Shockwave therapy – in brief
| What it treats | Cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, stomach and upper arms |
|---|---|
| Device | BTL-6000 SWT Topline |
| Duration of treatment | About 20 minutes |
| Frequency | 2 to 3 times a week |
| Number of treatments | Determined by a doctor after an examination, according to the type of cellulite |
| Combines with | Electrical muscle stimulation and lymphatic drainage |
How Shockwave therapy works
Acoustic waves are short pressure pulses that the device transmits via a probe through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. In the case of cellulite, they act in three ways:
- they stimulate microcirculation and the drainage of fluid from tissues;
- they act on thickened connective tissue septa that pull on the skin and create dimples;
- they stimulate the production of new collagen, so the skin becomes firmer.
Shockwave therapy is also used in physical medicine and orthopaedics. For cellulite, the intensity and number of impulses are adjusted according to the area and type of cellulite, which the doctor assesses during the examination.
Cellulite occurs due to changes in fatty tissue, connective tissue and circulation, so we most often combine Shockwave with electrical muscle stimulation, which strengthens the muscles beneath the skin, and lymphatic drainage, which reduces fluid retention. We explain which combination suits which type of cellulite in our article about Cellulite treatments.
Have a question?
Answers to frequently asked questions
What is a Shockwave treatment like?
The treatment lasts about 20 minutes. A gel is applied to the skin, and the probe is moved over the area being treated. You will feel rhythmic pulses and tapping, and the intensity is adjusted during the treatment. After the treatment, you return to your daily activities immediately; the skin may be red for a short time.
Does Shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients tolerate the treatment well. The pulses feel like an intense, rhythmic massage. In more sensitive areas they can be unpleasant, so the intensity is reduced. If the pressure feels too strong, let us know during the treatment.
What type of cellulite is Shockwave therapy for?
Shockwave is used for all types of cellulite, and is especially useful for hard and fibrous cellulite, where the connective tissue septa are thickened. In water retention cellulite, where fluid retention is pronounced, it is combined with lymphatic drainage. In cases of pronounced fibrous cellulite, the plan can also be supplemented with cellulite subcision.
How many treatments are needed?
Shockwave is performed 2 to 3 times a week, in a course of treatments. The number of treatments is determined by the doctor after an examination, depending on the type of cellulite and the area treated.
When will the results be visible?
Skin texture changes gradually throughout a series of treatments. The production of new collagen continues for weeks after the final treatment, so the final result can only be assessed then.
Why is Shockwave combined with electrical muscle stimulation and lymphatic drainage?
Each of these treatments targets a different cause of cellulite: Shockwave targets connective tissue and circulation, electrical muscle stimulation targets the muscles beneath the skin, and lymphatic drainage targets fluid retention. That is why, in anti-cellulite treatment, they are most often done together in the same visit.
When is Shockwave therapy not performed?
Shockwave therapy is not performed during pregnancy, in cases of blood clotting disorders or treatment with blood-thinning medication, in the presence of thrombosis or inflammation of the veins in the treatment area, active malignant disease, acute infection or skin wounds in the area, or metal implants in the treatment area.
Shockwave therapy price
The price of a single Shockwave treatment, as well as the combination with electrical muscle stimulation and lymphatic drainage, can be found in our Price list – body treatments. For a series of treatments, there are also body contouring packages.
Book Shockwave therapy in Belgrade
Imedic poliklinika is located at Kneza Miloša 23, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments can be booked by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
PhD in Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), rheumatology subspecialist, dermatology resident.
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