Cellulite is the common name used to describe dimpling or puckering of the skin of the thighs, buttocks and abdomen due to an accumulation of fat buckling against neighboring connective tissue, giving the skin's surface a lumpy appearance. Also known as adiposis edematosa, gynoid lipodystrophy and a host of other sterile terms, cellulite is most commonly referred to as orange peel or cottage cheese skin. Treatments are available, but none are supported by research. However, certain treatments are considered better than others.
Manipulation
There are several hands-on strategies used to minimize the appearance of cellulite, as well as some mechanical methods. These include electrical stimulation, magnetic therapy, ultrasound, radial waves therapy, frequency therapy and endermologie, a type of mechanical massage with rollers that mimics deep tissue massage, followed by suctioning to reallocate underlying fat cells. The common goals of these therapies are to stimulate lymphatic flow and blood circulation, while reducing toxin buildup and the volume of intracellular fluids.
According to the Mayo Clinic, therapies involving radio frequency and lasers may be the best cellulite treatments, with results lasting up to 6 months. The former therapy incorporates deep tissue massage with infrared light and radio frequency, while the latter blends tissue massage with diode laser treatments. Typically, these treatments are applied twice weekly, perhaps for several weeks.
Mesotherapy
According to a Medical News Today article written by Peter Crosta, M.A., several medications are used to target fatty tissues. These agents, which may be administered topically, orally or by injection, include theobromine, adrenaline, pentoxifylline, rutin, alpha-antagonists, beta-agonists and amino acids. Herbal extracts may also be included in these treatments, such as Indian chestnut and ginkgo biloba. The Mayo Clinic says that enzymes, hormones, vitamins and minerals may also be injected into the skin. However, the clinic cautions that some of these agents may produce rashes, pose a risk of infection and even make the appearance of dimpled skin worse in some individuals.
Weight Loss
In an article dated Aug. 17, 2006, the editors of Medical News Today reported that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons issued a press release outlining the results of a study on weight loss as a treatment for cellulite. One of the study co-authors, John Kitzmiller, M.D., noted that some of the overweight women participating in the study experienced a reduction in the appearance of cellulite after undergoing a supervised weight loss program. However, the conditioned worsened in some of the patients. The researchers said the best results were seen in women who started out with a higher body mass index, had more cellulite than average and had more weight to lose than their thinner counterparts.
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