Are There Ways to Eliminate Cellulite?
Cellulite is a pesky condition that can affect anyone; leaving those impacted feeling self-conscious about the puckered skin on their arms, legs, buttocks, and/or torso.
Unfortunately, cellulite is not a rare condition. In fact, it occurs in up to 85% of adult women. It doesn’t change through diet and exercise and happily strikes bodies of all shapes and sizes.
So are there ways to eliminate cellulite? The short and simple answer is yes. But first, let’s address the following question:
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is not the same as ‘normal’ fat. The latter is stored in parts of the body where it’s burned when the body requires fuel. Cellulite, however, cannot be used as fuel. That’s because it’s effectively trapped in the dermal layer of the skin.
When fibrous bands tighten for any number or reasons, they pull down on the skin and push that layer of trapped fat upward – giving it the puckered appearance of cottage cheese.
As with so many other conditions that are part and parcel of getting older, the presence of cellulite is more visible as we age. Especially as the skin loses elasticity. However, young people experience visible cellulite as well.
There are a number of factors that determine whether you will have visible cellulite and to what degree. Along with age, these include pregnancy, inactivity, genetics, hormones, toxin build-up, weight gain, and body fat percentage.
So what’s an embarrassed bearer of cellulite to do?
Treatments That Help Eliminate Cellulite
Yes, there are over-the-counter remedies that promise to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Some work better than others. But none are highly effective or have much in the way of staying power.
To really address the issue requires medical intervention. While there are treatments that will eliminate cellulite, it’s important to remember that none of them will remove it permanently. As of now, there are several cellulite treatments that have proven effective:
- Laser Treatments
With a laser treatment, a tiny laser probe is placed under the dimpled skin though a small incision. The probe heats the area to stimulate collagen production that improves elasticity in the skin. The laser also lessens the thickness of the fat layer and releases the tightness of the fibrous bands.
An additional bonus with laser treatments is their ability to reduce regular fat as well.
Patients can expect at least two days of downtime after laser treatments. But the results typically last at least a year.
- Energy Treatments
Similar to laser treatments that stimulate the production of collagen, there are various energy treatments utilized in the fight against cellulite. These treatments include radio pulse therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field, infrared light, and radio frequency.
There is little to no downtime with these treatments. However, the results are temporary so the chosen procedure may need to be regularly performed every few months.
- Injectable Treatments
For patients with cellulite in the buttocks, there’s an FDA-approved injectable treatment that’s proven to be safe and effective. The noninvasive injection contains enzymes that can break down the collagen bands and stimulate the production of more flexible fibrous bands.
It’s also capable of redistributing fat cells underneath the skin to lessen build-up.
This is not a one and done procedure though. Each injectable treatment is typically three weeks apart. After the second treatment, the patient can expect to see results. Outside of a little possible bruising, there is no downtime with injectable treatments.
Are You Embarrassed By the Appearance of Cellulite?
Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate cellulite for awhile and spare you the embarrassment.
So if you’re ready to smooth out the puckering and put your best skin forward, contact us today. Depending on the degree of cellulite you have and its location, our plastic surgeons will determine the best plan for you.
