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Published on September 4, 2007

I'm interested in getting rid of this problem once and for all! I'm wondering what treatments or technologies are available that might help?

Micro-needle Therapy System (MTS) and Fraxel Laser Therapy usually work very well on scarring like yours. MTS is also called Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT) or "skin rolling". It uses a roller embedded with dozens of thin needles that is rolled over the skin surface. The needles penetrate deeply enough to induce the skin to produce collagen, which fills the depressed scar. All the studies that have been done have shown MTS to be very effective in smoothing acne scarring. 

Fraxel (or Fractional) Laser Therapy works on the same fundamental principle as the skin rolling technique, except that it replaces needles with lasers.

The Fraxel Laser produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of light energy that cause micro-thermal zones in the skin. This stimulates new collagen production to give you skin resurfacing results without damage. Use of the Fraxel Laser has already been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat acne and surgical scars.  

You should see a big improvement through a combination of MTS and Fraxel Laser Therapy.

Hi, I have severe cellulite all over my thighs. It's very noticeable and no amount of dieting or exercise affects it. Is there something that can be done? Liposuction isn't the best place to start, is it?

Good question. Cellulite is actually small amounts of fat that have herniated just below the surface of the skin. A poor diet, fad dieting, sluggish metabolism, hormone fluctuations and even dehydration may play a role. No amount of weight reduction or dieting can eliminate it once you have it. It is rarely helped even by superficial liposuction. However, combined treatment by carboxy therapy and a medical device called the VelaSmooth - two new technologies - has proved to be effective in reducing cellulite.

VelaSmooth combines infrared light and high-frequency radio waves with vacuum-rolling massage to help break up the fat. The result is a smoother and tighter skin surface.

With carboxy therapy, the patient has carbon dioxide injected into their cellulite, which breaks up the little boxes of fat. The end result is fewer fat cells and firmer skin.

Though CO2 might sound potentially toxic, there's no need to worry - the gas is a natural by-product of human metabolism, and gets transported through the bloodstream to be exhaled through the lungs. A course of six or more sessions of this combined treatment is necessary for good results.

To prevent "come-back" cellulite after treatments:

l Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre.

l Stay hydrated with plenty of fluids.

l Exercise regularly to keep muscle toned and bones strong.

And remember, prevention is definitely better than cure!

I have stretch marks on my hips and I'm desperate to get rid of them. Is there anything that works?

Stretch marks usually appear after rapid weight change and are the result of damage to the deep skin rather than its upper layers. Creams and lotions are, therefore, unable to penetrate deep enough to heal the scars. A more rigorous approach is carboxy therapy, which uses pressurised CO2 to "punch" the damaged tissue and stimulate collagen growth alongside the scar lines, resulting in a fading of the stretch marks. Finally, if you're prepared to go the extra mile, Fraxel Laser is an option.

by Thanisorn Thamlikitkul, md

Thanisorn Thamlikitkul, MD, is a member of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery and qualified in dermatological laser surgery. Send your questions to info@romrawin.com. Her column appears twice monthly on the Fashion and Beauty page.