Whole-body vibration in the reduction of the cellulite

Changes in Skin Microcirculation Resulting from Vibration Therapy in Women with Cellulite

Background: Cellulite is a cosmetic defect that affects over 80% of post-pubertal women. One of its pathomechanisms involves microvascular dysfunction. It has been suggested that vibration is a physical stimulus that may improve circulation in the skin and muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of local vibration on cutaneous microcirculation and on eliminating the symptoms of cellulite in women. Methods: A total of 57 healthy women with at least grade 1 cellulite were recruited and divided into four groups differing by treatment time (30′ or 60′) and position (sitting or lying) during the vibration treatments. Participants took part in 15 vibrotherapy sessions. Body composition, selected circumferences, cellulite grade, and thermographic images of buttocks and thighs were recorded. Results: Significant changes in skin temperature were observed in both studied areas after the first and last treatments in each group. A significant decrease in cellulite grade was observed after a series of treatments. The strongest effects were observed for the sitting position with a treatment time of 60 min. Conclusion: Vibration treatment improves microcirculation in cellulite-affected areas. Over time, no adaptation was observed, and subsequent treatments maintained the beneficial effects. Extending the treatment time increased its influence on the microcirculation in the skin.

Effect of Three-Week Vibrotherapy on Selected Skin Parameters of Thighs and Buttocks in Women with Cellulite

Background: Cellulite (gynoid lipodystrophy, panniculopathy) affects approximately 85% of women and is related to genetic and hormonal factors, diet, and low physical activity. Vibrotherapy is a promising method of physical therapy to help fight cellulite that has not been studied exhaustively yet. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy women (age: 19–43 years) with cellulite of at least grade I on the Nurnberg–Muller scale were recruited. The participants were randomly assigned to four groups, receiving a series of 15 vibration treatments in a sitting or lying position for 30 or 60 min. Before and after the first and last treatment, selected skin parameters were measured with the use of Courage and Khazaka equipment. Results: Skin hydration and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of thighs and buttocks differed significantly at all time points. Post hoc tests showed that each treatment caused a decrease in TEWL but no long-term effect was observed. For skin pH, a significant difference was observed between the measurements I and IV. The lying position caused a greater reduction in the value of the acid–base balance. Conclusions: A series of vibration treatments improved the hydration and pH of the skin. The treatments limited TEWL; however, no long-term effect was observed.

Objective and subjective reduction of cellulite volume using a localized vibrational massage device in a 24-week randomized intra-individual single-blind regression study

Cellulite occurs in females and is a common condition of altered connective tissue matrix and increased adipogenicity with visible dimples and orange‐peel appearance on the skins surface. Whilst advancements in methods continue to help our understanding, attempts to correct the appearance of cellulite topically have yielded limited success. Various kinds of non‐invasive body contouring methods such as whole body vibration have been reported with demonstrable visible improvements in the cellulite condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate volume reduction and improvement of the visible appearance of cellulite as judged both objectively (AEVA‐HE phase‐shift 3‐D fringe projection, macrophotography image grading) and subjectively (questionnaires) after application of a hand‐held localized vibrational device over 24‐weeks. The study was conducted on 40 healthy female volunteers who were instructed how to use the device on defined areas of cellulite of the outside and rear of the thighs (iliotibial band, and over biceps femoris region respectively). The initial 12 weeks of continuous massage application of the study were followed by a 12 week phase in which volunteers were split into 2 subgroups – one for assessment of regression effects and one for continuous application effects. AEVA (skin surface volume) measurements of cellulite‐related dimples correlated with questionnaires and visual image evaluation scoring, in that in the iliotibial region cellulite was significantly reduced at 12 weeks. In the regression subgroup cellulite returned to initial values soon after cessation of treatment, whereas in the continuous application subgroup, cellulite remained diminished. The effect of this device to reduce cellulite as observed in this study proves that continuous use of vibrational massage is beneficial to mitigate visible signs of cellulite.

Subcision™ plus poly-l-lactic acid for the treatment of cellulite associated to flaccidity in the buttocks and thighs

BACKGROUND

There is a growing demand for procedures to treat cellulite. Subcision™ is widely used for cellulite correction, and injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) has been shown to be an effective option for various body conditions.

AIMS

Present the results of combining Subcision™ plus PLLA, in the same session, in patients with cellulite and flaccidity.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Twenty-four women underwent Subcision™ followed by PLLA injections. An expert panel of dermatologists evaluated before and after photographs according to Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Patients also answered a satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

The author describes the results, as well as number of sessions and dose used. The most frequent GAIS score was "great improvement." No nodules or granulomas appeared in the treated areas.

CONCLUSION

The combination of Subcision™ plus PLLA, in the same treatment session, promotes safe and desirable results for cellulite associated with flaccidity.

The Impact of Vibration Therapy Interventions on Skin Condition and Skin Temperature Changes in Young Women with Lipodystrophy: A Pilot Study

Background

Cellulite affects 85-98% of women aged over 20 years. In a given context, mechanical vibrations have not been applied in the therapy of gynoid lipodystrophy (GL) until now. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the condition and temperature of skin affected by cellulite after vibration therapy interventions in young women with GL.

Methods

10 healthy women (21.5 ± 1.5 years old) with stage 1 or 2 Nürnberger-Müller scale of severity of GL participated in the study. The subjects underwent 20 vibration interventions with the use of a Rehabilitation Massage Device Vitberg+. Vibration therapy was applied 5 times a week for 60 minutes during 4-week period. Before and after first and last interventions, grade of lipodystrophy was assessed and thermographic images were taken.

Results

Visual and palpation analysis performed before and after a series of treatments proved a total cellulite remission after the intervention among 40% of subjects (from stage 1 to stage 0). Among the remaining 60% with stage 2 of cellulite, an improvement in the skin condition was observed, and cellulite grade was determined as stage 1. The mean skin temperature in the lateral part of thigh as well as on the posterior surface of thigh and buttocks increased significantly (p<0.00001) after both the first (respectively: 4.0°C ± 0.9°C, 3.9°C ± 0.8°C) and the last vibration therapy interventions (respectively: 3.1°C ± 1.1°C, 2.8°C ± 1.1°C). After the series of interventions, a statistical significant (p=0.00705) increase in the mean skin temperature in the lateral thigh was observed—before the first treatment: 27.9°C ± 0.7°C; before twentieth treatment: 29.0°C ± 1.2°C.

Conclusion

The series of vibration interventions contributed to the reduction of GL among the participants. The thermographic imaging analysis proved an impact of both single and serial vibration interventions.