Cellulite Treatment Review: Which Ones Work?

Unfortunately it is very difficult to find any honest, unbiased and trustworthy advice because the professionals in the industry including doctors, beauticians and scientists have a vested interest in developing and promoting treatments that can make them a lot of money. There are a huge range of treatments available, but most are expensive and typically require numerous treatments to ‘work’. Furthermore, unless the treatments are regularly carried out, at great cost to the consumer, then any improvement is lost. Below are the common and popular treatments currently in use:

Massage

Massage can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite by removing some of the fluid from the area. If you try this treatment, then ensure that the massage is gentle and does not cause pain, otherwise it could cause more damage than good. Be aware that if you do experience any improvement, it will be temporary and you will need to continue the treatments to maintain it.

Mechanical Massage and Suction

Mechanical massage and suction is typically carried out using a handheld device that sucks the skin between rollers which squeeze it. It is usually referred to as Endermology or Endermologie and is supposed to improve cellulite by increasing blood and lymphatic flow and stretching out the fibrous tissue. In reality, independent research has shown that it just causes minor swelling and movement of fluid which temporarily disguises the cellulite. Some patients also experience bruising. When the treatments cease, the swelling subsides and the fluid and cellulite return. As it requires many sessions (about 10), you will end up significantly out of pocket and most likely disappointed.

Radiofrequency (RF) Devices

Radiofrequency (RF) devices, e.g. Thermage, are non-invasive (no needles or surgery) and designed to project radio waves into the layers of skin. These devices are combined with a laser to produce heat alongside the radio waves to help it penetrate deeper. It’s supposed to stimulate collagen to help smooth, tighten and contour the treated areas, but there is no evidence that it can improve cellulite.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non surgical treatment that is supposed to lift and tighten the skin. However, there is no scientific research to support it being an effective treatment for cellulite.

Subcision

Subcision is a surgical treatment where a needle is used to severe through the fibrous tissue to free the fat. There is no evidence that this treatment is effective.

Cellulaze

Cellulaze is an FDA approved treatment that uses laser. While under local anaesthesia, a small fibre optic laser is inserted under the skin via a small incision. The laser is used to melt the fat cells and cut through the fibrous bands to release the fat pockets. Patients report it as being a painful procedure and afterwards you will need to wear compression garments to assist with the healing. Some patients see an improvement in the appearance of their cellulite, but many report no change or even feel that it has made it worse. Patients may also experience side effects such as prolonged pain and sensitivity to the treatment area. There is still no sound medical research supporting this as a safe and effective treatment for cellulite.

Injectables

Injectables, commonly called fat-melting injections, lipolysis or mesotherapy. This treatment involves injecting a cocktail of untested chemicals multiple times into the fat to dissolve it. Due to the reported side effects involving tissue death and infection, they have been banned in some countries. The drug commonly used in this treatment is phosphatidylcholine, an extract of lecithin from soybeans. This drug can destroy fat cells in animal studies but has not been proven as a safe or effective cellulite treatment. Furthermore, it is known to cause serious side effects such as ulcers and bleeding.

Liposuction

Liposuction may reduce the fat in the area being treated, but it can also make cellulite appear worse by forming dents. To counteract this, some physicians inject fat (usually your own) back into these dented areas. However, this has been known to cause lumpiness.

Detoxing

Detoxing will not remove cellulite because cellulite is not caused by toxins.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing involves vigorously brushing your cellulite with a body brush made of boar bristles to promote circulation and remove toxins. But because cellulite is not caused by either of these things, dry brushing will not improve your cellulite. However, it is great for your circulation, so it’s still recommended.

Body Wraps

Body wraps are basically a tight compression bandage that is wrapped around your body, usually in conjunction with special creams and lotions that are supposed to assist in the process. To ‘prove’ the treatment works, you are measured before and after. Tight compression does reduce the size of the area temporarily because it pushes the fluids out into the other non compressed areas. However, it quickly returns and does not reduce cellulite. I’m sure you have noticed this same affect when you have worn a tight pair of socks, especially those with a tight band. After removing them, you will have observed a compressed area where the tight band sat, but it doesn’t take long for this area to return to its normal size.

Dietary Supplements

Dietary supplements such as fish oil, ginkgo biloba, grape-seed bioflavinoids etc… (the list is long) have been promoted as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, and breaking down fats. However, there is no research that supports supplements as an effective way to reduce cellulite. In fact, some of them may interact with prescription drugs and do more harm that good.

Creams and Lotions

Creams and lotions may improve the surface texture of your skin but won’t remove the cellulite. Some creams even contain ingredients that cause your skin to slightly swell to mask the cellulite, but this of course quickly wears off. Most of the creams are not even absorbed through the skin into the fat, so have no way of being effective. In fact, the research carried out on cellulite creams have shown that they work no better than simply massaging the skin which on its own can improve the appearance of cellulite by removing some of the fluid from the area. Consequently, any positive effects are temporary and will cease once you stop using them.

More recently, there have been two types of cream that have been very popular:

• Retinoid creams have been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite in some women by thickening the skin so that it is more masked. But there is much disagreement as to whether it reliably improves the appearance of cellulite.
• A study found that cream containing Methyxanthines, found in the compounds aminophylline, caffeine or theophyilline, slightly reduced thigh circumference for some people. Although these chemicals have been shown to break down fat, further research has failed to show that these creams can penetrate through to the cellulite and provide any significant cellulite reduction. In fact, most people who use these creams find no improvement.
• If you are keen to give the cellulite creams a go, then try HD Skin Care Intensive Cellulite Serum which contains both retinol, and caffeine and is reasonably priced.

How to Reduce Cellulite

Try these key methods:

• Avoid cigarettes and excessive alcohol.
• Improve your diet by eating healthy low fat food and increasing your vegetable and fiber intake.
• Eliminate trans fats from your diet (e.g. packaged foods, fried foods, commercially prepared baked goods) and reduce the amount of saturated fats (e.g. butter and animal fats).
• Reduce your salt intake as it can cause fluid retention.
• Try to avoid eating junk food, processed foods and sugar.
• Drink lots of water, it not only suppresses your appetite but also provides you with the essential hydration your body needs to boost your metabolism and assist with weight loss.
• Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and coke. They act as diuretics and can affect your ability to lose weight.
• Avoid soda and fruit juices as they are high in sugar.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners (e.g. diet soda) as they can trigger insulin which encourages your body to store fat, resulting in weight gain.
• Partake in regular exercise to help burn calories and excess body fat as well as reduce water retention.
• Try not to sit for prolonged periods, as this can cause water retention and poor circulation. Get up and walk around. Try setting a timer to help you remember.
• Incorporate strength training into your workouts at least 3 days a week. If the muscle behind the fat is weak, it can make cellulite appear bumpier. (Strength training also has the added benefit of improving bone density which is essential in woman to protect bones and prevent osteoporosis.)