Cellulite can be so frustrating. You put in all those hours in the gym to get that perfect beach body, and yet that cellulite remains. Even more frustrating with all options in the market. Do they really work, can they truly remove this annoying condition and which option is best for me.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is also known as orange-peel skin due to its appearance and affects many people. Cellulite is a term for the formation of lumps and dimples in the skin. Other names for it are cottage-cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon. Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it is more common in females, due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue.
Grades of cellulite
- Grade 1, or mild (Orange Peel): This is between 1 and 4 superficial depressions, and sagging appearance to the skin.
- Grade 2, or moderate (Cottage Cheese): This is between five and nine medium-depth depressions and the skin appears moderately draped.
- Grade 3, or severe (Mattress Appearance): This is with 10 or more deep depressions and the skin is severely draped.
Cause of Cellulites
Very little is known about what causes cellulite. It involves fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle, with the fat lying between. As fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling. In addition, hormonal factors play a large role in the development of cellulite, and genetics determine skin structure, skin texture and body type. Other factors, such as weight and muscle tone affect whether you have cellulite, though even very fit people can have it.
Most women develop some cellulite after puberty. This is because women’s fat is typically distributed in the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Cellulite is also more common with aging when the skin loses elasticity. Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean people have cellulite, as well. It tends to run in families, so genetics might play the biggest role in whether you develop cellulite. An inactive lifestyle also can increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy.
What are options to Treat Cellulites?
- Cellulite Removal Massage (Lymphatic Massage) – A massage techniques that claims to reduce the dimpling appearance caused by cellulite. Massage works by promoting blood circulation to the affected area. It does not remove cellulite. However, it does reduce the appearance of cellulite, and may even prevent more cellulite from forming provided you continue your massage therapy treatments. Generally, booking twice-weekly sessions for at least 12 weeks will eventually reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Cellfina Treatment – This procedure involves inserting a needle just under the skin to break up the tough bands beneath the skin that cause us to see cellulite. This procedure has been shown to reduce the skin dimpling that you see with cellulite. The size of the treated area and the number of cellulite dimples determines the cost of this treatment. The average cost of around $4,250 per treatment. The side effects are minor pain, bruising, soreness and tenderness. There are contraindications and people with the following conditions should not seek treatment, Obesity, Diabetes, Pregnancy, Vasculitis, Coagulopathy or people taking anticoagulant/anti-platelet medications, Phlebitis, Skin infections, High blood pressure and Varicose veins in the areas being treated.
- Weight loss – Extra weight can make cellulite more visible. For some people, losing weight and staying at a healthy weight reduces the amount of cellulite they see. If you develop loose skin while losing weight, however, cellulite can become more noticeable.
- Exercise – Having more muscle makes your skin look smoother and firmer. Replacing fat with muscle can also make cellulite less noticeable.
- Ultrasound – A technique called ultrasonic liposculpting is a non-invasive procedure that targets and destroys fat. There is no evidence that ultrasound alone can reduce cellulite. When combined with another cellulite treatment, however, ultrasound may reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is too early to tell whether it will be effective. More studies are needed.
- Cryolipolysis – This treatment freezes unwanted fat to get rid of it. While it can be very effective for getting rid of small pockets of unwanted fat, it currently cannot get rid of cellulite.
- Mesotherapy – During this procedure, you receive a series of injections in the area(s) with cellulite. Different substances are injected into the area, including caffeine, hormones, enzymes, and herbal extracts. Because each practitioner uses a unique blend of ingredients, there is no way to know what if these ingredients are effective.
- Radiofrequency – This procedure is available to all patients who want to see an improvement in their skin quality. It is good for Stubborn cellulite, Loose skin, Wrinkles, Deep lines, Moderate skin elasticity, Irregular skin surfaces, Scars, and a consistent body weight. This treatment is perfect for people with a busy lifestyle who want penetrating skin improvements without a lengthy recovery. It is pretty quick with very minimal down time.
So, which is the best option?
At Spade, during initial consultation we will examine the areas to be treated and customize a package that is right for you. Book your consultation here >>>
