The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery blows the lid off accepted claims that cellulite is caused by a poor diet, sedentary lifestyle and "sluggish" blood circulation--there's no scientific studies to support these. Cellulite appears in women (and some men) when the connective tissue tying skin to muscle becomes inflexible, allowing fat to bulge, usually in the hips, thighs and buttocks. Cellulite can be a factor of genetics, growing older or simply being born female. According to the ASAPS, there's no "ideal treatment" for cellulite. However, there are certain products and in-office medical techniques that can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite Treatment Options
Step 1
Lose weight, advises the Mayo Clinic. A healthy diet in combination with exercises that strengthening muscles in problem areas can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, though it won't get rid of it entirely. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that cellulite is not associated with being overweight, but carrying too much weight can exacerbate existing cellulite. A study performed by the ASPS in August 2006 indicates that women who lost a greater amount of weight and lowered the percentage of fat in their thighs noted the greatest reduction in cellulite.
Step 2
Ask a doctor about treatment that uses lasers and fat transplantation. In January 2009, the ASAPS released findings from a study published in the "Aesthetic Surgery Journal" that indicated this in-office treatment could reduce the appearance of cellulite, at least temporarily. Laser energy is first used to encourage collagen formation and skin tightening, after which fat harvested from the patient's own body was injected and later massaged to ensure even distribution. According to the ASAPS, almost 85 percent of study participants rated their result as good or excellent after a follow-up period of 1 to 3 years.
Step 3
Use creams formulated to reduce the appearance of cellulite. However, as noted by a June 2009 article in "The New York Times" (see Resources), many doctors refer to these creams as a "Band-Aid remedy." Anti-cellulite creams temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite because they gently irritate the skin, causing it to swell--thus masking cellulite. To get the best benefit of anti-cellulite creams, they must be used consistently.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have cellulite, you're definitely not the only one--the ASPS states that around 85 percent of women have it.
- Liposuction does nothing to reduce the appearance of cellulite, warns the Mayo Clinic. In fact, liposuction can make cellulite appear worse.
Things You'll Need
- Anti-cellulite creams
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