New laser treatment targets cellulite

ORLANDO, Fla. - Creams, compression garments, even coffee grinds! According to Florida cosmetic surgeon Dr. Roger Bassin, 80 percent of women past puberty have cellulite and many have tried just about everything to get rid of it. Now he says a new FDA approved device can zap it away in minutes.

What do hail damage, cottage cheese and orange peel have in common? They're all slang for cellulite.

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"It's just very frustrating," Pam said.

"I was just always self-conscious of it," admitted Kate.

Kate and Pam say the bumps and lumps on the back of their thighs are always in the back of their minds. It's something they hate when it comes to wearing a bathing suit.

"Usually I cover up," Pam said.

"I was the mommy on the beach with a skirt on the whole time," Kate added.

They've spent thousands on treatments and gimmicks, but nothing worked. They hope a new laser treatment will.

"This is something we've been waiting a long time for," said Bassin.

He says Cellulaze, which was recently approved by the FDA, uses a laser to do three things. It melts fat just under the skin, cuts the bands that cause the bulges and gets the skin to thicken and tighten. Pam underwent the one-hour treatment.

"You don't even feel like he's doing anything," Pam said

Kate had the procedure a month earlier. After three weeks, "The little bits that were all lumpy and bumpy have all smoothened out," she said.

Results of a two-year study show Cellulaze increases skin thickness and elasticity. Bassin says the trial also showed there was no recurrence of cellulite after two years. That's why he believes it's a permanent solution.

"I'm excited not to wear a sarong all summer," Kate said.

"I'm definitely wearing my bikini, I will not cover up!" Pam concluded.

Bassin says costs for Cellulaze vary by region, but you'll probably pay $2.500 to $3,000 per zone. So if you get the front, side, and rear of your thighs done, you're looking at $7,500 to $9,000.

Additional Information:

WHAT IS CELLULITE? Cellulite is deposits of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue (as in the thighs, hips, and buttocks) that give a puckered and dimpled appearance to the skin surface.

IS CELLULITE DANGEROUS?  Cellulite isn't a serious medical condition and treatment isn't necessary. In fact, many doctors consider cellulite a normal occurrence. However, if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, see your doctor, dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
(SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

WHO GETS IT?  Cellulite is much more common in women than in men. In fact, the majority of women — at least 8 out of 10 — have some degree of cellulite. This is because fat is typically distributed in women in the thighs, hips and buttocks — common areas for cellulite. In addition, cellulite is more common with aging, when the skin loses some of its elasticity.

Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but cellulite may still be present in lean individuals. It tends to run in families, so genetics may play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite.
(SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

THE NEW TREATMENT: Cellulaze is a recently FDA approved laser procedure that reduces cellulite in just one treatment by restoring the normal structure of the skin and underlying connective tissue. Cellulaze diminishes the lumpy pockets of fat, releases the areas of skin depression typifying cellulite and increases the elasticity and thickness of the skin. Clinical data has demonstrated that Cellulaze treatments can increase the thickness of the skin by 25% and increase the elasticity of the skin by 29% at one year. (SOURCE: www.cellulaze.com)