How to Get Rid of Cellulite: Breaking Down Your Treatment Options
Doctor & MedSpa Cellulite Procedures
1. Cellfina
- What is it? A minimally invasive treatment with incisions that cuts the fibrous cords creating cellulite under the skin
- Does it work on cellulite? Yes
- How long does it last? It’s FDA-cleared to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least three years
According to the manufacturer, the minimally invasive Cellfina cellulite treatment improves the appearance of cellulite by actually cutting the fibrous cords woven throughout fat in the thighs and buttocks. These tight cords pull down the skin, which pushes up the fat cells and causes the “orange peel” dimpling effect. By cutting the cords, the skin releases and thighs and buttocks look smoother.
The treatment is performed in a doctor’s office. It uses a local numbing agent and a minimally invasive, small needle-sized device to cut the cords just beneath the surface of the skin.
2. Cellulaze
- What is it? A minimally invasive laser-probe treatment with incisions that uses a laser to heat the tissue below the surface and target the fibrous cords causing cellulite
- Does it work on cellulite? Yes
- How long does it last? About a year, possibly longer with diet and exercise
According to the manufacturer, Cellulaze lasers heat up the tissue below the skin's surface, which releases the fibrous cords creating cellulite. During the treatment, a small cannula—a tube about the size of the tip of a pen—is inserted under the skin through an incision. In addition to releasing the cords pulling the skin down, the laser liquifies fat, which is pressed out. The laser also can increase the thickness of the skin and stimulate collagen production to help create a smoother look.
The treatment, performed in a doctor's office, takes about 1–1.5 hours and requires a local anesthetic. Bruising and discomfort is a possible side effect, and recovery lasts a day or two. Results should continue to improve for the next 3–12 months.
3. Radio Frequency
- What is it? Radio frequency waves heat tissue and promote collagen production to smooth and tighten skin.
- Does it work on cellulite? Yes—but with mixed results and not for very long
- How long does it last? A few months to a year, depending on the treatment and the client
Thermage
Thermage is one of the most well-known radio frequency treatments. It is primarily used to tighten loose skin and smooth wrinkles, but according to the manufacturer, it can also be used to temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite by boosting collagen production. Results can last up to a year.
Venus Treatments
Venus Concepts has two treatments designed to fight cellulite: Venus Versa and Venus Legacy. According to the manufacturer, these treatments use a combo of radio frequency and pulsed electro magnetic fields to help break down the fat under skin, as well as boost collagen production. This results in smoother, tighter skin and a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Results last about 3–4 months.
VelaShape
VelaShape is FDA-cleared to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. It uses a combination of radio frequency waves, infrared light, and vacuum suction to increase collagen production and thus help smooth cellulite, according to the manufacturer. Results typically last for a few months.
The ideal VelaShape cellulite patient is either a Stage 1 or Stage 2 on the Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale.
|
Nurnberger-Muller Cellulite Classification Scale |
Description |
Good VelaShape Candidate? |
|
Stage 1 |
Patient experiences no “orange peel” dimpling while standing or lying down, but does experience it when their skin is pinched together |
Yes |
|
Stage 2 |
Patient experiences “orange peel” dimpling when standing up, but not when lying down |
Yes |
|
Stage 3 |
Patient experiences “orange peel” dimpling when standing up AND when lying down |
No |
Learn more
What Is VelaShape, and How Does It Work? VelaShape not only can soften the appearance of cellulite, but also can slim down bodies. Here's how it works.
4. Endermologie
- What is it? A French treatment that uses a handheld machine that suctions and massages the skin in an attempt to soften fat and promote lymphatic drainage. It requires the client to wear a special bodysuit.
- Does it work on cellulite? Possibly, it seems to depend on the person. Plus, it does take repeated treatments—at least 3 and upward of 10.
- How long does it last? According to the Mayo Clinic, results are short-lived.
Endermologie is an FDA-approved massage system that studies have shown can help reduce body circumference. According to the manufacturer, 67% of people saw cellulite reduction after three sessions.
Yet according to an article published in the International Journal of Dermatology, 15 endermologie sessions improved the appearance of cellulite in only 15% of women (5 women out of 31 studied). Reviews are more favorable on Real Self, an online community for reviewing cosmetic treatments, with 65% of people saying the treatment is “worth it” (39 out of 60 reviews).
Bottom line? It may work for you, but you won’t know until you try it.
5. Noninvasive Laser Lipo
- What is it? A treatment that breaks down the walls of fat cells in order to drain them of their contents. The fat cells then shrink.
- Does it work on cellulite? No, it’s more for body contouring
Previously, it was thought that shrinking fat cells with laser light would help smooth cellulite. After all, it seems that if you shrink fat cells, you would be able to make the dimples less apparent by removing the bulk that’s pushing outward into the skin.
However, the manufacturers of devices like i-Lipo and Zerona have stopped promising cellulite reduction because it just doesn’t seem to make a difference. i-Lipo does have a device, the i-Lipo Ultra, that the manufacturers say can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. It combines laser energy with vacuum massage and skin-tightening infrared technology.
Learn more
What Is Zerona and How Does It Work? Zerona may not work on cellulite, but it still can shrink fat cells using laser energy. Check it out if you’re interested in losing inches from areas such as your waist and thighs.
6. CoolSculpting
- What is it? A treatment that freezes fat cells until they crystallize and die
- Does it work on cellulite? Probably not, though it is a nonsurgical fat-reduction treatment
Like laser lipo, CoolSculpting was once thought to help reduce the appearance of cellulite because of the way it eliminates fat underneath the skin. However, though it can help you lose inches, it is not marketed as a cellulite treatment by the manufacturers and most likely won’t make a difference in your dimples.
Learn more
How CoolSculpting Freezes Fat Away CoolSculpting relies on freezing temperatures to kill fat cells and slim the body. Here's how the procedure works.
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