What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a very common condition.  Cellulite looks like lumpy, dimpled skin and tends to occur on the thighs, hips, buttocks, arms and abdomen.

In the dermal layers of the skin, there are fibrous connective tissue cords that separate fat lobes from each other. Fat lobes contain fat cells. When there is weight gain the fat cells in the fat lobes increase in size, causing the fat lobes to push up against the skin. Meanwhile, the connective tissue cords are tough, fibrous cords that don't change in size with weight fluctuations. These cords are connected to the skin and they pull down on the skin as the fat lobes push up against the skin. A dimpling effect results from this interaction. Cellulite is therefore caused by these tough, long connective tissue cords that exist between the enlarged fat lobes that cause a pull down effect on the skin as the fat cells increase in size and push up against the skin.

How Can We Treat Cellulite?

There are several ways to treat cellulite:

• Break or cut the fibrous connective tissue cords
• Destroy or melt the fat cells, called fat cell apoptosis and lipolysis

Fibrous connective tissue cords causing cellulite can be broken up with a substance called collagenase or they can be cut with a scalpel. After some time the connective tissue bands may regrow and the cellulite may reappear, so periodic maintenance treatments are recommended.

QWO® is an injectable collagenase cellulite treatment available at Monaco MedSpa. It is effective, but it is associated with significant bruising. You may call us at 786-536-6117 for a consultation appointment with our doctor to see if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Destroying or melting fat cells is another way to treat cellulite. This involves using energy devices that deliver heat deep into the skin so that they reach the fat layers and destroy the fat cells. The Morpheus8 3D BODY machine is by far one of the best devices in the market available today that, when used at the correct depth with the appropriate energy level, can destroy the fat cells causing cellulite.

How Do Morpheus8 3D BODY Treatments Treat Cellulite?

The Morpheus 8 machine has interchangeable handpieces, with one treating the face and the other treating the body. The Morpheus8 3D BODY goes deeper to target deep fat layers and causes the radio frequency energy to be delivered in a radiating, hence 3D, fashion. The Morpheus8 FACE does not goes as deep and does not deliver the energy in a radiating fashion. The FACE handpiece only delivers the energy at the microneedle entry points.

The Morpheus8 3D BODY is a phenomenal device for cellulite reduction in that it helps remove excess fat while it also tightens the tissues and skin above the areas where the fat is being melted, so the skin doesn't sag in these areas. If you’re looking to improve your shape and achieve a smoother skin appearance, Morpheus8 3D BODY treatments can be a great way to reach your goals.

The Morpheus8 3D BODY Contouring Device is a highly sophisticated, state of the art, fractional radiofrequency energy device which, in the right hands, can be customized to perform many different functions that can tighten the skin, smooth scars, and eliminate unwanted fat cells. The incredible versatility of this revolutionary device, combined with the artistically gifted technical skills of Dr. Jeannette Barrueta, allows her to achieve incredible skin smoothing results.

Common areas with cellulitis that are treated with the Morpheus8 3D BODY Device are the buttocks, thighs, abdomen/stomach, "spare tire”/ "muffin top" areas, back and arms. It also is used to treat stretch marks.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Excessive skin distension, prolonged exposure to cortisol and genetics all play a role in the formation of stretch marks. The most common cause of stretch marks is the rapid stretching of the skin which disrupts the dermal skin proteins, named collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the two main structural proteins that support the skin giving it its shape and turgor. Skin can rapidly stretch, leading to stretch marks, when there is rapid weight gain or rapid muscle growth. Stretch marks can also form during pregnancy, pubertal growth spurts, and in certain diseases that produce excess cortisol such as Cushing Syndrome.

Stretch marks initially look like red, purple, pink, reddish-brown or brown streaks. Early on they can be itchy and they may feel slightly raised. Over time, the color fades and they become whitish and slightly depressed. The have a different texture than normal skin. A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops because of the abrupt skin changes that occur when the skin is stretched that causes the collagen and elastin molecules that support our skin to rupture. As the skin heals from within, stretch marks appear due to the lack of collagen and elastin in the areas of skin rupture.

