Cellulite Reduction

Cellulite Reduction

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a very common condition. It is a harmless condition and is considered cosmetic but some people find it bothersome. The appearance of the skin is lumpy and dimpled and is seen in areas such as:

• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttock and
• Abdomen

The appearance of cellulite is often described as the appearance of cottage cheese orange peel. You can see only forms of mild cellulite if you pinch your skin whereas when it becomes more severe is of rumpled appearance with peaks and troughs.

Cellulite actually affects both men and women but is much more prevalent in women than it is in men. Women can start exhibiting signs of cellulite just after puberty.

Causes of Cellulite

There is not thought to be one reason for the cause of cellulite but a combination of factors that affect the severity and the prevalence.

• Hormones – It is widely accepted that hormonal changes affect the appearance of cellulite such as
  • Puberty
  • Pregnancy and
  • Menopause
• Genetic – Genetics help determine our skin structure as well as our body type. Both of these factors are known to play a part in the development and appearance of cellulite.
• Weight and muscle – It is commonly accepted that an increase in weight can make cellulite more noticeable. It is worth noting though even very fit people can still have cellulite but it is generally thought more muscle equals less cellulite.
• Lifestyle – It is also known that the less active you are then the more chance you have of cellulite.

All these factors help point to why Cellulite is more prevalent and worse in women than it is in men.

Cellulite reduction treatments

Cellulite is a very difficult skin condition to treat. Also, generally speaking there is no one treatment that cures and treats all cellulite. A lot of treatments claim to reduce the appearance but none are clinically proven.

Treatment options can be either lifestyle changes of medical procedures

Lifestyle treatments for cellulite

Weight - By losing weight this can help with the appearance of cellulite especially if you have more weight to lose.

Exercise - By regularly exercising this causes more muscle tone which can improve the appearance of cellulite.  Strength training is particularly good for building muscle tone to help with the appearance of cellulite.

Massage - A massage can help with improving circulation and lymphatic draining which also can help the appearance of cellulite

Diet - Eating a balanced diet to help maintain a healthy weight which includes limiting processed foods as they are often high in unhealthy fat and sugar.

Hydration - Always drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and main skin elasticity

Stress - A reduction in stress can help maintain hormonal imbalance and fluid retention to combat the signs of cellulite.

Sleep - An essential for overall health and regulate hormones and reduce stress

Smoking - Can cause damage to collagen and elastin, the proteins that give skin its structure which would increase the appearance of cellulite.

Non-surgical treatment for cellulite and natural remedies

Dry brushing is a non-surgical treatment for cellulite that involves using a stiff-bristled brush to exfoliate the skin while its dry. There is no direct clinical evidence for dry brushing but does offer some benefits that may help the appearance of cellulite such as

• Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and make the skin smoother
• Circulation can be increased by stimulating blood flow to the surface from the brushing effect
• Drainage can be increased using dry brushing to help fluid retention and improve skin tone.

Topical creams. There are creams for sale that claim to reduce cellulite but again there is little supporting clinical evidence. They typically contain a combination of ingredients that aim to improve skin texture, boost circulation, and reduce fluid retention.  

Here are some of the popular ingredients for cellulite creams:

• Caffeine - A stimulant believed to dehydrate fat cells, making them appear less visible.  
• Retinol - vitamin A derivative to increase collagen production and thicken the skin.
• Aminophylline - Improves blood flow and breaks down fat cells.  
• Botanical extracts - Ingredients like ginkgo biloba, horse chestnut, and seaweed extract are believed to have anti-inflammatory and skin-tightening properties.
• Coffee Scrubs. By missing coffee with coconut oil a paste can be created to massage into the affected areas in circular motions to exfoliate and promote circulation. 
• Apple Cider Vinegar. Equal parts apple cider vinegar and water can be applied to affected areas and consumed orally (1 tablespoon in water 3 times a day). This can help with weight loss and cellulite reduction.
• Seaweed Wraps By applying a wrap to the affected area for 30 minutes this can help detoxify the body and improve skin tone.
• Aloe Vera Gel can be massaged into the affected area to tightening skin and improve circulation

Compression wear such as tights, shorts and leggings provide a gentle compression to the area worn which increases blood circulation  and reduces fluid retention which helps with appearance of the skin and less visible cellulite potentially. There is no conclusive evidence as compression garments do not address the structural issues of skin and thus cellulite formation. They are a low cost option but would only offer temporary improvements.

