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.
