Where we meet Cellulite Challenges with Care, Confidence, Commitment, Community, Compassion, Concern, Consistency, Courage!
FROM RIPPLES TO RADIANCE: ACOUSTIC WAVE THERAPY’S SECRET TO STUNNING SKIN
april 8, 2024
Welcome to The Cellulite Site!
This site is dedicated to every woman who struggles with the disconnect between mind and body. Our mission is to bridge the gap between the perceptions of imperfections seen in the mirror and transform those into empowering thoughts of self-love, self-appreciation, and embracing the beautiful body you’ve grown into.
We aim to provide you with the resources and methods to help your self-confidence grow, so you can feel your inner glow and shine from the inside out. Join our supportive community as we embark on this journey together.
Much love,
Bree XoXo
Rather listen? Click on the video!
Hello, my beautiful friend-
Welcome back to another empowering article from The Cellulite Site blog.
In a previous blog post featuring Cambridge Therapeutics in Singapore, I explored and reviewed four of the cellulite treatments available at their clinic.
I can’t promise visions of far-away places or that you’ll hear waves crashing on distant shores in this podcast, but if you’re up for diving deep with me into the world of Acoustic Wave Therapy, you’re in for a treat! While I can’t guarantee this will be entertaining, I can promise you’ll come out of it a little wiser! So, buckle up for an educational adventure!
Let’s dive into the first treatment: Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT). Now, buckle up, because this one comes with a bit of a name game! You see, there are multiple names for this therapy, and they’re all in the same family. The thing is, the names can vary depending on who’s talking about it—healthcare providers, manufacturers, you name it! It’s like a name-shuffling party! AWT is known by several different names depending on the context and the specific technology used.
Some common alternative names for AWT include:
1. Shockwave Therapy: AWT falls under the category of shockwave therapy, which encompasses various treatments that use acoustic waves to stimulate healing and tissue regeneration.
2. X-Wave Therapy: This term specifically refers to AWT when used for the treatment of cellulite. X-Wave Cellulite Therapy is a branded name for AWT in this context.
3. Radial Pressure Wave Therapy: AWT utilizes radial pressure waves to target tissues beneath the skin’s surface. Therefore, it may be referred to as Radial Pressure Wave Therapy.
4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): In some cases, AWT may be referred to as ESWT, particularly when used for musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonitis or plantar fasciitis.
While all these benefits are great, there seems to be limited scientific evidence directly linking foam rolling to long-term cellulite reduction. Most studies focus on foam rolling for muscle recovery rather than cellulite.
Amidst all the name confusion, what exactly is Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT)?
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) is one of three types of shockwave therapy. It uses radial pressure waves to target and break down cellulite and fat just below the skin’s surface. This therapy employs a combination of ultrasonic pulses, acoustic pulses, and slow shear waves to compress air and precisely target problem areas. By breaking down these areas, AWT promotes rejuvenation and the formation of healthy cells.
Acoustic Wave Therapy, or X-Wave Cellulite Therapy, has become quite the sensation for its promising potential in tackling cellulite. This cutting-edge approach utilizes acoustic wave technology to zero in on cellulite, enhancing blood circulation, kickstarting collagen production, and breaking down fat deposits beneath the skin. Studies suggest that these combined effects significantly enhance skin elasticity, with reported increases of up to 73.6%.
One of the standout features of X-Wave therapy is its gentle approach, offering a non-invasive alternative without the discomfort often associated with surgical procedures. Unlike more invasive methods, X-Wave therapy provides a painless and even relaxing experience, akin to a soothing massage. This not only makes the treatment more inviting but also allows individuals to enjoy a moment of tranquility while working towards achieving smoother, more toned skin in common cellulite-prone areas like the buttocks and thighs.
As research unfolds, evidence supporting the effectiveness of X-Wave therapy in diminishing visible dimpling and improving skin texture continues to grow, solidifying its role as a promising solution for those seeking non-surgical approaches to combat cellulite. However, it’s important to remember that outcomes can vary from person to person, influenced by factors like skin type, the extent of cellulite, and adherence to post-treatment care.
Let’s find out why Acoustic Wave Therapy is an effective treatment for cellulite.
According to the National Library of Medicine, a clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of AWT for cellulite and body shaping – here’s how it went!
In this open-label, single-center trial, 30 women with moderate or severe cellulite underwent 12 sessions of Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) on their gluteal and thigh areas over six weeks. Assessments were performed at baseline and up to 12 weeks after treatment. – Baseline simply means that various measurements and evaluations were conducted at the start of the study, before any treatment began. This initial set of assessments establishes a starting point or reference to compare against subsequent assessments after the treatment has been administered.
The assessments included the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS), body circumference measurements, subcutaneous fat thickness via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), quality of life related to cellulite using the Celluqol® questionnaire. The questionnaire is used to validate and assess the quality of life among patients affected by cellulite., as well as a satisfaction questionnaire. The baseline measurements are then compared to those taken after the treatment to evaluate its effectiveness.
