To ensure a woman has sufficient calories for pregnancy and lactation, the body stores fat. In women, fat storage mainly takes place in the thighs, hips and buttocks. When the fibrous membranes that hold these fat stores begin to weaken, these pockets of fat and fluid can bulge out, resulting in the unsightly dimpling known as cellulite. Many noninvasive treatments might reduce the appearance of cellulite but no cure for the condition exists.
Considerations
Cellulite results from a complex web of changes in the body. Cellulite treatments aim to reduce the appearance of cellulite by toning and tightening the skin and promoting lymphatic drainage. The treatments cannot address these underlying causes. If you are adamant about reducing the appearance of cellulite, you will likely need to continue getting various treatments indefinitely.
Topical Treatments
Dermatologist Mitchel Goldman of the American Academy of Dermatology cautions about the claims of topical cellulite creams, which have been around since the late 1980s. Goldman says little research exists on whether certain ingredients work and if you do experience improvement from these treatments, you need to use them indefinitely to maintain them. Some of these treatments can cost a lot of money and you should consider consulting with a dermatologist or other qualified health care professional for guidance on choosing a product. Some topical treatments touted for cellulite include caffeine, avocado oil and seaweed.
Non-Surgical Procedures
Endermologie, a procedure that originated in France, involves using a combination of massage and suction to improve the appearance of the skin. Goldman explains that this treatment stretches the connective tissue fibers that hold the fat in, giving the skin a smoother appearance.
Newer to the field of cellulite treatment, ultrasound therapy uses heat. The treatment also includes massage is supposed to increase circulation and promote the elimination of fat from the body. Board-certified plastic surgeon Marialyn Sardo explains that using ultrasound with endermologie might enhance benefits over using endermologie alone. Both of these treatments have Food and Drug Administration approval for treating cellulite. Endermologie can take up to 14 sessions for maximum benefit and can cost anywhere from $100 to $150 dollars a session, as of November 2010.
Sardo cautions against body wraps touted to promote cellulite treatment, finding them ineffective. Other treatments touted for cellulite have been deemed ineffective by the FDA such as electric muscle stimulators.
Cellulite Diets
Goldman cautions against using diet programs that claim they will reduce cellulite. He notes that particular foods have not been linked to causing or reducing cellulite. These programs often will also involve added costs such as buying certain supplements to complement the diet.
Exercise and a Healthy Weight
Exercise can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. By toning the skin and reducing fat, you could reduce the dimpling characteristic of this problem. Eating healthful food to prevent excess fat accumulation might help as well though this alone cannot protect you against cellulite. Even the thinnest women can suffer this problem.
Member Comments