Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports on Cellulaze, FDA Approved Procedure to Permanently Remove Cellulite
Posted on May 7, 2012
80% of women have cellulite. Exercise and creams don't get rid of cellulite, which can show up on the thinnest thighs. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports on Cellulaze, a new FDA-approved procedure which is approved for permanent removal of cellulite. Dr. Gupta visits Dr. Jay Kulkin of the Women's Institute of Health in Atlanta and watches his do the procedure on a patient (the video is not for the squeamish).
Dr. Kulkin says that it is the fibers surrounding fat deposits that create the unique appearance of cellulite. This new treatment dissolves those fibers. First the patient is given a local anesthetic. Then the doctor uses a laser to melt the bulges of fat. Then he goes after the fibers -- he cuts those. Then the laser stimulates the skin to regenerate. It takes three months to see the full results.
The study which prompted FDA approval had good results. One patient from the study who is a nurse said the cellulite has not come back and it has been three years. Dr. Gupta says cellulite creams do not work. They only temporarily plump up the skin. The fibers must be cut to stop the fat from bulging out. The cost for the procedure is $2,500 for a single area on both legs. Take a look: