Here's my experiences - Lipo (twice), Endermologie,Ionithermie Super Detox

[goawaydimples]

Hello All! I'm a newbie!

I'm 5' 6" and 130 lbs. The smallest I've been is 115 and the largest 139, 34 years old.


I just found this website tonight. Wish I discovered it sooner, there is so much valuable information and help from everyone! Well, here's the low down on all the procedures I've had. I had my first Liposuction of the stomach, saddlebags and upper hip area about three years ago. At that time my cellulite was my main concern. The Doctor told me that he could get rid of the pouches of fat (spot reduce), which he did, but the cellulite would remain. In fact, my stomach looked amazing. So, then I decided 6 months later to get full front and back thighs and calves, plus my waist area. About 7 months after that surgery, I now had cellulite in my front thighs & calves, which was never a problem before and the cellulite in the rear thighs and butt, were soo much worse!!! The Doctor never told me the possiblity of the cellulite getting worse. Plus, I had a few stretch marks before, but they doubled. Not sure if thats related or not. Looking back,I wish I only did the stomach area.

Then I tried Endermolgie, and saw zero results...stopped the program.

Today, I finished up my last of ten treatments for Ionithermie Super Detox, $1,800.00 dollars later, my skin is a little tighter, but the cellulite is still there. My main concern is the cellulite on my thighs and buttocks. My advice, it's not worth $1,800.00...skip it!!!!

I'm now checking into Thermage...I go on June 1 for a consultation. They say it will dramatically reduce the stretch marks and tighten the area.

I'm also researching Mesotherapy for my cellulite. Seems to be what I need. Would love to hear from anyone who has tried either of these.

I just want to feel comfortable in a bathing suit....uggg

[danya]

Hi. Thanks for joining us.
As you now know, liposuction doesn't help cellulite and can make it worse.

Endermologie (mechanical body contouring) helps sometimes.

I have high hopes for mesotherapy. The jury is still out, but so far I have heard alot of success stories.... Still have some concerned about the safety of injecting all those substances, and I think more controlled studies need to be done.

Have heard mixed reviews about Thermage for stretch marks. I wish I could invent the definitive stretch mark treatment! Wouldn't that be amazing!

Danya

[goawaydimples]

Hi !

Yeah, I learned..Lipo made the cellulite worse.

Looking forward to tomorrow and learning more about Thermage for the stretch marks. If I decide to go with it, I will certainly post my experiences and results. :)

Everyone that tries Mesotherapy, please post and keep us updated. I'm seriously considering having the procedure. Trying to find a Dr in VA has been a bit tough though. Guess I will have to fly, but that will certainly become expensive since the treatments are weekly...hmmmm Advice?

[velvet]

Hello I am new here also......I just wanted to tell you I have done the mesotherepy thing and it did NOTHING for me! I wasted alot of money! I am 49 I dont know if it makes a difference or not because my 26 year old daughter had real success with it! I am actually looking at posts about lipo.....but the more I read the more I don't like the idea! I do not know what to do right now!
well I wish you luck!

[Koda34]

goawaydimples...I'm in VA also. I found a clinic in McLean that does Mesotherapy. Their website is: http://www.mcleaninstitute.com

I sent them an e-mail and they called me yesterday. Seemed nice. I have an appointment on Saturday for a consultation (and if I decide to go through with it, I can start my first treatment that day).

But I have no firsthand experience with them yet.

[Marsha]

Velvet...

How many sessions did you have? Also, did you and your daughter go to the same Doc??

What I'm learning about Mesotherapy is that it really depends on the doctor and the meds. I am told that alot of Doctors are watering down the meds with saline, artichoke solution, etc., because it is very expensive.

It's too bad you didn't have good results, I'm thrilled with mine!

Marsha

[goawaydimples]

Thank you guys for writing. The more I think about the $1,900.00 I just spent on that Ionthermie, it really bugs me. It did absolutely NOTHING. Stay away from it unless you want to have a really good clay wrap and have the change to spare for the process.

Also, as I'm sure most of you know..but I can help but repeat myself...If you have cellulite, dont go near lipo, it will make it worse.

