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A vacuumlike machine pulls deeply at dimpled flesh as smooth rollers writhe over thighs and abdomen, pushing around fatty tissue. This heavy-duty massage therapy, known as "endermologie," is the latest in the war against cellulite.
The goal is to help shrink the fat cells and reduce the dimpling that occurs when they push against the skin. The technique is touted as giving the skin a smoother appearance and increasing circulation; it feels like that burning tingle you sometimes get in your legs when running.
Introduced by skin-care salons as a stand-alone beauty treatment, endermologie has taken a step into mainstream medicine, and is being offered by some plastic surgeons in conjunction with liposuction.
Unlike liposuction, endermologie does not remove fatty tissue, but proponents say it can smooth and enhance the appearance of fatty tissue.
"Endermologie is not a cure-all, but it gets such good results; clients like the smooth way their skin looks," said Judie Nixon, director of Rejuvena spa in Fort Worth, which recently formed an alliance with seven Fort Worth physicians to offer pre- and postoperative care for many of their services, including liposuction.
In endermologie, a computerized roller pushes, pulls, stretches and molds the skin, the outer layer of fat and the septa -- the dividing walls or membranes between fat cells and other soft tissue.
"We have four layers of fat," Nixon said. "The first and third are not affected by diet and exercise. We carry cellulite in our outermost or first layer."
North Texas Institute of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, a group of board-certified plastic surgeons, formed the alliance with the skin therapy company to prepare patients for surgery and take care of follow-up matters, including facials and makeup sessions.
"A group of us now are offering our pre- and post-op liposuction patients endermologie because they are more pleased with the results when this is added," said Dr. Kelly Kunkel, one of the physicians working with Rejuvena to provide the service. "We develop the programs for our patients, and the skin therapy center carries them out."
Four endermologie sessions -- usually one before and three after liposuction -- are included in the doctors' treatment packages.
The plastic surgeons are also including skin therapy with other procedures. A client can get facials, light chemical peels, and makeup and counseling sessions to go along with eyelid surgery, nasal surgery, face lifts, laser resurfacing and breast augmentation.
What endermologie clients get, according to proponents:
Better skIn tone. Improved circulation makes the skin smoother and healthier within four to five sessions, advocates say.
Some contouring. The massage stimulates the production of elastin and collagen (connective tissue), providing a healthful stretch to the skin.
Less obvious cellulite. It's not always possible to get rid of it, but in many cases, a difference is visible.
The total program also includes drinking more water -- at least 2 liters a day to flush out toxins -- exercise and a low-fat diet.
As a separate skin therapy service, endermologie costs about $950 for 10, 35-minute sessions. It is also available in combination packages with other body and water therapies and massages.
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