While liposuction for cellulite helps remove fat deposits, it’s usually not the most effective solo treatment for removing cellulite. Fortunately, many cellulite treatments will significantly improve your skin texture.
Does this mean you should never use liposuction as a cellulite treatment? A hybrid approach can actually do a wonderful job of shaping your figure and restoring your complexion. Let’s take a look at multiple treatment options, which ones work best, and how to reduce cellulite with the help of a professional.
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What is Cellulite and Where Does it Come From?
At its most simple, cellulite is a skin condition where the skin looks lumpy or dimpled due to fat collecting beneath the skin’s surface. People frequently notice cellulite gathering around the hips, buttocks, and upper thighs.
However, you can find cellulite throughout the body where fat cells gather, making this skin condition one of the most stubborn and tricky to treat.
What are the Different Cellulite Forms?
Cellulite usually comes in a grade between 0 to 4 depending on its appearance:
- Grade 0: This grade means you have very little to no visible cellulite.
- Grade 1: This mild grade means you occasionally see cellulite when sitting or squatting, but not when standing or moving.
- Grade 2: This persistent cellulite appears whether you’re sitting, standing, or moving.
- Grade 3: The most noticeable cellulite that has visible ‘peaks and valleys’ that break up the skin on several parts of the body.
What is the Best Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite treatments take the form of lifestyle changes, acoustic wave therapy, or hybrid treatment methods, such as combining acoustic wave therapy with laser treatments. Since liposuction works better for removing excess fat from larger fat cells, it’s not as well-suited to the thinner, more subtle subcutaneous fat that causes cellulite.
That said, liposuction works very well as an additional treatment method alongside targeted cellulite treatments. We’ll explore how each treatment works below and which one may be best for you.
Weight Loss
Since cellulite is a type of fat production, many people turn to an active lifestyle to remove fat at the source. As you develop firmer muscles beneath the skin, the appearance of cellulite can fade noticeably.
Some people will choose individual exercise regimens or medical weight loss programs depending on whether it’s mild or severe cellulite.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
This unique cellulite reduction treatment method uses pressure waves (or ultrasonic waves) to gradually break down the fibrous bands that cause cellulite. The result is reducing the appearance of cellulite for a smoother, firmer surface.
Acoustic wave therapy is showing promise as one of the most reliable cellulite treatments because of how well it breaks down fat tissue for longer-lasting results.
Laser Treatments
Since cellulite tends to weaken and thin the skin, laser treatments provide two key benefits in one. These treatments not only get rid of cellulite for the most part, they can toughen up the skin and make it firmer.
Medical professionals use a minimally invasive laser treatment to insert a tiny laser beneath the surface of the skin, breaking up the fibrous bands that cause dimpled or lumpy skin.
Lymphatic Drainage
You may have heard of lymphatic drainage for reducing puffiness around the face, but it can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized massage treatment that focuses on pushing excess fluids toward various lymph nodes around the body, such as the neck and knees.
Unlike a traditional massage that focuses on relaxing the muscles, a lymphatic drainage massage treatment is lighter to focus on the tissues just beneath the surface of the skin. The more even distribution of fluids in the body results in a more balanced and unbroken skin texture.
Topical Skin Care
Some powerful skin care products, such as retinol, help with cellulite reduction by strengthening the skin over time. Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, a term referring to your body’s production of collagen protein to keep your skin elastic and soft.
However, they tend to be better for mild cellulite. Severe cellulite often needs extra help breaking down fat cells to noticeably improve its appearance, hence the benefit of hybrid treatment options.
Which is the Best Cellulite Treatment for You?
With so many different ways to reduce cellulite and contribute to the body contouring you need to feel your best, it’s hard to narrow things down. We have a few simple questions to help you choose the cosmetic dermatology that suits you best.
Do You Want a Non-Invasive Treatment or Minimally Invasive Procedure?
Some patients feel comfortable with a minimally invasive procedure involving a laser or needle, while others prefer treatments above the skin. It’s important to remember there’s no superior option when it comes to your health needs and personal comfort.
If you prefer minimally invasive procedures, laser treatments may be just what you need to reduce the connective tissue beneath. If you want non-invasive treatments, consider lymphatic drainage to help get rid of cellulite.
Do You Want to Lose Weight for Your Healthy Lifestyle Goals?
You may find improving your skin appearance is more satisfying and effective by gradually changing your lifestyle. With the help of a medically-approved fitness regimen, you can build muscle, stimulate collagen production, and enjoy a smoother skin texture over time.
The downside of weight loss treatment options is they tend to take time to pull off successfully. They can also be difficult if you have a tight schedule or want faster results.
Are You Interested in Hybrid Treatment Options?
You don’t have to limit yourself to one option to treat cellulite and improve skin appearance. You can look to liposuction to remove larger fat deposits, then try a minimally invasive procedure like laser treatments to get rid of cellulite.
Another hybrid treatment example could be using an intensive exercise regimen to reduce the appearance of cellulite, then acoustic wave therapy and submental fat removal to target various fat cells more deeply. The possibilities for cellulite reduction and personal improvement are nearly endless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cellulite treatments are as unique as you are. We’ll answer a few more questions to help you choose the best treatment option.
Can You Realistically Get Rid of Cellulite?
It’s impossible to completely eliminate cellulite. However, you can enjoy cellulite reduction with dedicated treatments that strengthen the skin’s surface or reduce the connective tissue that causes dimpling.
Does Cellulite Go Away Once You Get Toned?
While exercise doesn’t usually get rid of all cellulite, it can still reduce its appearance. Stronger, firmer muscles along the abdomen or legs make the skin more taut and less prone to sagging or wrinkling.
Contact Us to Enjoy Smoother, Firmer Skin
Dr. Sanam Zahedi is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board Of Surgery to help patients shave fat, contour their bodies, and enjoy the appearance they’ve always wanted. If you need a consultation on cellulite reduction or want to learn about other skincare and fat reduction options, contact us today.
