Short answer: LPG Endermologie is a patented French technology that uses motorised rollers and gentle suction to mechanically stimulate the skin and connective tissue. Studies show it firms the skin, reduces body circumference and supports lymphatic drainage. The effect on the visible dimpling of cellulite is more modest. At CP Praxis in Basel and Bottmingen, we work with the original Cellu M6 Alliance device. A body session of 45 minutes costs CHF 150, and most clients see the first visible changes after about 3 sessions.
Reading time: about 12 minutes
Author: Magdalena Brügger, founder of CP Praxis, working in skin care since 2008
In this 4 minute video, Magdalena explains where LPG comes from, what happens in the tissue and why the skill of the therapist matters as much as the device. The video is in German with chapters.
LPG Endermologie did not start in a beauty salon. In 1985, the French engineer Louis Paul Guitay was injured in a car accident. During his rehabilitation, he received manual massages from physiotherapists that were effective but painful. He wanted to reproduce the rolling technique mechanically, so the treatment would be gentler for the patient and less tiring for the therapist.
In 1986, he founded LPG Systems in Valence, France. The technique was patented shortly after and named Endermologie. As often happens, a method developed in medicine found its way into aesthetics: professionals noticed that the same mechanical stimulation improved skin firmness, contour and the appearance of cellulite.
“The system was developed for rehabilitation. It was later seen that this method works very well on the connective tissue and stimulates collagen production.” Magdalena Brügger, CP Praxis
Today, LPG technology is used by over 28,000 professionals in more than 110 countries.
The handpiece of the Cellu M6 Alliance combines two patented elements: a motorised roller and a motorised flap, together with sequential suction. The skin is gently drawn into the head and mobilised in every direction.
| What happens | Effect in the tissue | What you notice |
| Mechanical stimulation of the skin | Fibroblasts are activated | Firmer, smoother skin |
| Increased activity of fibroblasts | Production of collagen and elastin | Better skin quality and structure |
| Mobilisation of the fatty tissue | Support of natural fat release (lipolysis) | Reduced circumference, more defined contour |
| Rhythmic movements along lymph pathways | Support of lymphatic flow | Less water retention, lighter legs |
“The device does not work on its own. It needs a skin therapist who guides it manually. That is how we stimulate the lymph.” Magdalena Brügger
This is an important point. The same device can give very different results depending on the protocol, pressure, direction and experience of the therapist. At CP Praxis, every session is performed by specialists trained in the original LPG protocols.
LPG published the following results for the Cellu M6 Alliance body treatment, based on a study by the independent testing institute Dermscan (2016):
| Result | After how many sessions |
| 71% of women reported firmer skin | 3 sessions |
| 67% of women reported smoother orange peel skin | 3 sessions |
| Up to 5.2 cm less around the waist | 12 sessions |
For facial treatments, a study by Humbert et al., published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (2015), found an increase of 80% in hyaluronic acid and 46% in elastin in skin treated with LPG mechanical stimulation.
We believe you should know not only what the manufacturer says, but also what independent researchers found. Here is an honest summary:
| Study | What was measured | Result |
| Güleç, International Journal of Dermatology (2009) | Body circumference and cellulite grade | Significant reduction in circumference at all measured sites. Improvement of the cellulite grade in a smaller group of participants |
| Randomised trial with high frequency ultrasound (84 women, three treatment groups including Endermologie) | Thickness of the subcutaneous tissue and skin structure | Significant reduction of subcutaneous tissue thickness and improved skin structure |
| Humbert et al., Clinical Interventions in Aging (2015) | Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin | Increase of type I collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid |
What this means in practice: LPG is strongest at firming the skin, refining the contour and reducing circumference. It also improves cellulite, but the effect on the visible dimples is more gradual. Anyone who promises that cellulite will disappear completely is not telling you the truth.
| Concern | Visible cellulite and uneven skin texture on the thighs |
| Treatment plan | 15 LPG sessions, combined with regular physical activity, hydration and simple nutrition guidance |
| Result | Visibly smoother thighs, reduced appearance of cellulite and firmer looking skin |
| Concern | Uneven hip and thigh texture, reduced firmness and a less defined contour |
| Treatment plan | 10 LPG sessions focused on hips and thighs, supported by movement, hydration and nutrition guidance |
| Result | Visibly smoother thighs, reduced appearance of cellulite and firmer looking skin |
Results vary from person to person. Photos published with the consent of our clients.
The name “LPG” is often used for any vacuum massage. In Basel, you can find devices that only use suction, or simple roller massages, sold under similar names. Here is how to tell the difference:
| Original LPG Endermologie | Imitation devices |
| Patented technology from LPG Systems, France | Generic suction or roller devices |
| Motorised rollers and flaps with sequential suction | Suction only, or rollers without controlled suction |
| Certified training and original protocols | No standardised training |
| Published clinical studies | Few or no studies |
| Personal Endermowear suit for hygiene and effect | Often treated directly on the skin |
Tip: ask your studio which device they use and whether their therapists are trained by LPG. You can also check the official LPG centre finder on the LPG website.
