Cellulite Dimple Release

Cellulite refers to the formation of dimples or lumps on the skin surface. It is also called orange peel or cottage cheese skin because of its texture. It can affect both men and women but is more common in women. Up to 90% of women experience at least some cellulite. It is a harmless condition but looks unsightly. Numerous treatments can help decrease cellulite and enhance your beauty. Keep reading to learn about your options.

What causes the appearance of cellulite dimples?

Cellulite is the lumpy, dimpled skin that commonly develops in areas like the hips, buttocks, thighs, and belly. Although the causes and mechanism are not fully understood, experts think cellulite formation involves the septae (fibrous bands) that tether the skin to underlying muscles. When fat accumulates here, these fibrous bands get pushed and stretched, causing the skin to become uneven and dimpled.

The appearance of cellulite is influenced by various factors like hormones, genetics, skin texture, and fat distribution. It is worth noting that people who are physically fit and at a healthy body weight can also have cellulite. Women are more likely to develop cellulite after puberty because fat in the female body tends to be distributed in areas like the hips and thighs, which are common areas for dimple formation.

Can you get rid of cellulite?

As noted, cellulite forms when fibrous bands (septae) in the connective tissue stretch and pull causing accumulated fat to push against the skin. There are various treatments that are marketed as a solution to this problem. None of them can completely get rid of cellulite, but they can make it less noticeable. Cellulite does not pose any health risks and does not need to be treated other than for cosmetic purposes.

Does working out get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight. Weight gain often makes it more noticeable. An inactive lifestyle can increase your risk of having cellulite. Losing weight can improve the appearance.

However, body weight is not the only factor that affects the appearance of cellulite. Many people who are lean also have dimpling. Genetics plays a role and cellulite tends to run in families. Pregnancy can increase the chances of having cellulite.

Do cellulite creams work?

There is no scientific proof that applying creams and lotions to the buttocks and thighs can help reduce cellulite. Think of it like a button creating a pucker in a cushion. Rubbing the button will have no effect. To get rid of the pucker, you have to go deeper and cut the thread.

With that said, some topical products containing retinol can stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of dimpling in some people if not everyone.

The other group of products used for cellulite reduction are those containing caffeine. These creams and scrubs supposedly release the fibrous bands that cause the dimpling.

Who is more likely to have cellulite?

Risk factors for the appearance of cellulite include:

• Female gender (women are more likely than men to have this problem).
• Age (it is more common after age 25 but can occur even in teenagers - the skin becomes thinner and less elastic with age, increasing the chances of cellulite development).
• Hormonal factors (low estrogen level around menopause may result in reduced collagen production and enlarging fat cells, leading to the formation of more visible fat layer deposits).
• Genetics (skin texture, fat distribution, metabolism, and circulation are all genetically-linked factors that can play a role in cellulite formation).
• Diet and lifestyle (an unhealthy diet rich in fats and carbohydrates, excess body fat, and smoking can all increase the risk of cellulite).

How to get rid of the skin cellulite at home?

If you have mild cellulite formation, home remedies and over the counter products may work for you. Speak to a dermatologist about your options. Some of the things you can try include:

• Daily dry brushing and massaging
• Retinol creams
• Coffee scrubs
• Serums that minimize skin puckering
• Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fiber and whole grains and limiting salt and fat intake
• Drinking plenty of water (cellulite looks worse on dehydrated skin)
• Exercising regularly

Am I a good candidate for cellulite reduction?

If you have puckered skin that bothers you, you may be a candidate for cellulite therapies. Treatment may be especially recommended if you have light skin which makes the dimples more noticeable. The ideal person for cellulite reduction treatments is someone who is not significantly overweight and has mild to moderate skin dimpling in areas like the hips and abdomen. Treating cellulite with a more invasive procedure may be recommended for people who have tried creams and other non invasive treatments and seen no benefit.

How can cellulite be treated?

There are various surgical and non-surgical or minimally invasive options to reduce the appearance of cellulite. These include laser treatment, radiofrequency, cryolipolysis, and liposuction. If cellulite bothers you, you can work with an aesthetic provider to find a therapy that might help. Keep in mind that choosing a licensed, certified provider is essential because some treatments can actually make the problem worse if not done carefully.

Cellulite Treatments: What are my treatment options? What really works?

If topical creams and a healthy lifestyle don't reduce your cellulite, you can speak to a dermatologist or aesthetic provider for medical advice. There is a variety of treatment options available with varying patient satisfaction, some of which are described below.

