here is a variety of cellulite treatment, including surgeries, high-tech massage, supplements, and creams. Which one is right for you? Here is a review of the treatments of cellulite:
Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgerical procedure where fat layers are removed to yield firmer and thinner legs, buttocks, stomach, and even arms. In this procedure, a hollow steel rod called a cannula, attached to a powerful vacuum, is used to suck up fatty deposits.
In general, because cellulite fat is trapped by a mesh-like fibrous connective tissue, it cannot be removed by liposuction. However, a new technique being developed called cellulite lysing, where a special cutting edge on the cannula is used to sever the fibrous connective tissue.
Liposuction has several drawbacks as cellulite treatment. First, it can be very expensive - a typical liposuction procedure can cost thousands of dollars. Also, liposuction can actually exacerbate cellulite by destroying the venous and lymphatic system in the area.
Fat Injections
As opposed to removing fat, this technique calls for injection of fat to smooth out dimples and bumps of cellulite. Fat is harvested from other parts of the body and injected to the cellulite area.
First developed for treating wrinkles and other skin imperfections, fat injections can create a pleasing body contour and reduce the dimpling of cellulite. However, as the injected fat is slowly absorbed by the body, its effect is temporary - in some people, approximately half of the injected fat may be absorbed within six months of the procedure.
Cellulite Lift or the Lower Body Lift
In this surgical procedure, an incission around the stomach area is made and excess skin and the skin is stretched to flatten out the dimples and lumps of cellulite in the thighs and stomach. Although the incision is well-positioned to be hidden within the bikini lines, there are usually visible scars as the result of this procedure.
Keep in mind that this is a major surgical undertaking which requires a lengthy recovery period and extensive scars.
Mesotheraphy
A popular procedure in Europe, mesotherapy involve the injection of vitamins, minerals, and homeopathic medicine to the cellulite area to break down cellulite and stimulate circulation. To be effective, multiple injections over a period of several weeks or months may be required.
Mechanical Roller Massage Therapy
In this theraphy, mechanical roller and regulated suction are used to create symmetrical skin folds. This deep massage temporarily stimulates circulation to the area. This is a non-invasive procedure, with each session lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
Although this theraphy is becoming popular, it is expensive and may require up to a dozen treatments or more for visible result. Moreover, the reduction in the cellulite appearance is temporary - because this massage theraphy does not fix the root causes of cellulite, dimples and bumps often reappear months afterwards.
Cellulite Treatment Creams
There are many cellulite treatment creams available on the market today. Most of these creams are based on ingredients that stimulate lipolysis or fat burning. Some of these ingredients are:
Natural Ingredients for Cellulite Treatment
Caffeine
Caffeine is the ingredient of nearly all cellulite cream because it works. Here, caffeine increases blood flow and stimulates the fat cells to release fat to the bloodstream to be burned by the body's metabolism. Basically, caffeine acts to drain the fat cells.
Moreover, caffeine also tightens and firms the skin, to reduce the appearance of cellulite even more.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
The extract of Gotu kola can be used in cream, supplement, and mesotherapy injection forms for cellulite treatment. Gotu kola extracts have two important properties: first, it strengthens the vein walls, thus preventing further damage and leaking. Second, Gotu kola stops the formation of fibers that trap the fat cells in cellulite and improve the flexibility of the connective tissue. Furthermore, it also promotes the reabsorption of fibrous septae and their replacement with finer, more flexible connective tissue fibers.
Studies on Gotu kola have also shown its ability to improve skin tone and firmness.
Grape seed extract
In addition to its well known antioxidant properties, grape seed extract has been shown to strengthen the connective tissue, and reduce the effects of aging on skin.
Grape seed extracts also contain flavonoids and tannings that strenghten the walls of small veins and lymphatic vessels, thus improving circulation from the legs.
Furthermore, studies on grape seed extracts showed that they are able to inhibit the activity of enzymes responsible for fat storage in fat cells, suggesting that grape seed extracts may be beneficial in preventing the accumulation of fat tissues.
Seaweeds (kelp and fucus)
Seaweeds, such as kelp