How SMOOTHSHAPES^® Works

Cellulite is a common skin condition known for its dimpled appearance caused by enlarged fat cells trapped in an inflexible network of fibrous septae located in the subcutaneous layers of skin. It affects 85-98% of post-pubertal women. For years it was thought that cellulite occurred primarily due to obesity, excessive weight gain, lack of exercise and poor diet, but in actuality, this is not the case. The formation of cellulite is due to several genetic and physical factors that include hormones, vascular changes and connective tissue changes.

Based on six years of scientific development, SmoothShapes^® featuring Photomology^® technology is designed to offer a new and innovative way to treat cellulite, safely and effectively, and achieve long-lasting results. The SmoothShapes system effectively treats cellulite by improving the overall condition of enlarged fat cells and inflexible fibrous septae through a proprietary technology called Photomology^®. Photomology restores enlarged cells through a unique mechanism of action which combines dynamic laser and light energy with contoured rollers and vacuum suction to specifically target problem cellulite. Treatment results: tighter, smoother looking skin.

Photomology technology preserves fat cells while stimulating normal metabolic processes. It uses specific laser and light wavelengths to target the physical manifestations of cellulite: enlarged fat cells and inflexible fibrous septae. During treatment, collagen is remodeled in order to restore fat cells and smooth and tighten treated skin. Photomology gently stimulates metabolic processes to minimize the underlying causes of cellulite such as edema, impaired blood circulation and decreased metabolism to restore the tissue to a better state. Two specific wavelengths of light are utilized during treatment.

The 915nm (nanometer) wavelength penetrates well into the tissue and is preferentially absorbed by lipids causing fat liquefaction. The temperature inside the adipocytes is slightly elevated. Contoured rollers move liquefied lipids from the interstitial space to the lymphatic system for dynamic drainage.

Infrared absorption spectra of water (solid Line) and human fat (dotted line), noting approximate wavelengths of fat absorption maxima. (R.R. Anderson, et al. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 38:-13-919, 2006.) 915nm laser is one of the four wavelengths proven to effectively liquefy fat.

The 650nm wavelength modifies the permeability of the fat cell membrane to allow the liquefied fat to move into the interstitial space. This transitory change does not damage the adipocytes; the integrity of the cells is maintained. Smoothshapes uses a vacuum component to position the skin for most effective light penetration.

Neira, et al. have demonstrated that Low Level Light “facilitates the releasing of the fat panicles, allowing the fat to go from inside to outside the cell and placing it in the interstitial space.”* (*Neira R, et al. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002 Sep 1; 110(3):912-922.)

This combination of laser and light energy, vacuum suction and mechanical massage represents a significant improvement in the treatment of unwanted cellulite. A series of 8 treatments allows patients to experience smoother, firmer skin in the treatment area with lasting cellulite reduction results.