THE NEW Z WAVE PRO HERALDS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE TREATMENT OF CELLULITE, USING SHOCK WAVE THERAPY.
The search for a non-invasive treatment for cellulite has been ongoing. Z Wave Pro by Zimmer Aesthetics, distributed by Cynosure, uses radial shock waves to firm and smooth dimpled skin and reduce thigh circumference. It can be used alongside non-invasive body contouring procedures to reduce interval times between treatments and for better fat deduction results, as well as a standalone treatment for cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by weak connective tissue fibres, resulting in bulging of the septa of the subcutaneous adipose tissue – primarily in the thighs, upper arms, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. This causes dimpling of the skin surface and the so-called ‘orange-peel effect’. In overweight persons and/ or those with weak connective tissue, cellulite can already manifest in young adulthood; with increasing age, varying degrees of cellulite are found in 80 to 90 percent of women. Despite being just a cosmetic concern, it can have negative psychological effects on people with cellulite, many of whom look for treatments to improve their appearance.
A new innovation in the fight against cellulite
The Z Wave Pro uses radial pulse technology that delivers shock waves to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Radial shock waves are high-energy acoustic waves that are pneumatically generated outside of the body. They are applied to human tissue via the skin surface near the affected area, and they then spread radially. After treatment, the tissue around the affected area reacts to the shock wave with increased metabolic activity. The epidermis becomes tighter as a result. In addition, the acoustic waves stimulate circulation, neovascularisation and the production of collagen. The improved metabolism and circulation speed the drainage of lymphatic fluid.
Shock waves have long been used in various fields of medicine. For several years now it has been used in aesthetic dermatology for improving the connective tissue.
It has been possible to prove in scientific studies that unfocused low energy shock waves have an effect on the collagen structure of the skin and connective tissues. They improve the blood circulation and metabolism of fat cells.
The Z Wave Pro as a standalone treatment
The Z Wave Pro represents the latest development in the treatment of cellulite. Using soft pulse technology to enhance patient comfort, sound wave therapy is delivered to the treatment area over a series of treatment sessions to improve skin structure and connective tissue.
The Z Wave Pro is FDA cleared and TGA listed for the reduction of cellulite. Typical patient treatment time is 3-4 minutes per body zone. Patients may notice visible results after only 2-3 sessions.
In a study published in Ästhetische Dermatologie 3.10, German Professor Markus Steinert treated 18 women with cellulite in stages I, II, and III with the Z Wave Pro shock therapy system. Shock wave therapy was performed 2-3 times per week, with a total of 10 treatments administered in a period of four weeks. The patients were asked not to change their usual lifestyle during the treatment period. The patients’ average body weight was 74.1 kg at the start of therapy and dropped to an average weight of 73.9 kg in the course of treatment.
For the thigh circumference measurement, a zone at the lateral thigh was defined in all patients; this zone was in the centre of a straight line between the femoral head and the lateral knee joint line. On the left side of the body, which was treated with the 40 mm head, the thigh circumference was reduced from an initial average of 63.9 cm (minimum 51 cm, maximum 73 cm) to 63.2 cm (minimum 49 cm, maximum 73 cm). On the right side, which was treated with the 25 mm head, the average thigh circumference was reduced from 64.1 cm (minimum 49 cm, maximum 72 cm) to 63.4 cm (minimum 48 cm, maximum 72 cm).
These initial investigations have shown that thigh circumference can be significantly reduced by shock wave therapy in patients with cellulite and the appearance of cellulite can be noticeably improved. In patients with stage III cellulite, slightly more changes can be expected than in those with milder forms of cellulite. The patients subjectively experienced the skin as rmer and smoother. Deep dimples are unlikely to completely disappear.
The perfect combination
The Z Wave Pro can also be used as a pre and post body contouring protocol for improved clearance of destroyed fat cells, increasing lymphatic drainage to deliver optimal results.
It can be used in combination with a variety of non-invasive body contouring procedures – such as SculpSure, cryolipolysis, RF or ultrasound – to deliver even better results. Utilising the Z Wave Pro pre or post body contouring procedures helps to decrease any mild swelling or tenderness post treatment. The mechanical massage e ect aids in improvement of lymphatic drainage, decrease in fat cell oedema, increase of leakage of membrane contributing to the clearance of the damaged fat cell. Considerable improvement in skin tightening can also be seen – caused by collagen remodelling and increase in elastin bre density. This then allows for further body contouring treatments monthly (rather than at 6-12 weeks) delivering body contouring results in half the time.
In a randomised controlled study published in prime-journal.com, Jeffrey A. Hunt, D.O.R.V.S, Vein & Cosmetic Center of Tampa Bay, combined weekly acoustic wave treatments (using the Z Wave system by Zimmer) after cryolipolysis treatment to see if it was possible to speed the rate of fat absorption to allow shorter intervals between cryolipolysis treatments.
Five female patients were assigned to group A with cryolipolysis and initial massage immediately followed by Z Wave and then four Z Wave treatments weekly. The other ve female patients were assigned to group B with cryolipolysis and initial massage only. Weekly weights and ultrasound measured fat thickness were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 weeks.
‘The fat layer thickness was determined by use of My LAB Five ultrasounds with a gel standoff. The thickest area of fat in the center of the treated area was measured on each side of the abdomen. The ultrasound techs were blinded as to the patient groups. After each measurement the patients were either weighed or weighed and given a three-minute acoustic wave treatment. The acoustic wave system used was the Z Wave by Zimmer and settings were at 16hz and 90mj for 2500 pulses which takes about three minutes,’ explains Dr Hunt.
The average fat reduction in both groups A and B were calculated on a weekly basis for four weeks and then at eight weeks. Group A with Z Wave treatment had over twice the fat reduction during each week from week one to week four when compared to group B. Over 75% of the fat reduction achieved at eight weeks was realised at the 4-week visit. The fat reduction of group B was slower and much more gradual.
‘Three-minute acoustic wave treatments immediately after cryolipolis and weekly for three weeks results in twice the rate of fat absorption. This should allow monthly cryolipolysis treatments and body contouring results in half the time,’ says Dr Hunt.
The improved blood circulation and metabolism of fat cells plays an important role in combination with cryolipolysis, and explains, among other things, the higher fat layer reduction compared to cryolipolysis treatment alone. In addition, the mechanical massage e ect stimulates the formation of collagen bers, which in combination with cryolipolysis and shockwave also leads to tightening of the skin. AMP
For enquiries contact Cynosure at infoaustralia@cynosure.com
