Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of skin on a woman's thighs, legs, arms and stomach, especially after the age of 35. Most doctors concur that this appearance is probably caused by the weakening of the connective tissues under the skin. Because this connective tissues are weakening and scarring it pushes the fat located under the skin into the cellulite bubbles, which look like dimples on the skin.
Although the exact causes of cellulite have not been pinpointed, it is believed that hormones and genetics play the largest roles. There is no known way to prevent cellulite and it does not respond to diet and exercise the way that normal fat responds. This is because the body does not burn and run off of these fat deposits the way it does normal ones.
Can Cellulite be Cured?
Unfortunately, there is no type of plastic surgery that removes cellulite. Even liposuction, which is effective at removed fat deposits, does not work for cellulite. While cellulite cannot ever really be cured per se, it can be reduced. However, most treatments for cellulite have not been proven on a large scale and most of the evidence to their effectiveness is anecdotal a patient should pay close attention to her own results to see what works in her case.
The least invasive cellulite treatment is creams and lotions available over the counter from many beauty product companies. These creams generally have the ingredient methylxanthines, which seems to be somewhat effective on cellulite. However, many doctors caution that these creams may not help at all. New Treatments in the Cellulite Battle
One relatively new type of cellulite treatment is called collagenase treatment. With this treatment, naturally occurring body enzymes are injecting into the affected areas of the body over the course of several treatments. Although only small studies have been conducted so far, the evidence seems to show that this may be effective for most women and at least somewhat long-lasting.
Light and laser treatments are also being used to treat cellulite. These treatments involve the use of lasers along with massage and cold to heat up and release cellulite from the cells and soften the connective tissue between the pockets of cellulite. These treatments do seem to work for many women that use them, but they can be very expensive because it is only a temporary cure. This treatment must be done repeatedly to get results and then must be maintained on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to keep the cellulite away.
Massage using mechanical instruments to get a deep tissue effect is also being used to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This type of massage is called endermologie. Although it has in fact been proven to work for many women, the effect is only temporary and may only last a couple of days. However, many treatments spanning over several months are said to help the effect last longer.
Future Face-Lifts A machine that will lift and tighten muscles without surgery operates on the concept of tightening the SMAS, a gauzy layer of muscle fibers that sags with age. This is the area that many plastic surgeons surgically tighten when performing face-lifts. The difference: The machine targets this area and shrinks the facial tissue. Have a pain free face-lift, get in your car and drive home. Availability: a select few physicians will have it by end 2006.
Fat Removal without Surgery Two similar products compete, UltraShape and LipoSonix. Both eliminate small amounts of body fat at a time, allowing patients to lose up to an inch in one treatment and go right back to work. The difference: Safe, effective & surgery free Body Contouring Treatment. Areas like waist, abdomen, hips, buttocks and outer thighs can be freed from fat without the pain and discomfort of surgery. Availability:UltraShape is awaiting FDA approval, (CE mark approved in Europe) and South America. LipoSonix will begin American trials during this year.
Get Rid of Cellulite Now Once you’ve undergone body contouring and got rid of the fat in unwanted areas, its time to firm up the skin of the treated area. To get rid of cellulite the Accent radiofrequency lasers contract the skin and you can see a visible improvement in skin tightening. This breakthrough procedure treats both deeper cellulite and more superficial cellulite. The difference: Accent radiofrequency is the most thrilling non invasive technique because it treats the skin and fat. Availability: at selected, leading aesthetic clinics.
New Wrinkle Reduction Treatments
Line-Smoothing Gel When rubbed onto the skin, this gel gently smooths out frown lines and crow’s feet. It contains botulinum toxin, just like Botox does. The difference: no injections, no pain, no bruising, lasts 3 – 5 months Availability: awaiting approval by FDA
Fabulous Wrinkle Reduction In 5% of Botox patients there occurs ‘drifting’ which causes the eyelids to droop in the short term. Although Botox is effective, it does take several days to take effect. The new experimental product PurTox, a highly diluted botulinum toxin aims to counteract these conditions. The difference: can be injected into the face or neck to reduce wrinkles, and as it is diluted will hopefully cut down healing time. Availability: still going through clinical trials.
Wrinkle Buster This laser can eliminate wrinkles in 70 seconds. The light stimulates skin cells to produce healthy, new skin-plumping collagen and slow the breakdown of existing collagen. The difference: no burning or reddening of the skin. It can reduce pore size and speed wound healing. Rest period between treatments are imperative for effectiveness. Availability: This medical-spa was released in March.
UltraSonic Skin Rejuvenation A wave of ultrasound stimulates a cream containing tiny molecules of bovine collagen, pushing them into the dermis. This cream stimulates the growth of new collagen and decreases the kind of aged collagen that causes sagging and discolouration. The difference: it effectively fills wrinkles and adds moisture without the needle. Availability: it has been on the market briefly through selected physicians, but still has yet to reach the mainstream.
Both Tiffany Bradford & Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tiffany Bradford has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cosmetic Surgery, Skin Care and Cosmetic Surgery. Constant treatments using these procedures can increase the so speak with your. Tiffany Bradford's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.
Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts has sinced written about articles on various topics from Aging, Games and Fitness. is the latest successful technology for the effective removal of excess fat. A safe alternative to liposuction, that fits into any busy schedule, and. Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts's top article generates over 823000 views. to your Favourites.