Endermologie: Shaping a Quick Fix?

PROMISES

Endermologie, a machine that manipulates the skin and underlying tissues with powerful suction and motorized rollers, claims to reduce cellulite, pounds and inches. This is a non-surgical procedure.
 

PITFALLS

• Unproven claims that practitioners are making include weight and cellulite reduction, permanent change in body contour, increased blood circulation, and improved skin tone and color, increased blood circulation.
• In a review of the medical literature, there are no scientific studies to substantiate these claims. The only documented benefit reported was an increase in the collagen in the microscopic analysis of animal skin treated with Endermologie. However, in these studies there was no correlation of the microscopic alterations with clinical changes.
• Beneficial results may well be the result of diet and exercise programs recommended in conjunction with Endermologie.
• Frequent massage treatments are enjoyable and may have some effect in mobilizing fluid from the tissues, reducing swelling, but these are very expensive temporary effects.
• Below is the manufacturer's marketing of this device to plastic cosmetic surgeons:
   
  "By repetitively bringing patients into the office, Endermologie is increasing... patient flow and the patient's exposure to plastic surgery. For the patient, it's easy, reasonably inexpensive, there are no complications and it feels good." 
  -- Endermology Journal, Issue 3 --