SmoothShapes™ is a new, FDA-cleared technology designed to improve the appearance of cellulite. Unlike other cellulite devices, the SmoothShapes system uses a proprietary technology called Photomology to treat the causes of cellulite by restoring the adipose cells and improving the fibrotic fibrous septae.

Thermal and non-destructive, Photomology’s unique mechanism of action combines dynamic laser and light energy with manual manipulation (i.e., mechanical massage) and vacuum to specifically affect the tissue responsible for the appearance of cellulite—engorged fat cells and fibrotic fibrous septae.The result is tighter and smoother-looking skin.

SmoothShapes’ unique difference: “At Elemé Medical we decided to take a disciplined, scientific approach to commercialization of our first cellulite device,” said Nancy M. Briefs, President and CEO of Elemé Medical. Although the original SmoothShapes device gained FDA clearance to market in July 2006, the company pursued market preference studies at 16 test centers around the world. “These additional preference studies allowed us to optimize treatment protocols and enhance system performance. The SmoothShapes system now requires only 6-8 treatments at 10 minutes per area,” says Briefs. The SmoothShapes device, launching in February 2008 at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) annual meeting, has been optimized for the clinician and client experience to reshape the way both view cellulite treatment.

About cellulite: Dimpled, orange-peel-like skin that is bumpy and lax is actually the outward symptom of cellulite. Cellulite is a skin condition that results from engorged fat cells trapped in a brittle network of collagen located in the hypodermis.

Women have cellulite because their subcutaneous fat layer is separated by thin vertical columns in contrast to a crisscross network in men. Cellulite can’t be controlled or improved by diet or exercise and more than 85% of women will develop it at some point in their life. Ultra slender supermodels, women devoted to a healthy lifestyle and diet, and even toned athletes can all have cellulite. The SmoothShapes system’s Photomology technology works to stimulate restoration
of healthy cell activity by addressing both the physical manifestations of cellulite and its underlying causes.

Studies show that 85-98% of post-pubertal women have cellulite. With the lack of proven treatments available, however, many practitioners and patients are looking for a solution they can believe in. SmoothShapes™ employs a scientific approach to cellulite treatment. Unlike other cellulite devices, the SmoothShapes system treats cellulite by improving engorged adipocytes and fibrotic fibrous septae through a proprietary technology called Photomology.Thermal and non-destructive, Photomology restores the cells by using a unique mechanism of action, combining dynamic laser and light energy with contoured rollers and vacuum to specifically impact components responsible for the appearance of cellulite. The result is tighter and smoother looking skin.

The causes of cellulite

Cellulite is a skin condition marked by engorged fat cells trapped in a fibrotic network of fibrous septae located in the hypodermis. Women develop cellulite because the subcutaneous fat layer is separated by thin vertical columns in contrast to the crisscross network in men. These columns contain engorged cells, and allow herniation to be more visible on the skin’s surface. Several genetic and physical factors contribute to the cause of cellulite. These include:

HORMONAL FACTORS – Hormones—not exercise or diet—primarily regulate fat storage and metabolism in the subcutaneous fat layer.

VASCULAR CHANGES – Increased deposition of GAGs (glycosaminoglycans) exerts pressure on the capillary walls, which leads to vessel permeability and excess fluid in the dermis, dipocytes and lobes of the fibrous septae. The ensuing edema results in vascular compression, decreased venous return and less oxygenation of tissue in the fibrous septae.

INFLAMMATION – When the fibrous septae housing the engorged fat cells becomes fibrotic or brittle and cannot stretch to support the skin, herniation of subcutaneous fat cells extrudes into the dermis, causing bumps and dimpling.