Cellulite is a term used to describe skin which has a dimpled appearance. It will usually be present on areas such as the hips, buttocks and thighs. While men may sometimes have cellulite, the condition is much more prevalent in women, especially as they age. The reason for this is the differences in the muscle, connective tissue and fat which is distributed within the skin of males and females. Cellulite results from fat deposits which push up against connective tissues below the skin, which gives it a distinctive dimpled appearance.
Cellulite can be caused by a number of factors, including age, skin thickness, fat distribution and heredity. Many people find cellulite to be very unattractive, and are looking for ways to get rid of it, as inexpensively as possible. The good news is that there are a number of viable treatments available, some of which are non-surgical. However, there is a lot of junk being promoted on the market for cellulite treatment, so below are the treatments that actually work.
Light and Laser Therapy
Laser and light devices have received FDA approval for cellulite treatment, and have been proven to be effective. Some of these devices use a combination of laser and suction to eliminate cellulite, while others combine laser with massage therapy. All these devices require multiple sessions to be effective, and regular maintenance must be performed to remain cellulite free.
Collagenase
Collagenase is an important enzyme which occurs naturally in the body. It is responsible for breaking down collagen, which is itself important for connective tissue. Research indicates that collagenase which is injected can improve skin which is afflicted with cellulite. Because the long term effects of collagenase injections are not known, this treatment should be considered experimental.
Cellfina
Cellfina is another FDA approved treatment for cellulite which is causing excitement in the cosmetics industry. It is the very first device which provides long term benefits for cellulite which last a minimum of one year. Cellfina is based on a very simple principle, which is that cellulite dimpling may be flattened by slashing the collection of tissue (called septae) which resides inside the fat beneath the skin which attaches the skin to the muscles. The septae can be cut with either a laser or a technique called subcision, where a surgeon slides the scalpel beneath the skin to cut the septae.
Cellfina is much safer than subcision however because the process is automated. It is roughly the size of an iPhone and operates mechanically, which means there is no laser, heat, sound or radio waves. Each cellulite dimple is targeted, and both it and the surrounding area will be numbed with Lidocaine after which the machine seizes the skin via suction and then slides a small blade beneath to slash the attachment. The blade used by Cellfina is so small that there is virtually no bleeding with only a small amount of bruising. Patients who receive Cellfina recover within 24 hours and the only thing they need for the pain is Tylenol.
This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.
