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Skin Deep

American Fitness, May, 1999 by Shari Huffman

Endermologie[R] is emerging as an effective massage treatment for burn victims and those wanting to reduce cellulite.

Louis Paul Guitay, a young engineer in southern France, was badly burned in a car accident ten years ago. During his long and painful recovery, he discovered that physical therapy sessions varied according to the time of day. Afternoon massages of burned skin tissue were not as effective as morning massages. The therapist's hands were weaker and his strokes became less consistent after numerous massage sessions throughout the day.

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Guitay's engineering expertise coupled with his perceptive discoveries produced "endermologie[R]," a massage procedure using a hand-held device with two rollers. It contains a suction device used to lift the skin and has programmable strength and speed settings. The French discovered that this machine designed for physical therapy also enhanced physical beauty and subsequently began using it for cellulite reduction treatments.

According to a 1997 report by the American Society for Dermatology Surgery, Inc., "cellulite is a condition affecting 85% of post-adolescent women characterized by dimpled tissue on the upper outer thighs, posterior upper thighs and lower buttocks." The "cottage cheese" look results from fatty deposits and a connective tissue condition. But most of us don't care about the "what" or "why." We just want to know how to get rid of it.

In January, 1996, physical therapist Michael Van Welden introduced the machines to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after becoming president of LPG USA, a subsidiary of a French company. Guitay, the burn victim turned inventor, gave the company its name. He also coined the term endermologie[R], derived from "ende" (under) and "derm" (skin).

Dr. Shelly Friedman, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, purchased the first machine. According to Vogue magazine, Friedman claims "in other countries, undergoing endermologie treatments is like getting your nails done."

The Fort Lauderdale marketing department says there are 800 doctors in foreign countries using 500 machines at the cost of $26,500 each. LPG Systems house several production lines in their 170,000-square-foot site. All equipment is assembled according to each country's requirements.

Treatment costs vary from $70 to $100 per session, which are 30 minutes in some clinics and as long as one hour in others. Most practitioners offer package deals, recommending a minimum of five treatments and one monthly maintenance session. Physicians and technicians also emphasize low fat diet, aerobic exercise and drinking plenty of water.

Clients are issued body stockings to ensure sanitary conditions and a modicum of modesty, as well as aid the machine to move over the skin easier. The hand-held device, which is attached to a larger machine, rolls over the body while the vacuum suction lifts the skin. Reportedly, "deep massage" increases circulation, which aids in burning fat. It also stimulates the process of eliminating waste and toxins which add to fatty deposits. The daily intake of two liters of water promotes toxin elimination. The sucking and pulling of the vacuum stretches the connective tissue, providing a smoother, less "lumpy" look.

With the prescribed diet, exercise regimen and monthly follow-ups, the procedure reportedly works. Skeptics claim not enough objective research has been done. Some physicians have said the temporary swelling caused by the somewhat intense massage merely makes the body look taut.

Clients' reactions vary as well. Some cite discomfort and bruising, but generally only after the first few treatments. Others state they have no problems. Several mention their legs feel firmer and pants fit looser.

Training Sites in Florida and California

Physicians who purchase the machine and two assisting technicians are trained at the LPG offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, or Beverly Hills, California. Training in 12 maneuvers and techniques takes place over a two-day period. The procedure and the machine--both FDA approved--need to be supervised by a physician. The FDA requires the client receives no guarantee of results and acknowledges that endermologie is only a temporary solution. In fact, the claim states the dimpling of cellulite may be removed, first visit, the client is expected to sign a disclaimer acknowledging there are no guaranteed results.

"Before" and "after" pictures of clients seem to demonstrate subtle reshaping of the hips and buttocks. Dr. Milan Jeckle's clinic in Spokane, Washington, has an impressive gallery of "before" and "after" pictures. In these pictures, men and women seemed to have reduced the appearance of cellulite on their skin.

Dr. Richard Tucker, a plastic surgeon in Seattle, Washington, stated in the February 28, 1997 issue of the Puget Sound Business Journal, "The ideal candidate for endermologie is less than 30 pounds overweight, age 30-45 and exercises regularly."

Most participants are women, but some men also take advantage of endermologie. They tend to address the problem of their "love handles," drooping pecs and less than perfect buttocks.

Skin Deep

American Fitness, May, 1999 by Shari Huffman

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