• Laser or radiofrequency therapy can reduce cellulite for 6-12 months. Treatments that are ablative (wounding to the cells) typically produce longer lasting results compared to treatments that are non-ablative.
• Acoustic wave therapy utilizes sound waves to break up the cellulite. This type of therapy usually requires several treatment sessions to see results.
• Cryolipolysis treatment like CoolSculpting body contouring uses freezing technology to reduce cellulite. Results usually take several months to appear.

Your dermatologist may suggest more invasive treatment if your cellulite is severe. Surgeons can cut into the skin layers with needles or blades and separate the fibrous bands (septae) that are causing the dimpling in the skin. Other techniques like fat grafting may also be recommended. These treatments can get results that last long term, up to three years.

Laser treatments

Cellulaze®

Cellulaze is a minimally invasive procedure in which a laser is used to break the cellulite in the skin of patients. The aesthetic provider inserts a small cannula (tube) in the treatment area and delivers laser energy to release the fibrous bands causing the skin puckering. The treatment also improves the quality of skin by stimulating collagen production. The procedures takes 60-90 minutes. Patients typically need to wear a compression garment afterwards to help with healing. Return to work is possible in 1-2 days and more strenuous exercise can be started in 1-2 weeks. Cellulaze results can last for up to 12 months.

Non-laser energy treatments

Radiofrequency energy treatments for cellulite use heat to break up fat deposits under the skin. The treatments also tighten the tissues and increase blood circulation to the area, which over time can reduce the appearance of cellulite. RF is a non invasive treatment. Patients must undergo a series of sessions to achieve the desired results.

Mechanical treatments

Cellfina®

Cellfina is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA approved cellulite treatment that uses a process called subcision. It takes less than an hour to perform and gives results with a single office session.

Preparing for Cellfina

Cellfina is recommended for people between 20 and 60 years of age who are at a stable weight and have minimal skin looseness.

To perform the therapy, the doctor or aesthetic provider uses a local numbing medicine to reduce discomfort. The cellulite dimples are then marked and treated. Patients can return to normal activities the same day but should plan to take it easy for 24 hours.

How does Cellfina work?

Cellfina breaks down the structure of cellulite. It is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that uses proprietary microblade technology to target cellulite. Results can be seen after about 3 days and last for up to three years.

How much does Cellfina cost?

The cost varies with the area being treated, but on average, Cellfina will set you back by approximately $3,500 to $6,500.

Cellfina side effects

The procedure is not painful. You may feel a sensation of suction. The most common side effects are minor discomfort, soreness, tenderness, and bruising. These symptoms are temporary and resolve on their own in a few days.

What to expect after Cellfina

There is minimal downtime. You can drive yourself home and resume all normal activities after 24 hours. You may need to wear compression garments for about 2 weeks after Cellfina. Your doctor may also ask you to limit strenuous physical activity for a week and avoid swimming and sun exposure for the same period of time.

Cellfina vs Cellulaze

Cellulaze utilizes a laser device to cut the septae or fibrous bands in the skin. Cellfina uses a microblade technology. Cost wise, Cellfina is more affordable and also has a lower risk of complications. However, it is a relatively newer procedure and time will tell which is the better treatment.

Emtone

Emtone is a device that uses a combination of thermal and mechanical energy to treat loose skin and cellulite. It is a non invasive treatment that impacts the connective tissue and stimulates elastin and collagen formation. Most patients need 4 treatments with 1-2 treatments per week. Each treatment usually takes 20 minutes (the duration depends on the area being treated). The treatment feels like mechanical vibrations and a hot stone massage.

How long do Emtone results last?

Results from Emtone are visible after the first treatment and continue to improve over the next few months. There is no downtime and you can resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.

Best results according to research studies

Studies show that the following treatments can reduce cellulite for periods varying from 6 months to 3 years:

• Acoustive wave therapy
• Laser treatment
• Subcision (Cellfina)
• Vacuum-assisted tissue release
• Radiofrequency

The evidence is less convincing or still awaited for the following treatments:

• Laser-assisted liposuction
• Ultrasound
• Cryolipolysis
• Mesotherapy

Choosing a provider for cellulite reduction

A dermatologist or licensed aesthetic provider can help you decide on what cellulite treatment is right for you and is likely to be the most effective. The MeTime app makes it easy to find experienced aesthetic providers for cellulite treatment in your area. You can click and upload pictures and have suggestions sent directly to you. Want to learn more about cellulite treatment options near you? Try the MeTime app now!