The unsightly appearance of cellulite, which commonly affects the thighs and buttocks area, cannot be dieted or exercised away like normal body fat. If you wonder what is the best way to get rid of cellulite, let me help you with your problem by showing you options that really work!
What Is Cellulite And Where is It Found?
Cellulite is the accumulation of fatty tissue trapped under the skin in “pockets” that causes the skin to “dimple.” The dimpling effect is caused by a connective tissue network that separates your subcutaneous fat into discrete areas that push against your overlying skin.
Cellulite is mostly found around the thighs and buttocks. It can also be found on the upper arms, breasts, and lower abdomen. Mild cellulite is difficult to notice without pinching the skin of the affected area. Moderate cellulite is more noticeable, especially if it is present in a large continuous area that is easily visible, like the arms or thighs. Severe cellulite is easily noticeable because the skin has prominent dimples giving it the orange peel (severe) or cottage cheese (end-stage) appearance
Cellulite is not a disease. It is a normal part of the aging process, making your skin thinner and the cellulite more visible. Cellulite is more common in women than men and affects about 85% of all women who are 21 years old or older. It may be more visible if you have lighter skin.
How To Get Rid Of Cellulite
Lose Weight – Weight loss does not cure cellulite but can improve its appearance, especially if you are obese. People that are fit and at their ideal body weight can have cellulite, too. So the appearance of cellulite does not necessarily mean that you are too out of shape or fat.
Exercise – Exercise can help you lose weight and tone your muscles, reducing cellulite’s overall appearance. Don’t expect that exercise and weight loss alone will cure your problem, but the combination of the two can make your skin look smoother and less dimpled.
Get A Massage -Massage can help to stretch out the skin dimples that are created by cellulite. It also improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. The key is to have routine massage treatments, preferably with a message professional, but you can do it at home as well.
Lipomessage (or enderomologie) uses a machine that “kneads” your skin with rotating rollers and low-pressure suction to help break up connective tissue to decrease dimpling. The improvement may be short-lived, and treatments that are over-aggressive may cause your skin to sag prematurely. This procedure is usually done by a professional massage therapist, dermatologist, or cosmetic surgeon.
Eat A Good Diet – Eating a good diet with low anti-inflammatory foods, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts can help limit cellulite progression. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, which protect cells and increase collagen formation. Eat a protein-rich diet with complex whole-grain carbohydrates and avoid simple, processed carbohydrates. Avoid saturated fats in favor of omega 3 fats.
Hydrate Yourself – Staying well-hydrated can help increase blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and help keep your connective tissue more flexible. Drinking fluids won’t cure your cellulite, but it can make it appear less obvious. Dehydrated skin will make your cellulite look more dimpled.
Use A Topical Cream – There are various topical products (creams to rub on the skin) that may reduce cellulite. Creams that contain caffeine, retinol, and theophylline may help decrease inflammation by increasing blood circulation to the underlying area. These products can be beneficial when combined with other treatments such as massage.
Try Bioactive Collagen Peptides – Bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) can help reduce cellulite by increasing connective tissue synthesis and density in the dermis. In one study, the BCP Verisol improved cellulite in women’s thighs after oral ingestion for 6 months, especially in moderately overweight participants.
See A Skin Care Professional – If you have a severe case of cellulite, you may want to consult a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon. There are several procedures available that can help improve the look of your skin. Your health care professional will work with you to determine which procedure is best for you. Here are some of the treatments that professionals can use to treat your cellulite.
Professional Treatments To Get Rid Of Cellulite
Professional cellulite treatments can be divided into non-invasive procedures and invasive procedures. Non-invasive procedures destroy fat cells without physically entering the body. The lymphatic system removes the components of the destroyed fat cells. Invasive procedures use a variety of techniques to remove fat cells by cutting and suction.
Non-Invasive Treatments
Laser therapy (Cellulaze, CelluSmooth)
Laser therapy is typically the best option for treating moderate to severe cellulite because it helps correct the actual cause of the problem. Although it can be costly, the results are impressive, and it is usually a permanent solution.
Cellulaze uses a laser inserted beneath the skin (subcutaneously) that “melts” fat and breaks up the fibrous bands that can cause dimpling. The entire treatment is done in one session and typically takes less than two hours to complete with minimal discomfort and bruising. The laser also stimulates the production of collagen to smooth out the skin and increase its elasticity.
Here is a video that from Cynosure that describes the Cellulaze procedure.
The following treatments are generally used to “sculpt” the body by removing fatty tissue but have also been used in the treatment of cellulite with varying degrees of success.
Radiofrequency treatments (BTL Vanquish ME, Thermi)
This therapy uses radiofrequency waves to heat up and destroy fat cells (apoptosis) as well as reduce connective tissue and increase blood flow to the area of cellulite. It is a non-contact procedure.
