Cellulite is the fat that looks like cottage cheese or waffled lumps on the hips and thighs. It does not pose a serious health problem, according to MayoClinic.com; however, cellulite may make you feel insecure about your appearance. Most so-called treatments don't live up to their hype, but some methods may offer modest results. Always consult a doctor before starting any new treatment.
Self Care
If you are overweight, losing weight by eating less fat, consuming fewer calories and getting regular exercise can help to tone muscles in affected areas and reduce the appearance of cellulite, according to MayoClinic.com. If you are not overweight, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help reduce the amount of stored fat cells embedded in your connective tissues, according to Health Services at Columbia University.
Office Treatments
A promising medical therapy for cellulite reduction is lasers and radiofrequency, according to MayoClinic.com. One procedure involves the use of a panel of red and infrared light emitting diodes, or LEDS, which emit wavelengths that shrink fat tissue, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The LED procedure is combined with a combination of skin rollers and suctions thought to soften the bands that typically pull the skin back and cause cellulite. This therapy and others like it typically involve a series of twice weekly treatments. Results are likely to last for up to six months, according to MayoClinic.com.
Risks
Not all cellulite therapies are safe and effective. Liposuction can remove excess fat but won't remove cellulite. It may even make the cellulite appear worse by causing more depressions in your skin, warns the American Academy of Dermatology. Mesotherapy, which involves injecting a solution under the skin, may lead to infections, rashes and uneven skin contours, according to MayoClinic.com. Even seemingly innocuous treatments such as cellulite creams may contain ingredients that lead to skin rashes. As of 2010, evidence is lacking that these creams reduce cellulite.
Expert Insight
Don't invest your hopes and money into unproven cellulite treatments such as injectables, topical ointments, herbals and skin manipulation techniques, recommends Len Kravitz, Ph.D., at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. As of 2009, laser therapy is the most promising and non-invasive treatment option with few potential side effects, according to Kravitz.
Considerations
Discuss your treatment options with your dermatologist before you try a cellulite treatment. Your dermatologist will be able help you weigh the potential benefits and pitfalls of various treatments, give you an estimate of how much each procedure will cost, discuss whether your insurance is likely to cover the costs and let you know what kind of follow-up you should expect, according to MayoClinic.com.
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