Does Cell-U-Light Apparel Improve Cellulite

Overview

This trial is arranged in 3 stages, lasting 8 weeks overall, designed to assess the before, during and after effects of the low-compression apparel with its integrated, variably raised, ink-polymer pads. The study will recruit 21 (otherwise healthy) participants who are affected by cellulite. Volunteers will be selected in order to equally fill the 3 different grades of cellulite (7 volunteers of each grade (1, 2 \& 3) - as Grade 0 is no evidence of cellulite, this category need not be included). Each volunteer will be 'sized' according to standard apparel sizing charts (as used by the manufacturer of the cycle shorts); Small (S), Medium (M), Large (L) and Extra Large (XL). All participants will follow the same 3 stage sequence, which will involve a total of 9 short visits to The Whiteley Clinic, each lasting approximately 30 minutes. Upon completion of these visits, participants will each be offered £90 to subsidise their cost of travel - they will also be permitted to keep the low-compression apparel following the study. During each appointment, several measurements and assessment will be made: * Standard demographics, weight, height, and any changes to dietary or exercise regimens over the trial period. * Subjective assessment of the cellulite by the participant. * Objective assessment and grading using the grading system described by Nunberger and Muller by the investigators * Images of their cellulite-affected areas will be taken (this may include an area over the buttocks and an area over the thighs), using a high-resolution medical imaging (camera) system (Vectra H2 (https://www.canfieldsci.com/imaging-systems/vectra-h2-3d-imaging-system/)), to be independently assessed by Canfield Consultants and to be graded by a 'panel' of clinicians for objective classifications. * Assessment of local lymphatic collections in the skin using a handheld lymph scanner to assess lymph accumulation (Delfin Lymphscanner, Delfin Technologies Ltd https://hadhealth.com/lymphscanner). * During stage 2 only, participant assessment as to ease of donning and doffing the product, and comfort of wearing it.

Stage 1: The first stage of the trial is an induction and stabilisation phase. The participants will be seen on the first visit, the trail explained, and any questions answered. If the participant wishes to proceed, a consent form will be signed and the participant will be measured for the correct size Cell-u-Light product - but the product will NOT be given to the patient until visit 3, to prevent them from trying the product out before the trial stage. They will then have the assessments performed and recorded. They will be given the time and dates of their next 8 weekly visits. Visit 2 (end of week one) and visit 3 (end of week 3) will be part of stage 1. The Cell-u-light pants will not be given to the patient until visit 3 to Stage 2: The second stage of the trial will begin on the third visit (at the end of week 2) and will last for 4 weeks. Participants will be given the Cell-u-light low-compression apparel to wear and shown the correct method of donning and doffing. They will be instructed to wear them daily for a continuous 8-hour period. Participants can choose which 8 hours suits them best. Participants will be instructed to remove the apparel a minimum of 2 hours before attending their appointments. This will allow time for small indentations left on the skin surface (caused by the ink-polymer pads) to dissipate, so that imaging and subjective assessments are accurate. Stage 3: The final stage will act as a 2 week 'wash-out' period. Participants will stop wearing the Cell-u-light and will have two final appointments at the clinic to record and observe any residual effects of the prior intervention. Throughout the duration of the study, it will be vital that participants maintain their usual diet and exercise levels to avoid any fluctuations in weight (that may in turn affect the appearance of their cellulite). In this way, the investigators can ensure that any difference is due solely to the effects of Cell-u-Light. To further reduce deviations in weight, lymph abundance, etc. visits to the clinic will be standardised for each volunteer such that each appointment will be at the same time each week. The trial will be performed in the clinical area in (the CQC registered) Whiteley Clinic. The temperature will be controlled and monitored to be within 20-22 centigrade. Consent for the trial and further usage of images in future publications will be obtained from all participants. \[It will not be possible to ascertain which volunteer is being described from any photography.\] Participants will undergo non-invasive measurements, medical photographic imaging and scans to assess the following: * Height - Only needed at the initial visit. * Weight * Appearance of cellulite * Assessment of lymph in the thigh and buttock regions * Subjective opinion of comfort and ease of donning and doffing of the apparel by participant * Subjective grading of cellulite by participant * Objective grading of cellulite by aesthetician For the subjective grading of each participants' cellulite, the investigators will use the grading system described by Nunberger \& Muller. This consists of 4 grades (0, 1, 2 and 3) as seen below, however, only 3 will be used as Grade 0 is the classification for 'no cellulite present' and therefore, does not fit the purpose of our study.