Combined ultrasound and radiofrequency (vShape Ultra)
The vShape Ultra therapy combines ultrasound and radiofrequency waves for a more comprehensive approach. Ultrasound kills the fat cells and increases lymphatic drainage in the area, while radiofrequency energy can stimulate collagen production to tighten loose skin.
Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)
Cryolipolysis is used to freeze and kill fat cells for body shaping. This procedure can be used, in some cases, to treat cellulite. It can take many treatments and several months to notice a significant improvement to avoid adverse reactions and complications.
Shockwave therapy
This treatment is used to break up dermal fat deposits with focused shockwaves. It is similar to the shock wave therapy used to break up kidney stones but is designed to use low-energy effectively on soft tissues to disrupt the structure of cellulite.
Invasive Procedures
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy uses chemicals, medications, hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to break down dermal fat depositions and tighten the overlying skin by injecting them into cellulite areas. There are no scientific studies available to verify how well this procedure works, but it has been in use since the 1950s, when it was first developed for pain relief.
Subcision (Cellfina)
Subcision is essentially a minimally invasive surgery. This technique uses a vacuum-assisted device to cut fibrous connective tissue bands with a microblade, releasing trapped areas of fatty tissue.
Liposuction
Liposuction is typically used to remove fat from the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Liposuction can also be used, often in conjunction with fat grafting, for severe skin dimpling to target areas of intradermal fat, causing cellulite and give permanent results.
Risk Factors For Developing Cellulite
There are various reasons why you can develop cellulite.
- The aging process causes your skin to become thinner and less elastic.
- Hormonal changes in estrogen and insulin levels stimulate the production and storage of fat.
- Inflammation of the skin and underlying tissues distort the anatomic architecture and accelerate cellulite formation.
- Collagen loss or decreased production causes the skin to become less pliable and old looking.
- A family history of cellulite causes an inherited gene abnormality.
- Obesity traps more fat between subcutaneous connective tissue.
- Poor blood circulation accelerates inflammation and causes a buildup of toxins.
- Decreased lymphatic drainage leads to fluid retention.
- Pregnancy causes weight gain and hormonal changes.
Final Thoughts
Cellulite is a normal part of the aging process, not a disease. It is strictly a cosmetic issue and has no harmful effects on your body. There are multiple ways that it can be treated, both at home and professionally. Home treatments are typically best suited for mild to moderate cases of cellulite. Moderately-severe and severe cases usually require professional treatments, which can provide excellent and long-lasting results.
If you are considering professional treatment for your cellulite then laser therapy (Cellulaze) is generally considered one of the best ways to get rid of cellulite. However, other professional treatments may be better suited for particular situations.
If you would like to treat your cellulite at home, then lipo-massage is one of the best options, which can be combined with other home treatments such as topical cream. The number one machine that I recommend is the VOYOR Handheld Massager. It has a bidirectional head with multiple rollers to give you a deep improve massage and help reduce cellulite. The unit also has LED red light emission to promote healthier skin and improve wrinkles. See Red Light Health Benefits – The New Fountain Of Youth!
Here is a video by VOYOR Beauty that demonstrates how the device works.
Before treating your cellulite, I recommend you check with your health care provider, especially if you have a history of medical problems.
Tell Us What You Think
Please let us know what’s on your mind in the comment section, or if I can help you with anything.
- Do you have any additional tips or suggestions?
- What are you currently doing or using to treat your cellulite?
- Any you considering getting, or have you gotten professional treatment for your cellulite?
The dreaded cellulite! I have personally used green tea firming gel. I rub it on my outer thighs and stomach about 15 minutes before I workout and then I wait for the tingle! It seems to work well. I have used it about a month. And I can see a noticeable difference. Thanks for sharing
Hi Antarctic Adventures,
Thank You for your comments!
Yes, dreaded, but luckily not medically harmful. I have heard that green tea firming gel works well. The best ones contain green tea extract, caffeine, collagen, and elastin. The key is to keep using it on a routine schedule. I’m glad it is working for you.
Frank
This really is a good article. Cellulite doesn’t look good on the body and definitely some people will find every means to get rid of it. In your article you wrote several ways to get rid of cellulite like exercising, the good thing is we only have to do one. Thanks for sharing this article, I know someone that’ll need it
Hi Age,
Thank You for your comments!
It’s always a good strategy to begin with one treatment and then add others as required. Exercise is a great starting point. It can help whatever is ailing you, not just cellulite.
Frank
I have begun to exercise and I am really excited with the results. I will start to add some of these other home treatments you mentioned here. I think that one of the key components is being motivated and once we have incorporated into our life a new routine, our body will show it.
Hi Ann,
Thank You for your comments!
Motivation and willingness to try new things are key. Home treatments can work well for mild to moderate cases of cellulite. When you look good then you feel good.
Frank