The thermage consultation for my stretch marks went well. The cost about made me have a heart attack....3000 each thigh. I have them on my buttocks and hips pretty bad. I'm small and never had kids, not sure why I'm graced with this problem, neither mom nor two sisters have it. But, if I can, I will pay the 6000, it would be worth it to get rid of them! Reading this board as much as I can to see others experiences. I will let you guys know when I do it.

Mesotherapy is one thing I'm hoping will fix my cellulite...watching what you all say about your results.

I go on July 12th, the day I turn 35..lol for a medical microdermabrasion on my face. Just to remove some brown spots. Might take 3 visits or so. I'll let you all know how it goes :-)

Stretch marks and cellulite ...I am determined to get rid of both of you ! :-)

[charity79]

Hi,
I am just curious if your cellulite was the same or worse after your first lipo procedure? You say that it was much worse after getting your front and back thighs done but you didn't specify if it was worse after getting the spot treatments done. Any insight is helpful! I am 25 and weigh 130 and am strongly considering spot treatment for my saddle bags and banana region under my butt but do not want to risk horrible cellulite because then I would be just as disappointed in the end!

Thanks :)

[goawaydimples]

Hello,

When I had the stomach, saddlebags and upper buttock area, the results were amazing!

The second set of areas, were the worst. I had mild cellulite on the backs of my thighs. When I got the lipo on my front & rear thighs, it made the rear thighs so much worse. On my calfs I never had cellulite, nor on my front thighs, but after the procedure, I had it...about 4-5 months later. I only did those two areas because I wanted to reduce the size and thought I was already going "under" so why not?!?!?

If you have any cellulite in the rear thigh area, you might want skip getting the bananna area.

Spot reducing on the saddlebags amd buttocks, plus the abs is the best way to go. You'll love the results.

Hope this helps.

[charity79]

Thanks for your response Goawaydimples. What kind of lipo was used for your procedures? I have heard that UAL really helps reduce cellulite much better than tumescent.

[goawaydimples]

Hi!

My doc told me he used both. Mainly tumescent. Being "under", I don't really know for sure. :-(

I've heard the UAL is better too.

At the moment I am trying to drink more water, run 30 minutes a day and just bought a infared sauna to help rid my body of toxins. It's supposed to help eliminate toxins, increase circulation and help to dramically reduce cellulite. I got a deal on overstock.com on my sauna, saved $3000.00.

I never did the thermage. The medical microdermabrasion, although it made my face feel wonderful, it didn't eliminate my brown patches completely. I went to a dermatologist and was told I have mild melasma, that I need to watch the sun, and use zinc lotion. She perscribed tri-luma for the patches, and that stuff is amazing! Not only has it removed the small brown patches, but also made my skin tone even..it's wonderful!! Hope this helps someone out there :-)

Good luck to you and please keep us all posted. I would love to know how you do. I hope to one day (soon) feel better in my summer clothes.

[mandajill]

Hi there!

I felt as if I were reading my bio when I read your story. I am 5'8", 135 lbs., 32 years old. I had tumescent lipo 10 years ago, and the cellulite just keeps getting worse every year. I have been an avid exerciser since I was 14 years old, so am toned and in good shape, but the cellulite is hideous!

I too did Endermologie, and did not see much results, but felt that after 30 treatments last Spring/Summer that my cellulite was maybe a little better. But after laying off during the Fall/Winter, I felt that it was worse than ever before when I looked at myself this Spring... So, I bit the bullet and bought another 30 session package. I don't know why I continue to spend so much money and time on this treatment... I guess I just feel that at least I can say I'm trying???

I'm still on the fence about having mesotherapy. I'm worried about the bruising, swelling, nausea, post-hyperpigmentation, etc.

So, I welcome any advice, and would love to hear all of your experiences about any procedures you've had or are considering. I hate my cellulite, and hate being so self-conscious about it! Thank goodness Bermuda shorts are the hot new thing!

[charity79]

Have you thought options such as VelaSmooth or Subcision? Velasmooth has just gotten FDA approval but is supposed to be much better at eliminating cellulite than endermolgie or ionithermie. Subcision sounds like a great and permanent way to get rid of it too but it's hard to find a specialist who does it as it's not widely known. I am just now doing research but haven't yet had any procedures done. I keep reading about lower body lifting where your skin is tightened and the excess is cut off. I don't know if this could be an option for you, but when I lift my skin up, it makes my cellulite disappear...if it were firmer, I wouldn't have the cellulite issues. Hope this gives you some new options to look into.

