Ask Dr. Man- Triactive

Dear Dr. Man, My family passed along some good genes to my twin sister and me. Unfortunately, they also passed along the cellulite gene. We’re 36 years old and both my twin and I are actually very thin and have athletic bodies. However, we have horrible cellulite around our thighs and our behinds. No amount of exercise or dieting has helped. My sister mentioned that she read something about Triactive and how it uses a laser and is less invasive than other treatments like lipo. Can you please give me the basics on cellulite and how Triactive can help- also, what it entails? Signed, Twin in Delray

The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that occurs on hips, thighs and buttocks. This appearance is much more common in women due to the differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women’s skin. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that at least 80% of women have cellulite. Currently, more than 45 million women in the U.S between the ages of 20 and 50 suffer from this condition.

The different types of cellulite include: edematous, adipose, interstitial, fibrous or localized adiposity. The causes of cellulite include: genetics, hormonal, vascular, lack of exercise, stress, poor nutrition, digestive disorders and systemic diseases.

Triactive is the only laser FDA approved for cellulite treatment. It is helpful in achieving the following:

- To reduce cellulite, which appears as a “cottage cheese” lumps under the skin
- Pre liposuction: To ease the surgical procedure
- Post-liposuction: To assist with contouring
- Facial Smoothing and Tightening
- Body Smoothing
- Enhancement of microcirculation
- Therapeutic micro massage
- Adipose lymphatic drainage
- Provides noticeable results before and after liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty and others.

Various parts of the body can be treated with Triactive, including:

- Thighs and buttocks
- Upper arms and neck
- Tightening of the love handles
- Abdomen

Patients who have been treated using Triactive report no pain, and a feeling similar to “having a massage.” Part of this sensation is due to an increase in circulation. Typically the treatment is done in a series of about 10 to 15 treatments to a given area. These can be spaced as closely as three times per week, or once per week.

Your individual results can depend on several factors: The number of areas being treated, your age and general condition and the number of treatments. Typically patients see noticeable improvements after six to eight treatments.

Normally, the series of Triactive treatments can be done annually, with follow-up monthly maintenance treatments. If you have experienced weight reduction, a change in your body fat composition (and need additional tightening) or are have other areas of your body treated, you may want to consider a miniseries of treatments.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.