title: Improvement in skin elasticity in the treatment of cellulite and connective tissue weakness by means of extracorporeal pulse activation therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extracorporeal pulse activation therapy (EPAT), also called extracorporeal acoustic wave therapy, seeks to achieve effective and long-lasting improvement of age-related connective tissue weakness in the extremities, especially in the treatment of unsightly cosmetic skin defects referred to as cellulite.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to stimulate metabolic activity in subcutaneous fat tissue by means of EPAT in order evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing connective tissue firmness and improving skin texture and structure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-nine women with advanced cellulite were divided into 2 groups; one group of 15 patients received planar acoustic wave treatment for 6 therapy sessions within 3 weeks; a second group of 44 patients received 8 therapy sessions within 4 weeks. Changes in connective tissue were evaluated using the DermaScan C ultrasound system (Cortex Technology, Hadsund, Denmark). Skin elasticity measurements were performed using the DermaLab system (Cortex Technology). Photographs of treated areas were taken at each therapy session and at follow-up sessions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Skin elasticity values gradually improved over the course of EPAT therapy and revealed a 73% increase at the end of therapy. At 3- and 6-month follow-ups, skin elasticity had even improved by 95% and 105%, respectively. Side effects included minor pain for 3 patients during therapy and slight skin reddening.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirmed the effects of acoustic wave therapy on biologic tissue, including stimulation of microcirculation and improvement of cell permeability. Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated increased density and firmness in the network of collagen/elastic fibers in the dermis and subcutis. Treatment was most effective in older patients with a long history of cellulite.
authors.affiliation: Storz Medical AG, Tägerwilen, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Christ
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brenke
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sattler
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Siems
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Novak
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Daser
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques; D004548:Elasticity; D005260:Female; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015595:Skin Aging; D014463:Ultrasonography