Body contouring: a preliminary report on the use of the silhouette device for treating cellulite

Cellulite is a common condition affecting 85% of postadolescent women. Recent advances in aesthetic techniques have initiated a new pursuit into understanding the cause and treatment of this condition. A recently introduced "roller massage therapy" device, Silhouette, was selected for evaluation in this study. Three patients were enrolled into this private practice, medical school-affiliated, prospective pilot project. The study objective was to identify whether the Silhouette device could generate reproducible reductions in the appearance of cellulite or alter body appearance, specifically in the abdominal, buttock, and thigh regions. A secondary goal was to evaluate the effectiveness of various measuring devices used to quantify cellulite regression. These included serial body weights, percent body fat, relative fat distribution, specific anatomic measurements, diagnostic ultrasound, and serial morphed photographic analysis and laboratory data. Initial results showed that 16 biweekly treatments produced minimal changes in body weight or percent body fat. On average, thigh circumferences increased by 1.7 mm and 8.7 mm in the right and left proximal thighs and decreased by 25 mm and 22 mm in the right and left distal thighs, respectively. Diagnostic ultrasound scans showed trends that may provide further insight into a possible mechanism of action. Relative fat distribution values taken from four selected sites proved the most significant finding with selected treatment sites improving on average from 0.8 to 2.1 units (mean 1.5 units/site). This technique provided safe yet modest improvement in the appearance of cellulite. The mechanism of this improvement remains unknown. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism of this improvement, its longevity, optimum treatment parameters, and whether maintenance therapy is needed.