Cellulite consists of engorged fat cells trapped in a network of collagen located deep within the skin that produces the look of cottage cheese on the skin surface. How to get rid of cellulite is a question that has plagued women for years. Globally women have been obsessed attempting to eradicate this skin issue. Greater than 85% of women over the age of 19 have the orange peel appearance on their hips, thighs buttocks and abdomen.
Unfortunately there is no cure for cellulite. Healthy diet and exercise can lessen the appearance; however diet and exercise alone are not the answer. Even the most disciplined athletes get cellulite. Treatments available will work to decrease symptoms and reduce its presence but will not remove it permanently. Existing treatments can aid in the reduction of the cottage cheese-like appearance on the abdomen, hips thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite reduction procedures tend to be temporary at best. The methods available include topical creams, internal supplements, laser, and deep tissue massage.
Topical solutions such as creams, lotions and exfolliants will moisturize and remove top layers of skin to rehydrate and reduced the look of the inflammation. These are massaged into the skin to break up fatty deposits, stimulation circulation and initiate the release of excess fluid within the skin. The results make the skin appear more firm and less lumpy. Many creams have collagen stimulating peptides, caffeine, chocolate and even cayenne pepper to stimulate circulation. Results are seen after weeks to months of diligent applications.
Along with topical creams, internal treatments in the form of vitamin supplements are encouraged to neutralize free radicals and heal cells from the inside. These are reported to work in conjunction with topical remedies.
Laser based treatments such as the Affirm, SmoothShapes™ and VelaShape™ are available to reduce the appearance of cellulite. They work by utilizing combinations of radiofrequency, infrared and laser light energy. The subcutaneous tissue is heated to liquefy and dissolve the fat cells. Suction and deep tissue massage then manipulate the skin, to break up the fatty deposits and guide the fat out of the body through vascular and lymphatic drainage. Initial treatment protocols require at least 4-8 sessions with yearly or bi-yearly maintenance.
Endermologie® treatments work using deep tissue massage and suction to break up the fat and stimulate circulation in the specified areas. 15-30 biweekly session are needed initially, followed by a maintenance plan. Mesotherapy is a series of microinjections made up of a mixture of medications, plant extracts and vitamins. The injections dissolve the fat, causing a smoother skin appearance over target areas. Several sessions are needed for an effective result.
Liposuction is not a method of cellulite reduction. This surgical procedure extracts fat from under the skin may actually make the cellulite appear worse. Liposuction is generally recommended for contour improvements in patients with stubborn fat deposits, but not recommended as a primary cellulite treatment.
Sadly there is no permanent fix for cellulite. Treatments aim to combat the current symptoms and smooth the appearance on the hips, stomach, thighs and buttocks. Repeat or maintenance treatments will be required to maintain results. |
