Cellulite is one of the most common skin conditions on earth. While it is harmless and has no impact on overall health, it can certainly be undesirable for many individuals. Cellulite is also notorious for how stubborn it can be once it takes root. Even losing body fat may not always be enough to get rid of those little bumps. So what can we do about it?
Today, we will be exploring the latest and greatest cellulite treatments that really work while also reviewing some of the latest solutions which may ultimately be effective but require additional testing.
What Exactly is Cellulite?
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery: “Cellulite forms when fibrous bands called ‘septae,’ which connect the skin to the underlying muscle fascia, tighten irregularly, pulling down on the skin, and/or begin to break down, allowing the normal layer of fat beneath the skin to push upward. This results in the puckering or ‘cottage cheese’ appearance.”
As many as 90 percent of adult women have cellulite in one form or another. While cellulite is commonly associated with higher body fat percentage, this is not entirely accurate. Higher BMI might increase the visible signs of cellulite, but even leaner individuals frequently have cellulite in trouble areas including the thighs, buttocks, and midsection.
The Latest Cellulite Treatment Technology
The American Academy of Dermatology currently recommends four (4) therapies for cellulite which have both proven safety and efficacy records.
Acoustic Wave Therapy Reduces Cellulite
Over the course of a handful of treatments, pain-free acoustic wave treatments have been shown to effectively reduce cellulite. This technology is extremely similar to that used to break up kidney stones so they can be passed. When we think about the root cause of cellulite being overly tight tissue, we can imagine how acoustic wave therapy would be effective in treating cellulite.
Minimally Invasive Laser Treatments
Another great option for cellulite is using minimally invasive laser therapies. Much like the acoustic wave technology, lasers are able to penetrate the skin and break up fascial tissue from within. A fringe benefit of laser treatments for cellulite is that they naturally stimulate thicker skin growth. It is important to understand that skin impacted by cellulite has a tendency to thin out, and lasers often correct this problem.
Subcision Therapy Breaks up Cellulite
Cellfina, a therapy under the umbrella of SCALE 2020 Platinum sponsor Merz Aesthetics, touts a 99% satisfaction rate with current and former patients. This treatment involves inserting a needle into the skin to break up the overly tightened tissue, releasing the knots and reducing the symptoms of cellulite in the process.
Vacuum Assisted Tissue Release
More accurately: vacuum-assisted precise tissue release, this cellulite treatment combines the usage of many small incisions in the affected area alongside vacuum suction which serves to “fill out” the area. This essentially uses a two pronged approach to fill the dimpled areas and create smoother, less bumpy skin.
Weight Loss
We warned that weight loss might not be enough to eliminate cellulite, but it certainly can help reduce the visible signs of cellulite. Higher body fat makes the appearance of cellulite more pronounced. Losing a healthy amount of weight can be a great way to keep cellulite under control.
Cellulite Therapies Requiring More Research
Again according to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are also a number of cellulite therapies that either show mixed results or require more research to determine efficacy. These procedures include:
-
- Carboxytherapy: this treatment utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2) to break up cellulite just below the skin. To date, efficacy results are mixed.
- Creams and lotions: there is evidence that certain lotions and creams effectively reduce cellulite.
- Endermologie: using deep tissue massage coupled with a vacuum, this FDA-approved cellulite treatment is cleared for safety, but has mixed results in terms of effectiveness.
- Radiofrequency: as with many radiofrequency treatments, the aim here is to heat the targeted area. A combination of RF heat, vacuum suction, and tissue massage may yield some cellulite reductions after multiple treatments.
- Treatments needing more research include ultrasound therapies and liposuction therapies for cellulite.
Cellulite Technology and Much More at SCALE 2020!
To learn more about beauty trends, beauty theory, non-invasive procedures, laser tech, and much more, join us from July 22-25, 2020 for our annual Music City Scale Conference! SCALE is the premier multidisciplinary meeting for aesthetic medicine, surgery and dermatology in the United States. Join other industry professionals to discuss industry trends, emerging technologies, and much more.
What started as a small gathering amongst colleagues 14 years ago has turned into the biggest party of the year within the field of aesthetic dermatology. Join us alongside hundreds of attendees and industry vendors to find out what you’ve been missing!
2020 Exhibitors & Sponsors
Elite sponsors: Allergan & Galderma
Platinum sponsors: Body by BTL, Crown Aesthetics, Cynosure, Merz Aesthetics, Ortho Dermatologics, Solta Medical
Gold sponsors: AbbVie, Crystal Clear, DefenAge, Evolus, SkinCeuticals, Sun Pharma