Women Could Say Goodbye to Dimpled Thighs with Injections

Study Presented at American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting

For Immediate Release: October 10, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO - Women may have a fighting chance to diminish the appearance of cellulite through collagenase enzyme injections, according to preliminary clinical trial study results presented today at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Plastic Surgery 2006 conference in San Francisco.

“One of the biggest and most frustrating problem areas for women are their thighs, even healthy-weight women often have cellulite in this area,” said Alexander Dagum, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Stony Brook University Medical Center (SBUMC). “Our initial findings suggest that women may one day be able to safely and effectively reduce that cottage-cheese appearance with a visit to their plastic surgeon’s office.”

In the study, authored by Dr. Dagum and Marie Badalamente, PhD, Professor of Orthopaedics at SBUMC, 10 female patients received collagenase injections in their thighs. Subjective measurements of the cellulite and photographs were taken before and after the procedure. Within one day, patients had a 77 percent decrease in the appearance of cellulite. After six months, results remained noticeable, with patients experiencing a 76 percent decrease in the appearance of cellulite. There was no significant change in the patients’ body mass index or thigh measurements.

At six months, all patients said they were either very or completely satisfied with their results. The only side effects, which lasted one to two weeks, were soreness, mild swelling and bruising.

Collagenase, an enzyme naturally found in the body, helps to break down fibrous tissue by dissolving collagen. Removing these anchoring fibers and breaking up enlarged fat cells seems to release the outer tissue, causing the skin to appear smoother, according to Dr. Dagum.

“Before starting this study, I was highly skeptical that collagenase injections would help smooth out the appearance of cellulite,” said Dr. Dagum. “However, I’ve really been impressed by the results, as have my patients. Initial results show this procedure may quickly reduce cellulite with minimal, if any, side effects.”

“The promise of a non-surgical method for diminishing cellulite is clearly appealing and if it works, it will be a breakthrough for millions of women who struggle with cellulite,” said ASPS President Bruce Cunningham, MD. “However, there needs to be further scientific study to determine the overall effectiveness, safety, and duration of results.”

Although the study “Collagenase in the Treatment of Cellulite” is no longer active, it may continue at a future date. Recruitment will likely be for women or men 18 years or older. Anyone interested in being contacted if and when the study is reinstated should call Stony Brook University Medical Center HealthConnect at 631-444-4000.

Visit www.plasticsurgery.org, for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Note: The collagenase injections study presented at Plastic Surgery 2006 is currently under investigation and is presented for research and educational purposes. More scientific study is needed to determine efficacy and success rate. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation do not endorse the procedure presented in the study and recommend that any reporting of the presented information be done responsibly with full disclosure of its unproven nature.

The study “Collagenase Injection in the Treatment of Cellulite” is being presented Tuesday, Oct. 10, 8:49 a.m., at the Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco. Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery 2006 and arrange interviews with presenters by logging on to www.plasticsurgery.org or by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900 or in San Francisco, Oct. 7-11 at (415) 905-1730.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.