Cellulite Treatment Options
Cellulite is a skin condition that can affect both men and women, where the skin of various parts of the body becomes dimpled and textured. This condition usually occurs after puberty, and can affect the lower limbs, abdomen, pelvic region, and buttocks. The skin usually appears like cottage cheese or curdled milk, since several dimples and textures can occur. Cellulite can occur for a number of different reasons, including hormones, genetics, and many lifestyle factors including weight gain and lack of exercise.
There are many treatments available for cellulite, but there is not a widely known cure. The best treatment for cellulite is prevention, which can occur in a number of different ways. Although hormonal and genetic factors cannot be avoided, one can prevent cellulite from occurring by following healthy lifestyle habits. Exercising on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet that does not consist of saturated fats, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and avoiding sitting for long periods of time can prevent cellulite from forming.
Cellulite creams are one of the most common treatments for cellulite available, since they are the easiest to use and usually the least expensive. They are usually applied directly to the location affected by cellulite, and help to increase circulation around the affected areas. By doing so, the creams claim to be able to heal the damaged fatty tissue underneath the skin, which results in a smoother appearance and less noticeable cellulite. They also help to heal the connective tissue in the affected areas, and work to tighten the skin both inside and out.
Massage therapy is another popular option for cellulite treatment, and is usually performed in a spa or massage therapy center. Massage therapy for treatment of cellulite works by increasing circulation to the affected areas, since the massaging motion helps to stimulate the blood vessels in the affected areas. The massage also works to redistribute the fat trapped in the cellulite pattern, which is known to help smooth it out and make the skin appear much smoother. Massage therapy for cellulite treatment usually shows immediate results, but must be done on a regular basis for long lasting results.
Because one of the possible causes of cellulite is built up toxins in the blood stream, a full body cleansing is one of the known ways to get rid of cellulite. There are various types of cleaning programs that one can follow to clean their body of any built up toxins, including various diets, supplement programs, and even fasting periods that help to cleanse the entire body. These cleanse periods usually involve avoiding any factors that can lead to cellulite, including tobacco smoke, alcohol, or fatty food items that can trigger cellulite production. Because the idea of built up toxins being a cause of cellulite is not backed up by medical research, performing a full body cleanse has not been proven to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Endermologie is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that is used to reduce the appearance of cellulite, and was the first treatment to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Endermologie uses a motorized device that contains two adjustable rollers, and controlled suction that creates a symmetrical skin fold over the area the device is placed over. It is rolled over areas affected by cellulite, and the continuous action works to regulate deep tissue mobilization. The excess fluid trapped within the fatty tissue is released, the excess fat is broken down, and the result is smooth skin that is free of cellulite. It is an outpatient procedure that is usually performed at a cellulite specialist office, and can provide almost permanent results as long as excessive weight gain or poor lifestyle habits do not occur.
Laser therapy is another non-surgical procedure that is commonly used to reduce the appearance of cellulite, which involves running lasers over the areas affected by cellulite. The lasers work to increase circulation, blast and melt away excess fatty tissues, and release any built up fluids resulting in the puckered appearance. The laser treatment also helps to stimulate collagen production, which works to fill in dimpled areas to make them appear smooth. Because laser treatment is an outpatient procedure, it can be performed in one visit. There usually are not any side effects or painful results following the procedure, and it can be performed monthly in order to further reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Liposuction is the only proven method for permanent removal of cellulite, since it involves surgically removing the fatty tissue that is causing the cellulite. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves vacuuming out excess fat in various areas of the body, including the legs, stomach, buttocks, as well as many others. A small, tube shaped vacuum is inserted into a small incision, and it is moved back and forth while suctioning up the excess fat. Once the incision is closed, the result is a portion of the body with less fat than before. Although it is much less invasive than a procedure than involves a larger incision, it still involves the same risks as any other surgical procedure. One may experience pain and bruising in the areas where liposuction occurred, and may taken a few weeks to heal completely.
Even though cellulite is a condition that many completely dread, there are many different treatment options that can help to reduce its appearance. With everything from over the counter creams to surgical procedures and everything in between, getting rid of cellulite can be easily achieved.
