Emtone

Cellulite is much more common in women than men because of the structure of women’s skin and the fact that women often carry more fat in the lower body, where cellulite is more likely to form.

In men, the tissues below the skin have a criss-cross structure, while in women, the fat cells and connective tissue are arranged vertically.

Cellulite usually begins to develop in women after puberty and may become more pronounced as a person ages because the skin loses elasticity and volume.

Weight gain can make cellulite appear more pronounced, though many slim people also have cellulite to some degree.

Cellulite is usually very difficult to treat, and topical products may be mostly ineffective. Exercise, weight loss, and massages also are unlikely to have much of an effect on the appearance of your skin if the focus is reducing dimpling.

Emtone from BTL Aesthetics™ is a breakthrough, non-invasive cellulite treatment that applies two different types of energy—thermal monopolar radiofrequency and mechanical targeted pressure energy—at the same time to target the root causes of this harmless but frustrating skin condition.

The main cause of cellulite is believed to be tense, fibrous bands that pull down on the skin while fat pushes outward, creating a dimpled appearance. While the bands and fat cells certainly contribute, cellulite is a multi-factorial issue.

Emtone addresses five factors that are believed to make dimpling worse: weakened collagen and elastin fibers, enlarged pockets of fat, metabolic waste retention, poor blood circulation, and tightened bands of collagen, known as septae.

Radiofrequency (RF) energy delivers heat to the deeper layers of the skin without harming the surface. The device works by warming tissue in the treatment area to a temperature of 108º to 111ºF, stimulating increased production of collagen and elastin to make skin thicker, smoother, and firmer, thereby minimizing the appearance of mild to moderate cellulite. The RF energy may also destroy fat cells, which will be metabolized from the body. The targeted pressure energy from Emtone provides a vibrating massage and pressure to help break up cellulite.

Emtone can be used on any areas where cellulite occurs, such as the fronts and backs of the thighs, sides of the body, buttocks, abdomen, knees, and upper arms.

Patients with all body types, BMIs, skin types, and skin tones are ideal candidates for Emtone. There is no specific age range for this treatment.

Emtone is suitable for anyone who is seeking a non-invasive method to improve moderate cellulite and the overall quality of their skin in the areas they are targeting. However, patients who have severe skin laxity may not be eligible.

Note that Emtone is not a fat reduction treatment.

Ideal patients are those who are in generally good health and are at a stable, healthy weight. Radiofrequency-based treatments like Emtone may not be recommended for patients who have pacemakers or metal implants.

During your consultation at the Dermatology Office of Dr. Ellen Turner, we’ll help you determine whether Emtone will be the best option for you or if you would benefit from another cellulite treatment strategy.

This is a fast, simple treatment that lasts just 20 minutes on average and causes little to no discomfort. The patients lie down throughout the duration of the treatment, and no incisions or anesthesia are required. A conductive lotion will be applied to enable the handpiece to glide over the skin.

Expect to feel a warm sensation similar to a relaxing hot stone massage, along with some intense mechanical vibrations as the handpiece glides over the skin. It’s normal for the skin to feel warm as the tissue temperature rises, but Emtone is equipped with an automatic-shutoff feature to ensure that the temperature never becomes too high and it isn’t overly uncomfortable for patients. As Emtone isn’t painful, no anesthesia is required.

The skin may appear pink and feel warm for around 30 minutes after the Emtone procedure, but patients will be able to return to their normal activities without having to take time off to recover. Unlike many other cellulite solutions, there is no downtime required after Emtone, so patients can resume their normal day-to-day activities right after treatment. Some results will be noticeable after just one session, and the skin will gradually look better as months pass and collagen levels increase.

There is a 90 percent patient satisfaction rate for this procedure, according to studies.

To optimize results from Emtone, patients may be advised to schedule four treatment sessions to be completed within two weeks. The full results usually are seen around three months after the final treatment.

Clinical studies show that dimpling improves for more than 90 percent of patients within 12 weeks of the final session. Follow-up maintenance treatments will be necessary to preserve the results, since collagen breaks down over time and the dimpling can eventually return. Our team will work with you to design an individualized treatment plan.

In addition to Emtone, Dr. Ellen Turner’s Dallas-based dermatology office also provides Qwo^® treatments for cellulite, injected directly into dimples on the buttocks. The formula contains enzymes that release the tightened bands of collagen that contribute to the severity of dimpling. When the bands are released, this results in smoother-looking skin.

Emtone is complementary to Emsculpt Neo^®, a fat-reduction treatment that builds muscle and smooths skin for a more toned appearance. Sometimes patients are confused about the difference between Emsculpt Neo^® and Emtone. Unlike the latter treatment, which is designed to address the underlying causes of cellulite, Emsculpt induces rapid contractions that strengthen muscles in the treatment area. This may also result in some fat reduction.