Cellulite Treatment
Because most of us dislike the appearance of cellulite, many cellulite treatments have been introduced into the market. These cellulite treatments range from dietary and lifestyle changes to cellulite creams and mechanical treatments. Some popular cellulite treatment therapies include the following:
1. Cellulite Treatment with Cellulite Creams Containing Methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyilline. These chemicals are used in many cellulite creams and are promoted as effective cellulite treatments for their ability to break down fat. These cellulite creams are applied directly to problem cellulite areas and the active ingredients are absorbed through the skin to activate lipolysis, or the breakdown of fats. With continued use, studies have shown a reduction in the appearance of cellulite with cellulite creams containing these active ingredients.
2. Cellulite Treatment with Dietary Supplements. Several dietary supplements containing a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin have been marketed as cellulite treatments. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. There is no evidence as to the effectiveness of oral supplements.
3. Cellulite Treatment with Edermologie. Endermologie is a massage treatment that uses an electrically powered device that suctions, pulls, and squeezes affected areas. Treatments are expensive and typically last for 30-45 minutes. 10-12 treatments are typically required before results are noticeable. Endermologie has been approved by the U.S. FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Regular maintenance treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will return.
4. Cellulite Treatment with Laser or Light Therapy. TriActive and VelaSmooth are two FDA approved light-therapy devices that combine suction or massage with light therapy for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. Like Endermologie, both treatments require multiple treatment sessions and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. These treatments are even more costly than massage treatments; the complete program generally costs thousands of dollars.
5. Cellulite Treatment with Mesotherapy. Mesotherapy is a controversial treatment for cellulite that involves injecting drugs or other substances directly into affected tissue. Multiple injections over multiple (typically 10 or more) sessions are administered. Although this procedure is offered by some physicians, most experts feel that this treatment is unproven and risky.
6. Cellulite Treatment through Dieting. Special “cellulite diets” claim that the combination of foods in the diet can reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected areas and diminish cellulite. Studies published in the medical literature support these claims and experts note that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall health and appearance of skin. Also, decreasing the amount of fat in the diet has a direct impact on the fat stores targeted by cellulite.
7. Cellulite Treatment Wraps. Many salons offer herbal or other types of body wraps as treatments for cellulite. The use of body wraps has been shown to decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of skin. While these effects are mostly temporary, positive results have been reported with continuous use.
All the cellulite treatment methods mentioned above are all in use today. Patients should be very cautious before trying out surgical procedures, dietary supplements, or elaborate techniques of unproven value. Cellulite creams may be an inexpensive cellulite treatment option, but it is important to remember that the effectiveness of any cellulite reduction regimen requires continuous, ongoing treatment to maintain any positive effect.
Andrea Palmer is a certified nutritionist who specializes in cellulite treatments and various cellulite reduction techniques. For more information on safe cellulite reduction methods and effective cellulite creams.
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