Practice First to Offer New Non-Invasive Treatment for Cellulite in Los Angeles

Dr. Grant Stevens is proud to announce the introduction of SmoothShapes®, a non-invasive treatment for cellulite, at his Los Angeles practice. SmoothShapes uses laser and light technology in combination with vacuum and manual massage to reduce the appearance of cellulite on all parts of the body.

Marina del Rey, California (September 2008) – Marina Plastic Surgery Associates is proud to be the first practice in the Los Angeles area to offer SmoothShapes, a non-invasive medical spa procedure that can dramatically improve the appearance of cellulite. SmoothShapes uses the Photomology® system, which was developed by cellulite reduction specialists, to help Southern California women smooth the appearance of dimpled skin on any part of the mid and lower body. The procedure is offered through The Stevens Institute, Marina Plastic Surgery’s medical day spa that was founded by Dr. Grant Stevens.

Cellulite is a condition that affects an estimated 85 to 90% of women. Although many people believe that cellulite is caused by excessive weight, the reality is that it is usually the result of genetics and hormones, which makes it almost impossible to eliminate through diet and exercise. In the past, the options available for cellulite treatment were creams, body wraps, and pills, which most women find to be ineffective. SmoothShapes is an advanced cellulite treatment technology – making it one of the first procedures that can offer women real results in the fight against cellulite.

“For years we’ve had women with cellulite from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and all over Southern California come to our practice looking for a way to achieve a smoother appearance,” says Dr. Grant Stevens, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the Medical Director of Marina Plastic Surgery Associates and The Institute. “The introduction of SmoothShapes to our menu of services represents the first time that we will be able to offer our patients a treatment option that has been shown to actually reduce the appearance of cellulite.”

SmoothShapes works by using Photomology, a combination of laser and light energy, along with vacuum and manual massage. During the procedure, specific wavelengths of laser and light are applied to the target area to liquefy fat and restore fat cells. At the same time, a vacuum and rollers are applied to move liquefied fat out of the target area and to re-model the fibrous connective tissue that creates the bumps and dimpling recognized as cellulite. Los Angeles women can use SmoothShapes to treat cellulite on the hips, buttocks, legs, thighs, and abdomen and patients can expect to see results after a few short treatments lasting for months.

Because SmoothShapes is a completely non-invasive procedure, it requires no downtime and many patients are able to fit in a treatment during their lunch hour. Women generally report feeling very comfortable during the procedure and many actually enjoy it because of the massaging action created by the rollers. Most patients don’t experience any aftereffects from a SmoothShapes treatment, but if they bruise easily, they may see some light bruising. The cellulite reduction specialists at The Institute in Southern California help each SmoothShapes patient determine how many treatments they will need depending on the size of the treatment area.

“Our patients appreciate that SmoothShapes treatments are quick and easy,” adds Dr. Stevens. “People in Los Angeles are busy – they don’t have a lot of time to spend on a long procedure or recovery – so the idea of being able to improve the appearance of cellulite on your lunch hour is very appealing.”

In addition to SmoothShapes, Marina Plastic Surgery Associates is adding 2 more non-invasive cellulite treatment options – VelaShapeT and Body by Thermage® – to the menu of services at The Institute. VelaShape uses light and radiofrequency energy to treat cellulite and temporarily reduce thigh circumference. Body by Thermage restores connective tissue health to create a long-lasting smooth skin appearance. Both of these new cellulite treatments in Los Angeles have been approved by the FDA.