Cellulite affects 80% to 90% of all women at some point in their lives. While it is essentially harmless and does not cause physical pain, its appearance is quite bothersome for women of any age. And unfortunately, it has proven to be almost impossible to eliminate with simple, traditional methods.
In recent years, several FDA-approved non-invasive body contouring treatments have emerged as effective solutions for cellulite reduction. Let’s take a closer look at what causes cellulite dimples and the best way to get rid of them.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite appears most often on the thighs, stomach, and butt. It is a collection of fat that pushes against the connective tissue under the skin and appears as lumps or dimples on the surface.
Cellulite affects both sexes but is more commonly seen in women due to the unique distribution of fat, muscle, and connective tissue in their bodies.
There are three main categories of cellulite:
Hard cellulite tightens the skin and may be painful to the touch.
Soft cellulite has a more spongy appearance and is accompanied by loose skin.
Edematous cellulite appears on the thighs and lower legs and is characterized by swollen skin that can be very painful. Fortunately, this is very rare.
What Causes Cellulite?
There are several causes of cellulite. The first has to do with skin structure. Cellulite forms when the fibrous cords that connect the skin to the underlying muscle tighten. This creates chambers of fat that push up against the skin while the cords pull down, leading to a dimpled appearance.
Research also suggests that the hormone estrogen may have a role to play. This explains why cellulite forms in less than 10% of all men and appears more commonly during adolescence or pregnancy.
Furthermore, genetics, diet, age, and fitness levels also affect the appearance of cellulite. It becomes more prominent with age as skin loses elasticity. Sudden weight loss and gain have been associated with pronounced cellulite, as have habits like smoking.
Some research into what causes cellulite in the legs—specifically edematous cellulite—also points to fluid retention and poor circulation as a potential cause.
What’s the Difference Between Fat and Cellulite?
Despite often being associated, cellulite and fat are not the same.
The body contains two types of fat: visceral fat, which builds up around the organs, and subcutaneous fat, which sits just below the skin’s surface.
Cellulite is composed of subcutaneous fat and a high amount of connective tissue. It is part of the skin and thus cannot be removed with liposuction. Furthermore, cellulite does not increase girth but only gives the skin an uneven appearance.
How Does Body Contouring Help Cellulite Reduction?
What is body contouring?
Body contouring consists of various treatments designed to remove extra skin, reshape the target area, or eliminate excess fat. Some of these procedures are invasive, but many non-surgical aesthetic procedures can now achieve similar results.
What is non-surgical body contouring? These fat reduction treatments eliminate stubborn pockets of fat without a patient going under the knife. These procedures result in little to no downtime and minimal side effects.
Here are some examples that help cellulite reduction:
Morpheus8
Morpheus8 is a microneedling procedure that uses radio-frequency to promote the production of collagen and elastin, which tighten the skin; and it also remodels subcutaneous adipose tissue. While this procedure doesn’t completely eliminate cellulite, it significantly reduces its appearance.
Endospheres
Like Morpheus8, Endospheres therapy is a non-invasive treatment. It uses low-frequency sound waves to improve lymphatic drainage. The device’s 55 rotating spheres use micro-vibration to stimulate circulation in the skin and subcutaneous tissue hence improving the appearance of cellulite.
CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting and CoolSculpting Elite are FDA-approved treatments that reduce pockets of fat in the target area. They freeze fat cells, which the body’s immune system flushes out. In the process, they contour the target area and may help cellulite reduction.
CoolTone
Unlike CoolSculpting, CoolTone targets muscle instead of fat. It sends pulses of electromagnetic energy into the target area, which stimulates muscle contractions and tones, strengthens, and firms up muscles.
When used in the buttock or thigh area, the CoolTone treatment creates a more defined body shape, hence reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Each of these body contouring treatments has pros and cons and a different approach to eliminate cellulite.
For more information or questions (related to CoolSculpting price, for instance), it’s best to contact a medical spa in Los Angeles.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Body Contouring
Here are just some of the several benefits of using non-surgical body treatments for cellulite reduction:
They don’t leave behind scars.
There is little to no downtime.
They have very few side effects, such as minor redness or swelling.
In most cases, results appear after a few sittings and last a long time.
They result in younger, smoother skin and a more defined body shape.
Does Body Contouring Help with Weight Loss?
Body contouring treatments are not weight loss procedures. They are simply ways to eliminate stubborn fat deposits or tighten the skin following weight loss.
No treatment—invasive or otherwise—can replace healthy habits that lead to weight loss. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise ensure the effects of a body contouring treatment last as long as possible.
How To Prepare for Body Contouring and Cellulite Reduction
Before your body contouring treatment, you may be advised to:
Avoid fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Avoid excessive sun exposure or tanning beds.
Reschedule the session if you have bruises, rashes, cuts, or wounds.
Inform the medical professional about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
Drink a lot of water.
Avoid the treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
Following the treatment, you may be advised to:
Avoid heavy sun exposure for up to two weeks.
Avoid caffeine and heavy meals for a few hours and alcohol for at least a day.
Avoid exerting too much for a few days.
Avoid waxing or lasering the treated area for a couple of weeks.
Drink a lot of water.
Report any serious pain, soreness, or swelling.
Selecting the Right Medical Spa for Your Aesthetic Goals
When dealing with stubborn cellulite, one of the biggest benefits of a medical spa is the number of non-surgical options at your disposal.
Sculptra butt lifts, Morpheus8 treatments, and CoolSculpting therapy, among other several FDA-approved cosmetic treatments have little to no side effects and produce quick results.
Contact LA Beauty Skin Center to find out which of these procedures is right for you!