Non-Invasive Cellulite Therapy

You've worked hard to achieve a slim body and would love to show it off in all kinds of outfits. You've had body contouring and can't wait to hit the beach. But cellulite, the dimpled, lumpy appearance of skin is playing spoiled sport.

Cellulite affects up to 90% of women (and to a lesser extent men). The appearance of cellulite on parts of the body such as the thighs and buttocks can be very frustrating. But help is at hand. There are several effective cellulite treatments available, many of which are minimally invasive or non invasive.

But with so many cellulite reduction treatments on offer, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Keep reading to learn more about your options and how you can improve your skin appearance if you have cellulite.

Why does cellulite develop?

Cellulite is not harmful to your heath as such, but the bumpy, dimpled skin looks displeasing to the eye. It is sometimes described as orange peel or cottage cheese skin due to the texture. Cellulite is more common in women than men and often occurs on the thighs and butt, but can also form on the upper arms, lower abdomen, love handles, and breasts.

It is believed that cellulite forms when fibrous connective tissue bands that tether the upper layer of skin to the underlying muscle fascia pull down. As a result, the fat cells push up against the surface, creating an uneven dimpled appearance.

Why did I develop cellulite?

Your risk of developing cellulite is determined by various factors, including skin condition, skin texture, body fat, body weight, muscle tone, and genetics. Cellulite is more common in people who are overweight or obese but lean individuals can have it too. Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable. Weight loss will not necessarily get rid of cellulite completely.

What is the best non invasive cellulite treatment?

There have been many technological advances in the field of cosmetic medicine in the last few decades. As a result, aesthetic providers now have an arsenal of cellulite reduction treatments at their disposal, many of which offer long-term reduction in cellulite.

If you have developed cellulite and it is making a dent in your self-confidence, there are various options available to you. In the following paragraphs we will describe the most common treatments used to treat this condition, including Cellfina, Cellulaze, Qwo, and others.

Am I a candidate for cellulite reduction?

You are a good candidate for cellulite treatments if you are in overall good health, you are at or near your goal body weight, and you are bothered by the way cellulite affects your appearance. It is important to have realistic expectations from the treatment, keeping in mind that most treatments can reduce the bumpy appearance of the skin but not completely eliminate it.

Which cellulite treatments are most effective?

Here is a brief description of the most commonly offered treatments for cellulite dimples.

Cellulaze

Cellulaze is an FDA cleared laser treatment in which a cosmetic surgeon uses a laser fiber to heat up and release the fibrous bands beneath the skin surface. The laser also reduces the skin thickness (fat layer) and stimulates collagen production, resulting in improvement in skin texture and tone. The treatment involves making a small cut in the skin to insert the laser probe. Cellulaze is a minimally invasive cellulite treatment that is performed under local anesthesia. The typical downtime is 1-2 days. Most patients get the desired results after a single treatment. Cellulaze results usually last for about a year.

Cellfina

Cellfina is a cellulite treatment in which the fibrous bands causing skin dimpling are cut with a thin blade or needle - this process is known as subcision. The needle is inserted into the skin through a small incision. The procedure is a minimally invasive one and is done under local anesthesia. The biggest advantage of this cellulite treatment is the long-lasting results. Cellfina results usually last around 2-3 years. There is minimal downtime and the results are noticeable a few days after the treatment, once side effects like local bruising and soreness have resolved. Studies have shown that 99% of patients who have Cellfina treatment are satisfied with the results.

Non-Laser Treatments

Radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments are an alternative to laser treatments for cellulite. These include VelaShape which uses infrared light and radiofrequency, Zimmer Z Wave which uses radial pulses to heat the fibrous bands in the skin, ThermiSmooth Body which is a radiofrequency therapy, and Venus Freeze which uses RF and pulsed electro-magnetic energy. The advantage of these treatments is that they do not require any cuts to be made in the skin. This is why they are considered non-invasive methods of cellulite reduction. However, patients usually need multiple treatments to get the desired results and also need to return for repeat treatments every few months to maintain the results.

Endermologie

Endermologie is a vacuum device that lifts the skin and gives a deep massage. Multiple treatment sessions, with each session typically lasting 45 minutes, are necessary to see results. Results tend to be temporary and treatments must be continued for continued improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

Qwo

Qwo is a prescription medication that is administered by injection for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite. It is only for use in adult women with cellulite in the buttocks. Qwo contains enzymes called collagenases that break down the bands of collagen beneath the skin, thus releasing them and improving cellulite dimpling, giving the skin a smoother appearance. Up to 12 injections can be placed in each buttock at a treatment visit. A total of 3 treatments are recommended, spaced 3 weeks apart. Qwo is the only injection treatment for cellulite. There is no downtime and the treatments are relatively quick, taking only 10 minutes to complete in a doctor's office.

Can you get rid of cellulite without surgery?

Weight loss and exercise

Extra weight makes cellulite more visible, so losing weight may reduce the appearance of cellulite in some people. Exercise gives the muscles more tone and results in fat reduction (exercise replaces fat with muscle), which can make the skin look smoother.

Creams and lotions for cellulite

Creams and lotions and various kinds of massage techniques for cellulite reduction do give some people positive results. However, the effects are usually short-lived and the smoothening of the skin is temporary. Some medical-grade creams and lotions can stimulate collagen production, giving the skin a firmer tone, but even the highest quality topical products cannot achieve the results you can get with treatments that remodel the fibrous septae, fat cells, and connective tissue in the skin. Also, you have to use the cream every day to continue seeing improvement in smoothness. Therefore, a non-surgical cellulite solution like a cream or lotion is rarely worth the money.

Is there anything that can actually reduce the appearance of cellulite?

The cellulite treatments listed above, such as Cellfina, Cellulaze, and Qwo, are options worth considering if you are bothered by the appearance of cellulite. The bottom line is that these procedures can all reduce cellulite appearance safely and effectively and are more likely to give you noticeable and long-lasting results than creams and lotions. If you want a treatment that is least invasive, then Qwo may be a good choice for you. If you can afford to take some time off work, then a minimally invasive procedure like Cellfina or Cellulaze is worth considering. Your dermatologist can help you decide on the best way to improve the appearance of your cellulite. They will discuss the pros and cons of various treatments with you, including side effects.

Finding a provider for cellulite treatments

Can't wait to improve the appearance of your skin and get rid of cellulite? The MeTime app makes it easy to find a top-rated dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon in your area. You can click and upload pictures, chat with experts, do a video consult, and have suggestions sent directly to you. Take the first step towards smoother skin today. Download the MeTime app now!