Doctors say cellulite is an equal opportunity offender; it affects mostly women, of all sizes.
John Petraglia MD, Nu Looks Interventional Med Spa, says "You can be thin and still have cellulite. It is genetic to some degree... some people get it worse than others but it does effect women more than men."
Dr. Petraglia offers a treatment at his north Fresno medical spa that he says can smooth out the appearance of cellulite. It's called acoustic wave therapy and uses a ballistic wave to tighten the skin. It feels like a quick, pulsating massage. And some clients are hoping it works where other treatments have failed.
Salina Lopez, Client, says "I've tried creams but they don't work."
Lopez of Clovis heard about the treatment through a friend and couldn't wait to try it out. The 37-year-old married mother of two says she's tired of trying to cover up what she doesn't want others to see. "It's just been a nagging part of my body that doesn't go away."
Dr. Petraglia says cellulite is a skin problem not a fat problem. Circulation under the skin can slow down causing connective tissue to pull down and trap fat. That results in the dimply look of cellulite.
Acoustic wave therapy promises to improve circulation by disrupting the tissue bands to make the skin smoother.
Before and after pictures show some dramatic results. Fat doesn't disappear but gets re-distributed under smoother skin.
Patients usually receive six treatments over three weeks. Each session is about 20 minutes. Dr. Petraglia says the cost runs about $1,000 per treatment area; such as the thighs, abdomen, saddlebags, legs and buttocks.
But Fresno Dermatologist, Leah Press warns; patients shouldn't expect a miracle especially with severe cases of cellulite. She also recommends thoroughly researching your doctor.
"Make sure they have a lot of experience with the procedure and what kind of outcomes they've had from it. What are the risks involved...what benefits they can expect," says Dr. Press.
Lopez expects to leave her cellulite behind her. "I hope to see smoother legs and I'm looking forward to summertime.
Doctors say "acoustic wave therapy" was used for at least 15-years as physical therapy to improve circulation. It was then adapted as a cellulite treatment.
