title: Use of intense pulsed light and a retinyl-based cream as a potential treatment for cellulite: a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are few therapeutic treatments established for cellulite.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We studied the response of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment with or without a compounded prescription retinyl-based cream on a small group of patients who had visible cellulite present on the buttocks and thigh regions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty patients were selected to complete a 12-week course of IPL treatment either with or without a retinyl-based cream. Assessment was based on visual evaluation, photographs, skin ultrasounds, and patient satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifteen (75%) completed the study, and nine (60%) had a self-improvement rating of >or= 50%. Seven (78%) of nine patients used IPL/cream. Of the remaining six (40%) completing the study, four (27%) had self-improvement ratings of 25-50% and two (13%; IPL only) were considered treatment failures with a rating of 10-25%. Both IPL/cream and IPL-only groups exhibited an improvement in the smoothness of the affected area even following weight gain. Skin ultrasounds confirmed an increase in the deposition of collagen. During an 8-month phone follow-up, 8 (67%) of 12 responding reported the same or improved results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  IPL treatment with or without a retinyl-based cream can improve the appearance of peau d'orange cellulite, though the cream may augment cosmetic improvement. This approach is well tolerated, has minimal side effects, and is accompanied by a high degree of patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: jdhiland@aol.com
authors.forename: Joshua S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mermelstein
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Trow
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue; D000328:Adult; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004224:Diterpenes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007834:Lasers; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004224:Diterpenes; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A; C014794:retinol palmitate