These three treatments are often compared in Basel. They work in completely different ways.
| LPG Endermologie | Icoone | Cryolipolysis | |
| Principle | Motorised rollers and flaps with sequential suction | Many small suction chambers (Roboderm technology) | Controlled cooling of fat cells |
| Origin | France, since 1986 | Italy | United States |
| Main goal | Firmness, contour, cellulite, lymphatic drainage | Skin quality, cellulite, drainage | Reduction of a localised fat pocket |
| Works on skin quality | Yes, stimulates collagen and elastin | Yes | No, targets fat only |
| Sessions | Series of 10 to 15, then maintenance | Series of several sessions | 1 to 3 per zone |
| Sensation | Deep, relaxing massage | Gentle massage | Cold, sometimes uncomfortable at the start |
| Downtime | None | None | Possible redness, numbness or swelling |
| Independent studies | Many, published since the 1990s | Fewer publicly available independent studies at the time of writing | Many |
| Price in Basel | CHF 150 per 45 minute session at CP Praxis | About CHF 130 to 250 per session | About CHF 170 to 630 per zone |
Our recommendation: if your goal is firmer skin, a smoother body contour and less water retention, LPG is an excellent choice. If you want to reduce one clearly defined fat pocket and your skin quality is good, cryolipolysis can be an option. Both approaches can also complement each other.
| Suitable for | Not suitable for |
| Cellulite on thighs, hips and buttocks | Pregnancy |
| Loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy (after medical clearance) | Thrombosis or severe varicose veins |
| Localised fat that resists diet and exercise | Open wounds or active skin infections |
| Water retention and heavy legs | Surgical scars less than 3 months old |
| Stretch marks (to improve skin structure) | Acute inflammation or fever |
| Face: firmness, fine lines, fresher complexion | Certain medical conditions (please tell us about any illness or medication) |
About lipoedema: lipoedema is a medical condition that requires a diagnosis by a doctor. LPG also offers a medical version of its technology. If you suspect lipoedema, please speak to your doctor first.
“You see an improvement after one treatment, but that is the momentary improvement. It needs several sessions.” Magdalena Brügger
Most clients notice the first visible changes after about 3 sessions. For firmer skin, 6 to 10 sessions are usually enough. For cellulite and body contour, we recommend a series of 10 to 15 sessions, one to two per week. Water retention and heavy legs often improve after the first sessions. To keep your results, one maintenance session per month is ideal.
In a short consultation before your first session, we define your personal plan, the zones to treat and the expected timeline.
Come in comfortable clothes: you will change into a personal Endermowear suit, which is used only by you. On the day of your session, avoid body oil or cream, as the suction works best on clean, dry skin. Eat something light rather than a heavy meal just before, and let us know about any illness, recent surgery or medication so we can confirm the treatment is right for you.
Your lymphatic system has no central pump like the heart. Lymph is moved forward mainly by the contraction of your muscles, by breathing and by movement. Research shows that physical activity increases lymphatic flow several times compared to rest.
This is why we recommend a 15 to 30 minute walk after your LPG session: your muscles continue the lymphatic flow that the treatment has started. Comfortable, loose clothing is also a good choice on the day. Between sessions, regular movement, enough water and a balanced diet help you keep your results. LPG supports your body, but it does not replace a healthy lifestyle.
“We use LPG not only on the body. With exactly the same system and the same idea, we can also perform a facial treatment.” Magdalena Brügger
The Ergolift head of the Cellu M6 Alliance works with small motorised flaps adapted to the face, neck and décolleté. It aims to firm the skin, smooth fine lines and refresh the complexion, without needles and without downtime. A facial LPG session of 30 minutes costs CHF 95 at CP Praxis.
| Treatment | Duration | Price |
| LPG Face | 30 min | CHF 95 |
| LPG Body | 45 min | CHF 150 |
| Subscription 6 sessions | 45 min each | CHF 810 |
| Subscription 10 sessions | 45 min each | CHF 1’275 |
| Subscription 30 sessions | 45 min each | CHF 3’600 |
LPG Endermologie is a patented French technology, developed in 1986, that uses motorised rollers and gentle suction to stimulate the skin and connective tissue. It is used to firm the skin, improve cellulite, refine body contours and support lymphatic drainage.
Yes, within realistic limits. Studies show a significant reduction in body circumference and firmer skin. The effect on the visible dimples of cellulite is more gradual. The best results come from a full series combined with movement and a healthy lifestyle.
Most clients see first changes after about 3 sessions. For lasting results, we recommend a series of 10 to 15 sessions, followed by one maintenance session per month.
No. Most clients describe it as a deep, relaxing massage. The intensity is adjusted to your skin and comfort.
At CP Praxis, a 45 minute body session costs CHF 150 and a 30 minute facial session costs CHF 95. Subscriptions start at CHF 810 for 6 sessions.
Both are mechanical massage technologies without downtime. LPG uses motorised rollers and flaps with sequential suction and has been studied since the 1990s. icoone uses many small suction chambers. The best choice depends on your goal and the experience of your therapist.
They have different goals. LPG improves skin quality, contour and water retention over a series of sessions. Cryolipolysis targets one localised fat pocket with cold. For firmer skin and smoother contours, LPG is usually the better choice.
LPG stimulates fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin. This can improve the structure and appearance of stretch marks, but it does not make them disappear completely.
No. You can return to work, sport or daily life immediately after the session.
Yes. LPG is suitable for women and men, for example for firming, contouring or water retention.
Magdalena Brügger is the founder of CP Praxis, which she established in Bottmingen in 2008. With her team of certified specialists, she works according to the Skin Longevity approach: analysis, strategy and prevention for healthy, lasting results. CP Praxis offers LPG Endermologie with the original Cellu M6 Alliance device at its practices in Basel and Bottmingen.
CP Praxis Basel: Freie Strasse 103, 4051, +41 61 271 16 27
CP Praxis Bottmingen: Schlossgasse 24, 4103, +41 61 421 92 09
