Treatment for Cellulite

This blog discusses the available treatments for cellulite, whether they work and what is being discovered.

First what is cellulite?

The dimpled skin similar to an orange peel is called cellulite is completely normal and common in 90% of human beings. The appearance of cellulite occurs when fat cells are pushed towards the top layer of skin by the breakdown of the connective tissue holding the cells together. Cellulite is less visible on darker or tanned skin, however, less is the keyword in this sentence.  The amount of visible cellulite a person has is dependent on their genetics. As women we’re genetically  predisposed to more visible cellulite as we have thinner skin and higher fat deposits. A woman’s fat distribution is centered around her hips and thighs which is also a factor. As human beings age their skin becomes thinner which also makes cellulite more visible.

What are the available forms of treatment for cellulite?

Creams – Creams use a variety of ingredients (mainly aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyillin) purportedly to “break down fat stores”. While many doctors discount creams, users of some creams have noticed visible results in the reduction in appearance of cellulite.

Dietary Supplements – Herbal ingredients have been used is cellulite treatment, however no official studies have shown any success.

Massage Treatments – Studies have shown improvement using Endermologie, a type of machine which uses suction and massage to treat areas affected by cellulite.

Laser Therapy /Light Therapy – TriActive and Velasmooth – both combine suction and laser therapy – The idea being to melt the fat with the diode laser (low level light laser) and the fat is flushed through the blood system. Both have shown a reduction in visible cellulite.

Mesotherapy – Injections of herbs, drugs or mixtures directly into the area.

Collagenase – a naturally occuring enzyme produced by the body and injected to treat cellulite.

Dietary changes – Special dietary changes meant to affect hormone production and, as a result, reduce cellulite.

Salon treatments – Wraps – Heated cellophane wraps or mud wraps are used to remove toxins from the body.
While no treatment for cellulite is an actual cure, there are ways to reduce the visibility. Laser light therapy and massage treatments seem to be the most effective, however, are expensive and require maintenance treatments.