Feel Smooth, Look Confident: The New Era of Cellulite Treatments
Let’s face it cellulite is one of those things that are a factor for nearly all of us at some time. Whether it’s on your thighs, your butt, or your belly, the dimpled bumps may affect how you feel in your skin. Fortunately, you’re not alone and even more fortunately, today’s cellulite treatments have become more sophisticated, effective, and available than ever.
Say goodbye to old tales or miracle creams. We now have a cellulite treatment era that focuses on real results, better science, and helping you feel confident from the inside out.
In this post, we will address what cellulite really is, what causes in, and how the new treatments available are changing the conversation around it.
What is cellulite, exactly?
Cellulite, or the bumpy “cottage cheese” texture that occurs on the thighs, hips, buttocks and sometimes the stomach or arms, is completely normal, but it can leave some feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious, especially when wearing shorts or a bathing suit.
Cellulite is caused by pockets of fat pushing through the connective tissue underneath the skin, giving it the dimpling characteristic. Cellulite is much more prevalent in women than in men, due to skin structure, hormones and the way fat is distributed in the body.
Fast Facts on Cellulite:
Up to 90% of women will have cellulite at some point in their life.
It is not caused only by weight gain—thin people can also have it.
Genetics, hormones, lifestyle choices, and age contribute to cellulite.
Why Cellulite Gets Worse Over Time
As we mature, collagen and elastin production slows down, and our skin loses some firmness and elasticity; along with changes in fat distribution and circulation, the dimple effect can become more pronounced.
Even though cellulite isn’t a health problem, many people want to treat it for its visual appeal and improvement of skin texture and with today’s technology, there are plenty of options that work.
What’s Changing? The Approach to Cellulite
No more relying on thick creams or “miracle wrap” options for temporary results. Today, proper cellulite treatments are grounded in scientific research and from the perspective of the actual structure of the skin and the fat tissue.
The methods which are most effective are those that:
Break fibrous bands that cause dimpling
Stimulate collagen production
Smooth fat cells
Tighten and firm the skin
Let’s examine some of the more popular and viable options that exist today.
New Age Cellulite Treatments:
1. Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy
Radiofrequency uses heat energy to increase collagen production in the lower layers of the skin. RF can tighten loose skin while smoothing the dimpled areas left by cellulite.
Venus Legacy, Thermage and Exilis are among the leading brands in non-invasive RF therapy. Most individuals will require a series of sessions for optimal results, but will be compensated with firmer, smoother skin and zero downtime.
2. Cellfina
Cellfina is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive procedure that treats the structural cause of cellulite, which is the thick connective bands that lie under the skin.
In a single in-office treatment, a device measuring the size of a small needle is used to cut the bands that are fibrous tissue and release the tension in the banding in the skin above. Results from this treatment can last three years or more, making it a long-lasting treatment for cellulite.
3. Acoustic Wave Therapy
Otherwise known as shockwave therapy, acoustic wave therapy destroys fat deposits and stimulates collagen use by sound waves. It is non-invasive and is often used with other procedures as well.
4. Laser Treatments (i.e., Cellulaze)
Laser treatments work under the skin to melt fat, loosen the connective tissue, and stimulate collagen. Over time, the results will be gradual; however, they can last more than a year.
Laser cellulite reduction may be slightly more invasive, but provides an excellent change with little downtime.
5. Microneedling with RF and/or Exosomes
The microneedling causes tiny injuries to the skin, which stimulates the healing process. Either radiofrequency or exosomes amplify the collagen stimulating effects. The combination of the microneedling along with RF and/or exosomes will help tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of cellulite, and improve overall skin texture.
What to expect during treatment
Most of the modern cellulite treatments are non-invasive or minimally invasive and offer little to no downtime. Depending on the specific treatment, a person could expect:
– Mild redness or swelling
– Temporary soreness or bruising
– Improvement, usually gradually, over a few weeks
A consultation with a certified provider will help to determine the best option for treatment based on your individual skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
How Long Are the Results?
Results vary depending on the method and how your body responds. Some, like Cellfina or Cellulaze, can last several years but others, like radiofrequency or acoustic therapy, may require maintenance treatments every several months.
Lasting results will typically come from:
Maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity
Staying hydrated
Maintaining your skin with quality products and sunscreen.
The Confidence Factor
At the end of the day it is about feeling good about you. Cellulite is a totally normal thing and should not be something you are ashamed of. However, if you don’t feel good about yourself because of cellulite when you wear clothes or hit the beach, it really is ok to allow yourself to check out a treatment for it.
The technology in today’s world is allowing us to have safe, proven and empowering options. Whether you are prepping for a vacation, special event or simply want to feel amazing every day, smoother skin and a little boost of confidence is just a few visits away.
Wrapping Things Up
For many of us, cellulite is a perfectly normal thing to have. But this doesn’t mean we must live with it forever. Innovations in skin care and aesthetics give us, for the first time ever, real solutions that actually get a little further than.