What were the results of the study?
For the 30 women who participated in the study, the 12 sessions of AWT resulted in positive and real results. The post-session assessments showed that the treatments clearly reduced the severity of cellulite and decreased the size and thickness of fat on the body. Over 90% of the participating women agreed that they would do the treatment again, and 89% were happy with their results.
This is exciting and encouraging! Let’s find out the results!
The treatment reduced cellulite severity from baseline up to 12 weeks after the last treatment session (subjects presenting severe cellulite: 60% to 38%). The mean Cellulite Severity Scale shifted from 11.1 to 9.5 (p < 0.001) P- value of 0.001
In the context of research and statistics, “p < 0.001” indicates the probability that the observed results occurred by chance is less than 0.1%. This means that the findings are highly statistically significant, suggesting that the treatment had a real, measurable effect rather than the results being due to random variation or luck. In simpler terms, it shows a very strong likelihood that the treatment truly made a difference.
Continuing with the results, the study reveals some exciting findings! Hip circumferences dropped from 99.7 and 103.2 cm to 96.2 and 100.3 cm, showcasing an impressive reduction of about 1.5 inches. And that’s not all— the average thickness of subcutaneous fat tissue also decreased. Let me break it down for you in both technical terms and simpler language.
The average thickness of the fat under the skin decreased from 28.3 ± 6.5 mm to 26.7 mm ± 6.1 mm after the treatment. The numbers ± 6.5 mm and ± 6.1 mm show the range of thicknesses among the participants. What this really means, is that – The change was highly significant, meaning it is very unlikely that this result happened by chance.
The Conclusion of the trial is that: AWT is a safe treatment to improve cellulite appearance and reduce body circumferences.
Great, but how many treatments will be required to see any results?
According to Storz Medical, who manufactures the machine, it will take between 6-20 treatments to see results.
STORZ MEDICAL AG, founded in 1987, is an independent partner company of the KARL STORZ Group. They are a medical technology manufacturer located in the heart of Europe, on the Swiss shore of Lake Constance in Tägerwilen, where they develop innovative shock wave systems and shock wave devices of the highest precision.
Their medical products have already proven themselves a million times over in urology. The benefits of non-invasive technology have been extended to other medical disciplines. In this way, STORZ MEDICAL is setting new standards in treatment procedures with technical innovations:
Including – Acoustic wave treatment (AWT) in aesthetic medicine
I’ve included some fabulous before and after images from the Storz Medical website that you just have to see to believe! Head on over to thecellulitesite.com and check out the Acoustic Wave Therapy blog to see for yourself! I will also include a link to the pdf in the description.
So, now that we’ve learned of the potential and exciting results, how does
Acoustic Wave Therapy work?
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) works to reduce cellulite through mechanical and biological mechanisms. Here’s how it works:
1. Mechanical Effects: AWT delivers acoustic waves, also known as shockwaves, to the treatment area. These waves create mechanical pressure on the tissues, disrupting the fibrous septae (connective tissue bands) responsible for the dimpled appearance of cellulite. By breaking down these septae, AWT helps to smooth out the skin’s surface.
2. Biological Effects: The mechanical pressure from the acoustic waves also stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This stimulation increases blood flow to the area, promoting the removal of metabolic waste and toxins. Additionally, AWT triggers the production of collagen and elastin, proteins essential for skin elasticity and firmness. As collagen and elastin levels increase, the skin becomes firmer, tighter, and smoother, further reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Overall, AWT’s combination of mechanical pressure and biological stimulation targets the root causes of cellulite, resulting in visible improvements in skin texture and appearance.
Which problem areas can be treated with AWT?
Although this study uncovered successful results specifically for cellulite on the gluteus and thighs, Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) is safe and effective for many parts of the body for body shaping and cellulite or fat reduction. Here is a list of possible areas of treatment:
– Thighs: AWT can effectively reduce cellulite and improve skin appearance on the thighs.
– Gluteus (Buttocks): The treatment is particularly successful in this area, reducing cellulite and enhancing skin smoothness.
– Face: AWT can help in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity and firmness.
– Arms: This treatment can reduce the appearance of “bat wings” by tightening and toning the skin.
– Stomach: AWT can target fat deposits and improve skin tone, making the abdomen appear firmer and smoother.
Is the treatment non-invasive? Absolutely! This study found AWT sessions to be gentle, painless, and well-tolerated, with no reported side effects or discomfort. Clients consistently praise the treatment for its ease and effectiveness, often resuming their normal activities immediately after the procedure. Unlike invasive procedures or treatments involving heat, AWT® is a safe and tissue-friendly method for treating cellulite. It stimulates the body’s natural healing process without causing any tissue damage, leaving the skin intact and revitalized.
So, after exploring the potential and exciting results, it’s clear that AWT is a game-changer in cellulite treatment. If you’re ready to experience smoother, toned skin, AWT might just be the solution you’ve been looking for!
