Cellulite: Why sport and diet alone aren't enough

You train regularly, eat consciously, and the dimples on your thighs and buttocks still remain. This isn’t a question of discipline. Depending on the study, cellulite affects 80 to 90 percent of all women, regardless of age, weight, or fitness level. What’s behind it isn’t excess fat, but a structural property of female connective tissue.

What cellulite really is

Cellulite (medically: Dermopanniculitis deformans) develops in the subcutaneous layer. In women, connective tissue runs perpendicular to the skin and forms chamber-like structures into which fat cells push upward. In men, the connective tissue runs crosswise, which is why they are significantly less affected.

Three factors amplify the visible dimpled appearance:

• Weak connective tissue (partly genetic)
• Oestrogen, which increases the permeability of the connective tissue strands
• Disturbed microcirculation and lymph flow, causing fluid and metabolic waste to stagnate in the tissue

Why sport alone isn’t enough

Sport burns fat and tones muscles, both are important. But sport does not change the structure of the connective tissue strands that cause cellulite. Even very slim, athletic women can have pronounced cellulite.

Creams act on the skin surface. They don’t reach the deeper cause in the subcutaneous layer. Anti-cellulite cosmetics may temporarily make the skin look firmer and smoother, but they don’t change the underlying tissue structure.

Which approaches really address the root cause

For a treatment to improve cellulite sustainably, it must act deeper than the skin surface, on three levels simultaneously:

1. Boost microcirculation so tissue is better supplied with blood
2. Activate lymph flow so retained fluid is transported away
3. Stimulate connective tissue so fibroblasts produce new collagen and elastin

Mechanical microstimulation is one of the established non-invasive methods that addresses all three points at once. A controlled study from France (Humbert et al., Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2015) showed that repeated mechanical skin stimulation measurably activates fibroblast activity, with an increase in elastin, hyaluronic acid, and improved skin structure. The study was conducted with an LPG device but demonstrates the general principle of mechanical skin stimulation on which icoone® is also based.

icoone® microstimulation: how it works

The patented Roboderm® technology uses micropores that stimulate the tissue three-dimensionally through controlled vacuum microstimulation, without lasers, without needles, without heat. According to the manufacturer, several thousand microimpulses per minute are generated.

The scientific foundation is based on the work of Dr. Jean-Claude Guimberteau, French hand and plastic surgeon, on the microvacuole structure of connective tissue and has been further investigated in several clinical studies (e.g. Palmieri et al., Maullu & Scuderi, see icoone.com/en/science).

At Praxis Anzhelika Wyss in Opfikon, an official icoone® centre, each treatment is individually tailored. A session lasts 60 or 90 minutes and combines a full-body base programme with a focus programme on the problem area.

Realistic expectations

Cellulite doesn’t completely disappear with any non-invasive method. What is realistic:

• Visible improvement in skin appearance after 8 to 10 sessions
• Mild cellulite (grade 1) often responds faster than advanced forms
• For lasting results, regular maintenance sessions are advisable

The recommended course of 10 sessions (twice a week) is the typical starting point to assess how your own tissue responds.

What icoone® does not replace

• Significant weight loss, icoone® is not designed for this
• Surgical procedures, these have a different profile of action and are not offered at the practice
• An unhealthy baseline routine, movement, diet, and skincare remain the foundation

Pricing

Single session 60 min.: CHF 195 Recommended course (10 sessions): CHF 175.50 per session · original suit included · 0% instalment payment · valid for 12 months Intensive programme: from CHF 168 per session

To the cellulite treatment · Book appointment · WhatsApp consultation

Also of interest: Relaxation massage for stress reduction

Sources

• Humbert P, et al. Mécano-Stimulation™ of the skin improves sagging score and induces beneficial functional modification of the fibroblasts. Clinical Interventions in Aging 2015;10:387-403. (Demonstrates the general principle of mechanical skin stimulation, conducted with an LPG device)
• icoone® scientific studies: icoone.com/en/science

Individual results may vary. This content does not replace medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can cellulite completely disappear?

No. No non-invasive method can make cellulite fully disappear. What is realistic: visible improvement in skin appearance, especially with cellulite grade 1 and 2. With grade 3, effects are limited. Realistic expectations are important.

How quickly do you see results with icoone®?

First changes in skin feel (softer, less tension) usually after 2 to 3 sessions. Visible improvements in cellulite usually after 5 to 8 sessions. For lasting results, the complete 10-session course plus maintenance is advisable.

What does a cellulite treatment cost in Opfikon?

A single icoone® session of 60 minutes costs CHF 195. The recommended 10-session course costs CHF 175.50 per session (CHF 1,755 total), including the original suit and 0% instalment payment over 12 months.

Is icoone® scientifically proven for cellulite?

Mechanical skin microstimulation activates fibroblasts demonstrably (see Humbert et al. 2015). Clinical studies specific to icoone® technology are accessible at icoone.com/en/science. The evidence supports the principles of action; individual results vary.

### Read more Lymphatic drainage: when does it help? → · What is icoone® Roboderm®? → · Cellulite grades 1 to 3 explained →

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