Cellulite Therapy


cellulite therapy

Cellulite therapy is a skin treatment that works to remove one of the most feared and hated deposits that can build up within the body, cellulite. The most popular and successful method of cellulite therapy is through use of an ultrasound machine in a medical setting.

Many people also have success with creams or gels that contain caffeine. If proper exercise and diet do not work to reduce cellulite, various forms of cellulite therapy may be the best option for you.

It is important to evaluate whether or not exercise is still an option. In a 2007 study, patients alternately performed a regular exercise routine and received cellulite therapy.

Over a period of 4 months, patients on the exercise routine lost about 35% more cellulite from their thighs than patients who underwent cellulite treatment using an ultrasound machine. You may be wise to try exercise before investing in expensive creams or treatments.

How does Cellulite Therapy Work?


Whether you choose to go the ultrasound or cream route, both methods work in the same ways. All cellulite therapies promote the re-growth of collagen in the lower layers of the skin and increase the amount of circulation to those areas. By increasing circulation, waste deposits are removed and fat cells begin to shrink. Creams do this through massage by bringing these waste deposits to the surface of the skin. Ultrasound methods do the exact same thing but usually in a much faster and more effective way.

Ultrasound machines use unfocused and low pressure waves to stimulate the growth of collagen. In addition, these machines have been known in some cases to improve the metabolism of fat cells within their target areas. These waves are usually effective as they can target the lower layers of the skin (actually only 6-8 millimeters below the surface).

While there are other methods for the reduction of cellulite, they all work in the same way. Many therapies work by simply using massage techniques to draw waste to the surface of the skin and increase circulation. Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The basic principles of how cellulite is removed from the body forbid any quick transmission of cellulite from the middle to outer layers of the skin.

Advantages of Cellulite Therapy


  1. Most cellulite therapy sessions are cheap when compared to other skin treatments. Most sessions will cost between $60 and $70.

  2. There are no cellulite treatments that cause pain or more than mild discomfort.

  3. Sessions do not normally last a very long time. Most appointments can be completed in 45 minutes or less.

  4. There are no known side effects to normal cellulite therapy techniques.

  5. Cellulite therapy can be performed without the assistance of a trained professional in many circumstances. In fact, creams can easily be applied at home as part of a normal daily skin care routine.

Disadvantages of Cellulite Therapy


    cellulite therapy
  1. While sessions are cheap, many sessions are usually required before noticeable results set in. The amount of sessions typically required can range from 15-40.

  2. As with the monetary commitment involved with extended sessions, cellulite therapy can take a great deal of time. Half hour sessions twice a week can begin to add up over the long run.

  3. There are few truly reliable methods in the reduction of cellulite. Actual results can require a lot of experimentation and trial and error. During one survey, 75% of women that participated in Endermology treatment showed little or no results.

    However, of the 25% that did show results, diet and exercise were thought to be the main contributors.

  4. While side effects are indeed rare, some patients complain about soreness or bruises in areas that are targeted for long periods of time with vibration therapy.

  5. Cellulite therapy has been shown to be largely ineffective in people that are more than 30 lbs. overweight.

Choosing a Cellulite Cream


All cellulite creams contain hydrating agents to help smooth out the areas where cellulite appears to be the worst (usually on the thighs). There are, however, a few other ingredients that should be in your selected cream. When choosing a cellulite cream, make sure that these ingredients are on the label:

  • Vitamin E: This vitamin is an anti-oxidant that can serve to assist in the removal of toxins from the lower layers of your skin. Some professionals believe that these toxins are the major cause of cellulite. As an added bonus, vitamin E can alleviate soreness and aid in muscle recovery.

  • Vitamin C: Another anti-oxidant, vitamin C also aids in the removal of toxins from the skin and bloodstream. The removal of these toxins can make skin look less puffy and draw attention away from cellulite in the first place.

  • Protein: This nutrient can make skin look more firm by rounding out the spaces between cellulite bubbles.

As a precautionary step, you could even try using lotion by itself on areas that cellulite is most prevalent. Sometimes moisture can have a remarkable effect on the appearance of minor cases of cellulite.

Dealing With Cellulite


Unlike many other skin conditions, cellulite is something that many people will not be able to avoid or eliminate. Most doctors agree that cellulite is neither caused by weight gain or loss but by a natural process in the body that stores unnecessary fats in pockets that eventually take on the appearance of cellulite. While some creams and vibrations have been shown to mildly reduce the appearance of cellulite in some cases, evidence to the contrary is overwhelming.

Cellulite is much more common in women than men because women tend to have thinner skin than men. This thinner skin shows cellulite much more readily. There are some creams that hide the appearance of cellulite by giving the skin a thicker or more robust appearance. These creams have not been shown to yield more than trivial results in most cases. In most cases, these creams did stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin temporarily, but the appearance of cellulite was not reduced.

Is Cellulite Therapy Right for You?


woman in robe

If you have tried diet and exercise and they do not seem to reduce the appearance of cellulite, you might consider either a cream or some sort of vibration therapy.

Most professionals recommend that you choose a cheap cream that you can use as part of your daily skin care routine for 8 weeks. If you see results, you may elect to continue use of the cream.

Sessions that use ultrasound or other vibration machines are part of a recent trend that generally do not yield results in most participants. Their accumulated cost can make them a costly investment that may end up being a waste of resources.

Today, most doctors suggest trying different methods to reduce the appearance of cellulite rather than relying on just one technique. If you are determined to get rid of your cellulite by any means necessary, try a healthy diet and exercise coupled with both cream and vibration therapies.

In addition to cellulite therapy, some people have had success by ensuring that they drink enough water every day. As a general rule, you should drink eight glasses to avoid dehydration and promote circulation, cellulite's worst enemy. The increase in circulation may serve to reinstitute the fat cells that your body previously deemed trivial back into your system.