EMTONE is an all new device for the global aesthetics market to treat all five causes of cellulite – something that has not been achieved before. EMTONE from BTL combines radiofrequency (RF) and targeted pressure energy, two proven and effective technologies that can treat all cellulite conditions, and it is not limited by body mass index or skin type.
The condition
Cellulite is the name for the dimpled, lumpy appearance of skin that mainly develops in the hips, thighs or buttocks. There are many factors that predispose us to have cellulite appear on our bodies. To find an effective treatment for cellulite we must understand what is happening anatomically to give the dimpled appearance we know as cellulite. In females, there is a very superficial layer of fat just under the skin, as this fat increases it bulges out giving the lumpy appearance. This is exacerbated as our skin thins with age and the resistance to the underlying fat bulging is reduced. In addition, the strands in the dermal layers become more fibrous and twisted, pulling down to increase the dimpling effect in the skin. As fat accumulates in the interlobal space there is an increase in pressure and a decrease in the ability of the lymphatic systems to drain away lymph fluid; this static fluid adds to the swelling in the area. This congestion decreases healthy blood circulation in the affected area and good circulation is a prerequisite for neocollagenesis.
The basic anatomical causes of cellulite are:
1. Enlarged hypodermis fat chambers apply pressure outwards between interlobular spaces
2. Collagen fibres remain rigid pulling inwards against outward pressure (dimple)
3. Loss of skin elasticity decreases resistance to internal outward pressure
4. Metabolic waste accumulation in the interstitial spaces
5. Poor blood flow
There are underlying causes which are part of our genetic make-up that lead to the formation of cellulite. However, these genetic causes lead to actual structural changes in our skin, and it is these structural changes that can be rectified to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Recent studies have shown that the anatomical structures that create the appearance of cellulite are not simply down to excess fat. To understand our cellulite better we need to understand the structures in our dermis that lead to the appearance of cellulite. The cause of cellulite is a combination of factors, not just one in isolation. Studies have shown that as cellulite develops through the various stages of severity there are molecular and structural changes in the hypodermis, which are triggered by several factors.
Method of action
EMTONE is a safe and effective alternative to invasive procedures currently available such as liposuction and subcision. EMTONE treatment modalities are proven over many years for different applications such as skin tightening on the face and body contouring, supported by multiple peer reviewed clinical studies for these treatment modalities. The BTL EMTONE now combines both RF and targeted pressure energy to directly treat the anatomical causes of cellulite.
Causes and solutions
Fat pockets in the interlobal spaces dermal layers: EMTONE heats these fat cells to 40-43 degrees (not painful). The fat cells at these elevated temperatures are shown to reduce in volume.
Poor skin condition: EMTONE and targeted pressure energy manipulation are both proven to increase the levels of collagen and elastin in the dermal layers.
Poor lymphatic drainage: EMTONE and targeted pressure energy manipulation effectively give a deep lymphatic drainage massage, increasing lymphatic flow and drainage. Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – a light massage by a trained masseur is a technique that aids the elimination of lymphatic fluids and needs to be administered at least twice a week. However, this technique will only give a temporary improvement to just one of the causes to the appearance of cellulite. BTL EMTONE completes this lymphatic massage during the application in EMTONE.
Poor blood circulation: EMTONE and targeted pressure energy manipulation effectively give a deep massage increasing blood flow. A healthy microcirculation in the affected area will encourage healthy growth of new collagen proteins. The treated area will flush, resolving usually within one hour.
The treatment
The EMTONE treatment takes around 30 minutes depending on how many areas are to be treated. An application cream is applied and then the handpiece is massaged over the area. Patients will feel a comfortable tolerable heat and the targeted pressure energy will push against their skin at a rate of 10 times a second. Four to six treatment sessions are required at weekly intervals. Patients may see an immediate improvement because static lymph and excess fluid in the area has been massaged away. The full effect of the EMTONE RF and targeted pressure energy will take a full 12 weeks. This is the body’s natural response time to produce new collagen proteins as part of the body’s natural reparative process.