[goawaydimples]

mandajill

I absolutely hate it. Yeah, bermuda shorts and capri's are in thank god...but I start feeling like everyone notices that's all I wear. So badly I want to wear the 3 1/2 inch inseam shorts, but I'm so dimply... uggg
I can get away with some of my longer mini skirts. I hate this condition and hope it get better. I would surely feel much better about myself and plus be able to get dressed so much quicker !! :)

[mandajill]

Thanks girls for your speedy response. I've heard of Velasmooth, but it is not offered yet where I live. I've read that it works pretty good though, and would love to try it as it does not involve injections. I had schlerotherapy done for my veins, and it left brownish/black marks all over my legs... This is the main reason I have not tried meso. Haven't done much research on subsicion, but like you said, I'm sure it is not offered here. The lower body lift thing totally freaks me out! It sounds like a pretty serious procedure, with the recovery and all. Also sounds like it leaves some serious scars! I don't think that is for me! Some friends from my hometown are doing meso, and getting great results, so who knows... I'll keep you posted if and when I find the solution!

[charity79]

Yes, VelaSmooth is supposed to combat cellulite better than other treatments because it uses laser technology to penetrate deep under the skin.

I would love to hear more about your friends' meso results. Were they left with marks?

I go back and forth on meso...it sounds pretty hit or miss from what I read on this board. I'm not fully convinced it's the way to go yet, however, lipo also has it's pros and cons it sounds like.

[mandajill]

No, my friends were not left with marks, nor did they experience any negative side effects. They are just going to a day spa to get the treatments, and they cost only $100. It is administered with a gun too... That is not FDA approved is it? I get so confused... I don't know. It doesn't sound like my friends did a lot of research... I think they just all jumped on the bandwagon, and it has been a positive experience for them. But after all the posts I've read on this sight, I'm very skeptical!

Is subsicion just a one-time procedure, or does it require a series of treatments? I am just concerned about the cellulite that is all over my upper legs, from my knee up to my pantyline. My butt doesn't really bother me because nobody sees it!

[charity79]

I don't know a lot about subcision except that it is as permanent as an anti-cellulite treatment can get. A fork-like instrument is used to break up the bands of fat that create cellulite. I read some articles in Shape magazine that said it's the most efficient and economical way to get rid of cellulite (around $500 for the one time treatment I think). I just can't find anyone in Chicago who does the procedure.

[goawaydimples]

I don't see anyone in VA that does subcision either.

[mandajill]

Gosh, that sounds great! I live in West Texas, and doubt that I can find anyone either. But if it that inexpensive and only a one time deal, I would be willing to travel to the best doc wherever he/she may be!

[charity79]

Goawaydimples,
I am curious as to what your skin elasticity was before and after your lipo. I feel as though my cellulite isn't too bad but I have fairly loose skin for a 25 year old (5'6", 130). It seems that if I could tighten the skin on my front and back thighs, the cellulite wouldn't show at all. I have heard some people say that lipo can actually help tighten the skin due to the nature of the skin trying to repair itself backtogether and creating an inner bandage. Please let me know if you have experienced any skin tightening, or if anyone else has thoughts on this, please let me know ;)

[goawaydimples]

Doc said my skin elasticity was perfect. My cellulite was mild (looking back) than it is now. It tripled, all over the rear thigh & front thighs and calves. Biggest mistake I ever made.

The stomach area, saddlebags and buttocks did just fine though....

[charity79]

I have cellulite on my saddle bags though? Do you think lipo would make it worse or did you have lipo on yours as well prior to surgery?

[goawaydimples]

I don't think the lipo would make it worse. My frontal thigh & rear are the worst, hard to hide in shorts and mini skirts.

[charity79]

Thanks so much for answering all my questions. It really helps in the decision making process.

