Cellulite is that lumpy substance commonly found on the back of the legs, buttocks and stomach. Fat deposits under the skin cause a dimpled effect on the skin surface. Cellulite can be caused by hormonal factors, genetics, diet, lifestyle or clothing. Preventing cellulite is the best choice. But if you already have cellulite, various therapies are available that may help reduce the appearance of dimples and tighten skin.
Pneumatic Massage
Pneumatic massage consists of rollers and a vacuum device used to manipulate skin and smooth the surface dimples. This type of cellulite treatment is commonly performed at spas and cosmetic makeover centers. A 1999 study by Dr. R. Bruce Shack at Vanderbilt University Medical Center documented evidence of the skin-smoothing effect of this treatment. Cellulite dimpling was reduced in those who underwent a series of treatments. The study found that the pneumatic massage created collagen bands that run parallel to the surface of the skin, causing a tightening of the skin.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is used for skin tightening, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. Laser is non-invasive and can be done in a dermatologist's office without any down time from work. The first laser devices used to tighten skin were extremely painful and an anesthetic was necessary to perform the treatment. As of 2010, new devices are available and lower power settings are used so anesthesia isn't necessary.
A study published in the September 2006 issue of the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology" reported the effects of removing cellulite with laser RF treatments on 26 females, ages 18 to 50. Two treatments were performed 15 days apart. The post-treatment measurements on the skin surface showed the thickening of collagen, producing smoother skin. The results showed 68 percent of the patients had a 20 percent tightening of the treated skin. They concluded that RF energy works on the connective tissue of subcutaneous adipose tissue, fat located just under the skin, and is an effective treatment for smoothing cellulite.
Weight Loss
Diet and nutrition are a good way to avoid cellulite, but may also provide relief for some people. Weight loss has been found to reduce cellulite in some overweight women, according to a study led by John Kitzmiller, M.D, and published in the August 2006 issue of "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery." The study enrolled 29 women in medically-supervised weight-loss programs. The results showed 17 women experienced improvements in the appearance of cellulite and nine women's cellulite conditions actually worsened. The reason for the difference was partially due to skin elasticity. The women with looser skin after weight loss had an increase in cellulite.
References
- PubMed Central: Update on Tissue Tightening
- Medical News Today: What is Cellulite? What Causes Cellulite?
- PubMed.gov: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: Effect of Controlled Volumetric Tissue Heating With RadioFrequency on Cellulite and the Subcutaneous Tissue of the Buttocks and Thighs
- EurekAlert: Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Study Documents Effects of Cellulite-Smoothing Technique
- Eurekalert: American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Weight Loss Found to Reduce Cellulite in Some Overweight Women
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