MedlinePlus characterizes cellulite as fat deposits. As fat accumulates under the epidermis and dermis, it inevitably pushes up against the skin. But along with the fat is a series of fibers. These fibers attach the skin to the muscles. When the fat pushes up, the fibers pull down, producing the dimpling effect along the skin. Although there isn't a medical need to treat these fat deposits, many people find them unsightly and want to reduce their appearance under the skin. However, procedures are limited to help with this condition.
Laser Therapy
One of the more common procedures used to reduce cellulite is a form of laser therapy. The Mayo Clinic explains that diode laser energy is combined with deep tissue massage to help break up the fatty deposits under the skin. The laser energy helps stimulate the production of collagen, which can produce a smoother appearance of the skin. The deep tissue massage increases the elasticity of the skin, improves blood circulation and encourages lymphatic drainage, which may help lessen the appearance of the fatty deposits. Unfortunately, results last upward of six months, so regular treatment is often necessary to maintain the look and feel of the skin.
Radio-Frequency Therapy
Similar to laser therapy, radio-frequency therapy uses deep tissue massage to provide results. But instead of laser energy, radio frequency coupled with infrared light is used to improve the appearance of the skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the skin is exposed to these two forms of energy, the fatty deposits increase in temperature, which elevates blood circulation and encourages the drainage of fat cells. This inevitably reduces the fatty deposits, diminishing the dimpling along the skin. Much like laser therapy, results only last around six months, so subsequent sessions are necessary to maintain the smooth appearance of the skin.
Mesotherapy
Another cellulite procedure that may help eliminate the fatty deposits is mesotherapy. With this medical procedure, a combination of chemicals, vitamins and enzymes are injected directly into the fatty deposits. The compound essentially breaks down the deposits of fat over a period of time, approximately three weeks, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Subsequent treatments are often necessary to treat those fatty deposits left intact after previous sessions. However, as of 2010, the FDA has yet to approve this form of treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
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