The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

CELLULITE, the dimply appearance that resembles cottage cheese on the skin is not life threatening, however it is a bane for many Bahamian women.

Cellulite often appears in areas of fat deposits including the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. The condition is a cause for concern for women who believe it is unsightly.

Cellulite is caused by a combination of things including poor circulation, dehydrated cells, insufficient water intake, said Samantha Turnquest, owner of the Cellulite Cottage.

“Sodas and saturated fat are filled with toxins. Instead of going straight to our main organs like the heart, it is stored into fat cells. As the fat cells continue to gain more toxins it swells and creates a dimpling effect on the skin’s surface,” she said.

Some women go to great lengths to correct the problem such as starting extreme diets and exercise regime as well as purchasing a number of cosmetic items designed to treat the problem.

Among many treatments available locally endermologie has made its way to the Bahamas. It combines very firm massaging, rolling and sucking at the skin’s surface in an attempt to break up the fat cells that causes cellulite dimpling with the use of a LPG machine, the only one in Nassau.

“This LPG machine is something new to the Bahamas. The machine was originally designed to help burn victims. They noticed that after a while it also gave them a smoother surface on their skin. They also saw a great reduction to their cellulite. This is how enderomologie came about,” Ms Turnquest told Tribune Health.

The LPG machine and endermologie first originated in France, and is widely available in the United States and Europe.

“It is a combination of suction and rollers. The suction and the module we use, helps to detach the fat cells from the muscle and soften the fat cells. It pushes the toxins that are trapped into the fat cells away from the main organs to increase circulation. With enough water intake you will not only notice a decrease in the appearance of your cellulite but you will also start losing inches.

Ms Turnquest said her own struggle with cellulite made her search for treatment methods.

“I have always had cellulite and after having my son they just started popping up and I could not find anywhere here to get the service done. When you are young and you just had a child, you want to get back to where you used to be or as close to what you used to be as possible. I had the treatment done in Miami and I thought it was something great to bring back,” she said.

Ms Turnquest said endermologie not only reduces cellulite but also tightens the skin and increases circulation.

For older persons she said poor circulation can cause pain numbing and discomfort. As a result of the suction and rolling of the LPG machine pain and aching are reduced.

“There are a lot of cellulite treatments that help with cellulite reduction, but this actually helps to tighten the skin. For example for a new mother may have loose skin on the stomach or trying to get that butt lifted and diets are not working fast enough. The machine helps to lift that skin,” she told Tribune Health.

“We do not want to give the impression that we help with weight loss but it would help with inches. Some people complain that the minute they go on a diet the first thing they lose is their butt and you do not want to lose your butt. You want to lose the love handles and the stomach. So we target those areas that are resistant to diet and exercise,” she said.

Though the treatment helps with conditions like cellulite Ms Turnquest said endermologie is not a replacement for proper diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle choices.