissue becomes compressed and hardened, reducing blood circulation and trapping fluid within the columns of fat, thus worsening the clinical appearance. These columns of fat are separated by vertical fibrous bands of reduced elasticity which create depressions and dimples in the skin, resulting in the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite improvement can be improved to varying degrees with invasive procedures, such as liposuction and external ultrasound (performed by Dr. Calobrace), and non-invasive procedures such as Endermologie mechanical massage and the new VelaSmooth procedure.

Endermologie
At Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center, Endermologie is available post-liposuction as a therapeutic massage technique. This is felt to reduce swelling and potentially produce an improved appearance of the skin post-liposuction. Endermologie is also used without liposuction to improve the appearance of the skin with a temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

VelaSmooth
VelaSmooth is a new, innovative approach to the treatment of cellulite. The VelaSmooth is an advanced technology combining RF (radiofrequency), Infrared light and tissue mobilization combined with suction. The VelaSmooth may not only improve cellulite, but also relieve muscle aches and pains and increase circulation to the local tissue. Clinical studies have shown a 60-70% improvement in the appearance of cellulite, smoother tighter skin, and a circumferential reduction in size. In the study, all patients noticed some improvement. The cellulite treatment program includes 2 treatments per week for 5 weeks followed by monthly maintenance treatments. Risks are minimal and rare, including bruising, reddening, skin discoloration, scabbing, blistering, and scarring. There is no down-time, no recovery and no healing. This device is now FDA-approved and Dr. Calobrace has been part of the IRB clinical study conducted at a few selected centers throughout the United States and has documented VelaSmooth's effectiveness.