Endermologie is described as a suction massage technique. It was developed in France. Regular manual massage was and is touted to get rid of cellulite. Now this type of electrically powered device that kneads the muscles is supposed to fulfill the promise that massage did not, plus do it faster and better.

So how does this work? What are the Side Effects? What is the Cost? DOES it work? What do actual patients say about their treatment?

According to the manufacturer’s website, the equipment uses 2 independent rollers (patented by them) that are designed to be able to move in at least 3 different directions, pulling the skin between them. It also adds suction in a “lift head” that pulses much like a vibrator. This is designed to stimulate the skin gently. The frequency and intensity is variable depending on the type of tissue it is working on.

There are important parts of the skin that are to be stimulated:

• Fibroblasts
• Collagen and Elastin Fibers
• Venous-lymphatic network (blood and lymph)
• Fat Cells
• Muscles

The actions of the equipment are designed to send signals deep into the tissue to stimulate changes. These changes include the actual structure of the fat tissue, an increase in circulation that would thus increase lymphatic drainage, plus an increase in collagen production by stimulating the fibroblasts, and finally an increase in muscle tone.

A newer version of their equipment is touted as being able to get rid of fat and re-contour the body. They state that it has four goals:

• Slim down fat cells
• Smooth cellulite
• Firm the skin
• Re-sculpt the figure.

A patient must wear nylon stockings in order to reduce the pinching and bruising that the friction caused by the equipment can cause. Sessions typically last anywhere from 10 minutes to 50 minutes.

What are the Side Effects

The main complaint has been bruising when too much suction was used or the rollers we not set correctly and caused pinching. This was temporary.

What does it Cost?

Average Cost is $1000; single sessions range from 70 to 90 dollars, often depending on purchasing a package.

Does it Work?

Studies before 2003 did not show evidence of substantive changes, with the exception of improvement in connective tissue. The connective tissue in the skin is what breaks down allowing the formation of septa, or pieces of fat that start to protrude through the dermis, causing the dimpling and bumps. A study in 2004 that is shown in the manufacturer’s research publication does confirm improvement specifically in cellulite that lasted at least 6 months. Nothing further is available to say whether these results persisted. More specific research is needed.

It should be noted that many providers of this service are still explaining that Endermologie is effective in flushing out the lymphatic system. While this had been verified, it is necessary to note that cellulite is not caused by toxins. For that reason, that claim does not apply to cellulite.

What do actual patients say about their treatment?

This is a real mixed bag of results. There are those that rave about their results. Most of these people have had 14 or more sessions and they confirmed an improvement in the appearance of cellulite, general improvement in skin tone, and many confirmed inches of fat loss and improvement of the actual shaping of their bodies.

On the flip side, those that did not continue their treatment beyond 4 sessions did not see the kind of improvements they expected. Many packages start at 4 to 8 treatments. This may be insufficient time to get optimum results.

VERDICT

This seems like it does hold promise. My own mom had breast cancer, and experienced lymphedema in the arm that was used to administer chemo. Getting rid of the toxins is so important to general health, and specifically to the swelling and pain that lymphedema causes. I think that, like massage, Endermologie could a valuable tool in dealing with a host of health issue. However, presenting this as a case for eliminating cellulite is misleading.

There are several things that appear to have been positively affective:

• Improvement in the structure of the connective tissue
• Stimulation of Collagen production
• Improvement in blood circulation in treated areas

The existing studies have not specifically evaluated these specific areas, which are all related to cellulite.

I usually note that more research is needed because of a very obvious lack of any that support their claims. In this case though, I think the technology deserves a much better look, as more information and improvement in the technology could have far reaching affects.