Cellulite Treatments

It’s hard not to notice it when you step out of the shower or put on a swimsuit: the characteristic dimpling of cellulite. However, you might take some consolation in knowing that cellulite adorns the buttocks, hips, and thighs of most women. The cause? Fat deposits that push up against the web of fibrous connective tissues beneath the skin. This web stays taut, allowing fat to bulge through.

While some men have cellulite, it’s much more common in women because the area where women tend to store body fat — around the hips — is the area where cellulite appears. Contrary to what you may think, it doesn’t show up only on curvy bodies. Thin people can have it, too, though carrying extra pounds makes it more noticeable. Other contributing factors include a family history of cellulite, the thickness of your skin, and hormonal changes. And as skin becomes less elastic with age, cellulite becomes more obvious.

Cellulite Remedies
There are numerous products and therapies on the market for cellulite, but only a few have actually been found to help. If you’re bothered by your cellulite, consider the following treatments:

• Massage therapy. Special machines gather areas of skin with cellulite and massage them. A technique called Endermologie, which squeezes and suctions this skin, has been approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Ten to 12 treatments are usually required before you notice a change, and you’ll need regular follow-up therapy to maintain the look. Treatment is expensive.
• Laser therapy and radiofrequency systems. The FDA has approved two of these systems to treat cellulite. One combines suction or massage with infrared light and radiofrequency energy. The other combines massage with laser energy. Both require multiple treatments but can reduce the appearance of cellulite for up to six months. Because so many sessions are involved, this therapy is expensive.
• Aim for a healthy weight and get regular exercise. While this approach won’t eliminate cellulite, keeping your body as firm and fit as possible can improve the appearance of dimpled skin. Start by making sure you eat a diet low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sugar but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein and dairy products. Then try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
• Quit smoking. Smoking damages connective tissue, and this affects the appearance of the skin.

Cellulite Myths
Just as important as what works is what doesn’t. Cellulite creams, dietary supplements, and special salon wraps may be advertised as cures for cellulite, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up. Drinking lots of water won’t help either, unless you’re dehydrated to begin with.

Some people try to get rid of cellulite with liposuction, a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under the skin and suctions out fat cells. While this can recontour the body, liposuction doesn’t remove cellulite and can actually make it look worse.

Most women can’t avoid getting cellulite, but you can minimize its appearance by maintaining the right weight for you and working out regularly — and doing both of those things will also be a boon to your health.