Alternatives to Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular surgical treatment for the removal of unwanted body fat known as cellulite. Cellulite is a described as dimpled fat that commonly appears on the buttocks, thighs and hips, though it can also appear on the arms, breasts abdomen, face and neck as well. While cellulite is not harmful to health, it can be unsightly, making baring a bathing suit embarrassing for many women. There are, however, alternatives to surgery and can offer benefits that, while mostly temporary, can improve appearances for some.

Diet and Exercise

Alternatives to liposuction include diet and exercise, which may promote weight loss and reduce the amount of fat on the body. While cellulite is not merely a problem among overweight individuals, excess weight may make the problem appear more noticeable, according to the Mayo Clinic. A combination of diet and exercise can help you both shed weight and firm up, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Massage

Massage is not only beneficial for relaxation, it can also help stimulate circulation. According to the Mayo Clinic, some cellulite treatments are based on this theory and also claim to work by removing toxins and reducing excess fluid in problem areas. A hand-held tool that offers a vigorous massage by kneading the skin between rollers may offer slight improvement. This method is known as lipomassage.

Lipodissolve

Another alternative to liposuction is a nonsurgical procedure known as lipsodissolve (mesotherapy). This procedure involves injecting a solution under the skin to dissolve areas of fat. According to the Mayo Clinic, this solution may contain a combination of ingredients including, hormones, enzymes, aminophylline, vitamins and minerals and herbal extracts. Lipodissolve, while noninvasive, may cause undesirable effects, such as rashes, infection or an uneven appearance on the skin.

Creams

Many creams that are targeted towards women claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite. While these creams cannot affect miracle results, they may help some women lessen the appearance of cellulite. According to the Mayo Clinic, these creams may cause skin reactions in some users.

References

Article reviewed by JPC Last updated on: Oct 27, 2009

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