Cellulite is fat that causes a dimpled appearance on the skin in areas such as the hips and thighs. Cellulite isn't a serious problem -- in fact, most women have it -- but it may lead you to feel so insecure about exposing affected areas that you seek a long-term solution, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Most cellulite treatments sound too good to be true, but some treatments may effectively reduce the dimples or temporarily remove them.
Self Care
Accumulation of fat causes increased volume within fat layers, which can cause cellulite dimples to look worse, according to the American Skincare & Cellulite Expert Association. As a result, eating a healthy diet and committing to daily exercise to lose weight is likely your best bet when it comes to reducing the appearance of dimples and making cellulite more responsive to other treatments.
Medical Treatment
Medical therapies such as lasers and radiofrequency systems are likely the most promising way to treat cellulite from a doctor's office, according to the Mayo Clinic. One example of a medical therapy treatment involves a twice-weekly series of combined radiofrequency, infrared light and negative tissue massage. You would likely need to receive multiple treatments as results only last as long as six months.
Alternative Treatment
Vigorous massage through methods such as Endermologie, or lipomassage, are thought to remove toxins, improve blood flow and reduce excess fluid in affected areas, according to the Mayo Clinic. Endermologie, which is approved by the FDA for temporary cellulite reduction, works by continuously kneading the skin between rollers.
Considerations
Many cellulite treatment studies use small sample sizes, rely on human observation rather than scientific assessments and rarely follow up with participants after extended periods of time, according to Exercise Science at the University of New Mexico. Other factors, such as changes in participants' diets and exercise levels, may also influence outcomes of such studies. Because research is limited, you may not get the results you're hoping for, even if you use a method that has proved somewhat effective in reducing cellulite.
Warning
Although liposuction removes fat cells and can help shape the body, it won't get rid of cellulite and it may even cause the dimples to look worse, warns the Mayo Clinic. Other treatments that may do more harm than good include mesotherapy, which may end up causing an infection or bumpy skin contours, and cellulite creams, which may cause rashes or other skin reactions.
Member Comments