Not everyone develops stretch marks. They have found that genetic mutations in four genes called ELN, SRPX, HMCN1, and TMEM18, may cause an increased risk of stretch mark formation. Mutations in the ELN gene that encodes for the dermal protein elastin are strongly associated with stretch marks that occur during pregnancy.

How Can We Treat Stretch Marks?

Over the counter creams, oils, and self-tanners have not been effective in treating stretch marks. However, self-tanners and tanning sprays can temporarily camouflage stretch marks.  Some spray tanners contain DHA, which has been shown to cause damage to cell DNA, which may lead to cancer. Make sure any self-tanners you use are non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.

In several studies hyaluronic acid and prescribed tretinoin creams, applied every day to early-appearing stretch marks, made them appear less noticeable. However, tretinoin causes birth defects and cannot be used during pregnancy.

Procedures such as microneedling alone and microneedling with radiofrequency are the most effective ways to treat stretch marks because they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Other less studied treatments which have yielded promising anecdotal results have been directly injecting the the stretch marks with biostimulating agents such as Sculptra and Radiesse.

Here at Monaco MedSpa, we treat stretch marks using a variety of treatments including Morpheus8 3D BODY microneedling with radiofrequency treatments, prescribed tretinoin, microneedling, and biostimulating Sculptra & Radiesse injections.

How Many Treatment Sessions Are Recommended?

For fat & cellulite reduction usually 3 treatment sessions of Morpheus8 3D BODY or 3 treatment sessions of QWO® injections are performed. However, depending on the severity of the cellulite and the obesity of the patient, multiple treatments may be required to achieve desirable results. Each treatment session should be performed 3 to 6 weeks apart. The number of treatment sessions varies per individual and per area treated and is specifically tailored to each individual in order to obtain optimal results.

For stretch mark reduction usually 3 treatment sessions of Morpheus8 3D BODY are performed. Other treatment options include 3 sessions of microneedling and 3 sessions of biostimulating Sculptra or Radiesse injections. To get stretch marked skin to regrow the dermis it is lacking oftentimes requires different modalities and several sessions.  Each treatment session, regardless of the modality used, should be 4 to 6 weeks apart, to give fibroblasts enough time to make collagen and elastin. All these modalities work by stimulating fibroblast to produce dermal proteins. The number of treatment sessions recommended are specifically tailored to obtain optimal results and vary per individual and per area treated.

How Fast Can I See Results?

For fat & cellulite reduction, visible results can be seen typically after 4 to 6 weeks. Improvements may continue up to 12 weeks after each treatment.

For stretch mark reduction, visible results can be seen typically after 6 to 10 weeks. Improvements may continue up to 12 weeks after treatment.

What Is The Benefit Of Fractionated Radiofrequency Energy To Treat Cellulite & Stretch Marks?

The fractionated radiofrequency energy delivered by the Morpheus8 machine is a scientifically proven method used to remodel and rebuild collagen. Morpheus8 uses a matrix of micropins to deliver fractionated radiofrequency energy into the deep layers of the skin, stimulating fibroblasts to create collagen and dermal proteins, and thereby renewing the dermal skin layer and improving the stretch marked area with almost no downtime. At higher energies and depths, the heat produced by the Morpheus8 fractionated radiofrequency energy eliminates fat cells, thereby reducing the fat cells that push up on the skin causing cellulitis.

Can Anyone Use The Morpheus8 3D BODY Contouring Device?

Yes, it can be used on all skin types. Even darker skin tones can be treated.

What Is The Post-Procedure Care?

Patients should moisturize the treatment area with the recommended creams and avoid direct sun exposure, such as boating or sunbathing, for at least 21 days after the treatment. Post-procedure creams will be recommended based on the patient’s skin type and quality. It is also recommended that patients use a broad spectrum sunscreen every day for 30 days after the treatment for best results. Detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions are provided prior to your appointment.

Am I A Candidate For These Treatments?

If you’re looking for a natural, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that will deliver results, you may be the perfect candidate for our cellulite and stretch mark treatments. Our treatments can improve the skin appearance of all different areas of the body, including the stomach, the arms, buttocks, back and thighs. During your consultation, our doctor will determine what treatment is right for you.