Shockwave Therapy: Effective Cellulite Treatment in Singapore

What is cellulite?

Cellulite describes a condition where lumps and dimples appear on the surface of the skin, taking on common names such as “orange-peel skin” and “cottage-cheese skin”.

Cellulite is not a medical condition that must treated, but it is a condition that affects the aesthetics of an individual. It affects both men and women, although it is more common in females because the fat distribution and connective tissue are different from their male counterparts.

Causes of cellulite

No one knows the exact cause of cellulite. Doctors think that the formation of cellulite could be due to the interaction between the connective tissue and the fatty deposits below the skin surface.

The placement of fatty deposits and connective tissue in women are aligned parallel to each other, making the fatty deposit to protrude between layers of connective tissue. Placement of fatty deposits and connective tissue are in a criss-cross fashion in men. This is a possible explanation for the common appearance of cellulite in men.

Another theory is that women undergoing menopause may experience a dip in blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin. Lower supply of blood flow means that there is less oxygen in the area, causing lower production of collagen.

Intrinsic aging may also be a contributing factor for the appearance of cellulite. Aging causes skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. This increases the chance of cellulite forming especially on the thighs and buttocks.

Shockwave therapy: Effective treatment for cellulite

Shockwave therapy is device used by many disciplines in medicine such as orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, and even veterinary medicine. It has been used by healthcare providers for many years to treat chronic pain and to restore mobility. It is an effective non-surgical treatment to speed up recovery for people suffering from acute or chronic pain.

Other than treating chronic pain, shockwave therapy has been studied and shown to be effective for cellulite treatment. Undergoing shockwave therapy disrupts the fibrous tissue responsible for the uneven appearance on the skin. By repeatedly applying constant pressure on the affected area, it improves the stimulation of blood flow and lymph circulation.

The increase in the exchange of blood lipids stimulates the metabolism of fatty deposits. In addition, the treatment triggers the skin to produce more collagen and elastin fibers.