[goawaydimples]

You are welcome! That's what we are all here for, to help each other out :-)

[cellulots]

Dear Goawaydimples,
I hear ya sister.
I'm 41, 5'3" about 135... yuk.
I can't seem to get rid of my cellulite, It so happen's that mine started showing up really bad with in the last 2 year, just after my lipo on the front and back of my thighs.
I've had meso done (10 times at $500 each visit)and it didn't reduce the cellulite, it actually discolored my skin, but I lost the wait. Its as if my thighs have dark areas in the front, but not in the back.
I was thinking of Thermage too, but they only do the procedure in the face and neck.
Let me know if you know of a doctor in the Orange County California area that does the procedure in other areas beside the face and neck.
I've did try Dermasonic, it's really working, I've had 10 visits and so far so good, the cellulite has decreased, but not all gone. I don't think it will be completly gone, but what ever I can do to get into my shorts again, I will.

[charity79]

Just curious if you had Tumescent or UAL lipo...I heard UAL can help reduce cellulite but Tumescent has a tendency to make it worse and I'm trying to get as much feedback as possible from actual patients.

[cellulots]

Never heard of either, but I just looked it up and didn't come up with any doctors here locally in O.C. Calif.
let me know if you know of a doctor in my area.
thank you.

[charity79]

I live in Chicago so unfortunately don't know of any good doctors in Orange County. So your doctor didn't tell you what type of lipo he performed on you?

[cellulots]

Charity79,
Yes, I know what type of lipo I had done, but it was back in 2000. The technology was different then.
I did gain some wait since my last lipo, it came back in other areas. When I heard about Mesotherapy, I thought I would try it out, after about $4000 later the inches came off, but the cellulite didn't go away.
I have been trying Dermasonic and the cellulit seems to be getting better, I'll let you know how it goes.

[charity79]

Cellulots,
What is it like when you gain weight in the other areas? I want to know all the ins and outs before making a decision. I appreciate your feedback

[cellulots]

Charity79
Its not pretty, I've noticed my back, above my bra line there is bulges, my chin, oh whats bad is my knees just around them. It definitly bulges out, and of course my arms, know its like I need lipo under my arms and around my knees, cuz those are not easy places to do excersize to loose weight. The meso helped a little, but I couldn't afford the mesotherapy treatments anymore.

[charity79]

so would you not recommend getting lipo?

[aestheticRN]

Like many of you, I too suffered from fat gain and horrible cellulite that lipo made worse. After my lipo I gained fat in my calves, butt and arms along with cellulite. I was not over eating mind you, I was dieting! I was so distressed that I searched for a cure. Nothing worked, not endermologie, no creams or potions. It was not until I was vacationing in Italy that I happened to rent a Plastic Surgeon's vacation home and got to learn about Mesotherapy. All the women over there get it done all the time. It's only like $40 a treatment there. No one has cellulite there, it's amazing.

Well, I learned how to perform Meso and practiced on myself. By my second session the cellulite on the bottom of my butt cheeks had smoothed out. It was still there if you were to pinch it up, it would dimple. After 5 sessions it was gone. I also got rid of that bananna roll just under the butt cheek that shows as a horrible roll when wearing tight pants. I smoothed out the backs of my cellulite thighs as well. I'm working on my triceps/back of arm area now.

Meso does work. I guess the results really do come from who does the procedure and if they water down the meds, etc. There is also no set formula for cellulite, just suggestions on different mixtures to use. In my practice I use a formula depending on the type of cellulite the person has, I custom blend my ************tails. If by 3 sessions there is no improvement I'll blend up something else and keep working with the person until we can get that cellulite eliminated. I know just how much it can effect your life and self esteem and how critical it is get rid of it! Most men don't seem to understand that....

Anywho, it works, seek out a reputable person and go for it.

[cellulots]

aestheticRN
Boy that's amazing, $40 for Meso in Italy! Wow, I was paying $500 a session here in Orange County, California, that included my back from bra line to knees and my stomach down to my knees. I just felt sick to my stomach putting that numming cream on and the bruising was really bad, I bruise easly, I was even taking "arnica" for bruising.
I would love to learn to do it my self, if you know of anyone out here in Orange County that trains and certifies, that would be helpfull.
Have you heard of Dermasonic?
I've tried that too, it seems to working on my, but at $150 a session for just an area its getting expensive, I'm ready to just by the machine and perform it on myself.
If you know of a meso treatment training center here in Orange County California let me know.