Best Medical procedures for cellulite treatment

There are a number of aesthetic procedures that can help with cellulite and these include

Laser - An example of this is Cellulaze where a laser fibre is inserted under the skin to break down the bands causing cellulite , release fat and stimulate new collagen. It shows immediate results that last years associated with minor bruising and swelling. The cost of treatment is £3000 -£6000

Laser liposuction - Is a minimally invasive procedure and is sometimes called Vaser. It uses a laser to melt fat cells. The laser energy is delivered for a thin cannula under the skin to melt the fat and then it is removed via suction. The laser stimulates collagen to help with the appearance of cellulite.  By removing the fat and tightening the skin this can lead to the appearance of cellulite diminished. It is not a primary treatment for cellulite but can offer some improvements. There is discomfort and some downtime and can be expensive at £3000-£5000

Ultrasound  - Sound waves are used to disrupt the fibrous bands and improve blood flow while enhancing skin elasticity. A visible reduction of cellulite is seen after 4-6 sessions and is a quick and painless procedure costing £200 -£500 per session

Radiofrequency -  Heat energy is used to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite. There is an improved in 4-8 sessions with no downtime and would cost £700 - £1000 per session

Avéli™ - Minimally invasive targeting the structural cause of cellulite by releasing the fibrous bands creating the dimpling appearance. Generally associated with immediate and long-lasting results with minimal downtime (mild bruising and swelling. This is a very expensive treatment at around £3000 to £6000

Subcision - A needle is used to release the fibrous septa under the skin. Results are visible for up to 3 years and are associated with mid bruising and costs £3000 -£5000.

Vacuum - Small blades are used to release the fibrous bands allowing a bounce back effect to reduce cellulite. Results last 2 -3 years and are associated with mid bruising and swelling. Costs of treatment are £4000 - £7000

Cryolipolysis - This reduces the fat layer beneath the skin making the appearance of cellulite less. There is a gradual reduction over 2-months with minor numbness. Cost of treatment is £750 -£1500 per site.

Endermologie - is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment that uses a specialized machine to reduce the appearance of cellulite. It involves mechanical massage that combines suction and rolling to stimulate the skin and underlying tissues. There is no downtime  but may require several treatments twice a week and costs £300 to £500 per session

Cosmetic procedures are expensive and may still not be effective.

Consult a professional: If you have concerns about cellulite or are looking for personalized advice, consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist.

Myths and facts about cellulite

1. Unfortunately, Cellulite is not a fully treatable skin condition. As discussed, there are ways to help minimise it and make it less noticeable but nothing to completely get rid of it.
2. It is also not recommended to try and treat cellulite during pregnancy as the increased weight and hormonal changes would only exasperate the appearance. It is best advised to wait until after pregnancy to start with any treatments.
3. Treatment for cellulite is not skin dependent and most treatments can be used on all skin types
4. Whilst cellulite can only be controlled by decreasing the appearance of cellulite can lead to better self-confidence.
5. Cellulite cannot be prevented but lifestyle changes can help to maintain and stop the development of more cellulite.
6. Both overweight and underweight people can suffer from cellulite
7. Exercise alone will not get rid of cellulite but can improve the appearance.
8. Tanning can make cellulite more noticeable as it highlights the uneven texture
9. Women have a higher percentage of body fat and different connective tissue structure than men, making them more prone to cellulite.  
10. Cellulite worsens with age

The mind and body

The mind-body connection plays a significant role in how we perceive and experience cellulite.

Stress and hormones

Stress can trigger a hormone imbalance. This potentially leads to increased fat storage and fluid retention.

Emotional well-being

A Negative self-image and body dissatisfaction can exacerbate the psychological impact of cellulite

Mindful practices

Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and foster self-acceptance.  

Positive self-talk

Shifting from self-criticism to self-compassion can improve body image and reduce the emotional distress associated with cellulite.  

Holistic approach

Addressing the mind-body connection can enhance the effectiveness of other cellulite treatments and lifestyle changes.