In the late 1970's, Louis Paul Guitay (LPG) suffered muscle and skin damage as a result of a motor vehicle accident. The scarring that resulted was treated by therapeutic massage to soften this tissue and to restore muscle function. These massage sessions, which lasted three to four hours a day, consisted of rigorous routines of manually rolling the skin in order to regain elasticity. Guitay was unsatisfied with these massages because the therapy was time consuming, labor intensive, and the outcome varied widely based on the skill of the individual therapist. As a result, Guitay designed the Endermologie system, which used a mechanical method to produce the same effect as the manual massages. This mechanical system allowed the therapy to be performed quicker and in a more consistent fashion.

Soon after, these machines were used to treat trauma and burn scars similar to those suffered by Guitay. During this therapeutic use, physicians quickly noticed its ability to reduce the appearance of cellulite and alter fat distribution in patients. The manner which this is accomplished is theorized to be by the stretching of the vertical connective tissues and stimulation of lymphatic flow as a result of the extreme pressure difference and the rolling motion as dictated by the technique.

This positive pressure from rollers combined with the negative pressure from suction is believed to cause sub-lethal damage to the subcutaneous fat cells. As these damaged fat cells heal, they rebuild in such a way that results in an improved contour of the skin and better distribution of subcutaneous fat . Though the fat layer is altered, this mechanical force does not affect the overlying skin, bones, or muscles.

The cosmetic use of LPG Endermologie has been widespread in Europe, Japan and South American for the past decade. Recent approval of the system and the machine in the United States has allowed for the use of LPG Endermologie system in helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite and distribution of fat in the subcutaneous plane. Other physicians have also found the Endermologie system to produce a measurable difference in circumference measurements regardless of weight change in the same time frame.

This body contouring system has also been used by others in conjunction with liposuction. This combination of techniques may help to shorten the recovery period of liposuction, and allow the results of liposuction to be more predictable.

 

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