With nicknames like orange peel, cottage cheese and quilted mattress, it is no wonder cellulite sufferers are eager to find solutions for this cosmetic problem. Cellulite is a skin condition occurrence largely determined by genetics --- this means that regardless of your size, you can experience cellulite. However, some treatments exist to reduce cellulite's appearance and/or remove it.
Significance
Fibrous connective tissue lies underneath your skin, connecting it to muscle. Fat rests between the tissue and muscle and can bulge against the skin, resulting in the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is commonly found on the thighs and buttocks, but also can be found on the breasts, lower abdomen and upper arms, according to MayoClinic.com. While cellulite is not medically dangerous, it can be a cosmetic concern.
At-Home Remedies
One of the most effective ways to remove cellulite is through observing healthy lifestyle practices, according to MayoClinic.com. This means losing weight through diet and exercise practices that can reduce the amount of fat that rests between the connective tissue and muscles. If weight loss does not completely eradicate cellulite, cellulite treatment creams are available. Creams containing aminophylline, caffeine or theophyilline can be applied to the skin to stimulate fat breakdown. However, these creams have limited success, according to Dr. Len Kravitz, author and cellulite specialist, on his website. Other creams that contain caffeine or other blood vessel dilators help to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Mechanical Remedies
Massage and other skin kneading methods have been shown to reduce cellulite's appearance. One example is endermologie, which involes manipulation of the skin's tissues by specialized rollers, according to Kravitz. While these methods do not necessarily remove cellulite, they do help to reduce fluid in the dermis area, which can lessen the cellulite's appearance.
Medical Treatments
Medical specialists offer additional treatments in order to facilitate cellulite removal. One example is the use of laser and radiofrequency therapy, which is applied to the skin in order to break up areas of fat under the skin, resulting in the reduced appearance of cellulite for up to six months, according to MayoClinic.com.
Misconception
While patients in the past have used liposuction to remove fat, liposuction will not reduce cellulite's appearance, according to MayoClinic.com. In fact, liposuction may actually make cellulite appear worse. "I would categorically say it's contraindicated for cellulite," said Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a dermatologist quoted in "The New York Times."
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