Are cellulite treatments that work the solution? What are the best and the most effective?
A winning combination could be that of liposuction for reducing fat, tissue stabilized guided subcision for regenerating collagen and radio frequency for firming.
Cellulite treatments that work, but what does cellulite mean? Cellulite is degeneration of subcutaneous adipose tissue with alterations in connective tissue, which gives the skin the orange peel appearance.
What are the most common causes that lead to the formation of cellulite?
The causes that lead to the formation of cellulite include:
- Venous and lymphatic stasis
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Compromised vascularisation
- Stress
- Lifestyle
- Genetics
Cellulite does not affect the entire body, but only specific areas; the areas most affected by cellulite include:
- thighs
- knees
- lumbar area
- buttocks
- inner arms
- rear base of the neck
- abdomen
- rear parts of the thighs
Types and phases of cellulite
The development of cellulite takes place in 3 phases, which can be controlled to improve the situation.
- Oedematous phase: The skin is slightly rough to the touch, with stagnation of excess fluid, causing localised swelling in the ankles, thighs and inner arms.
- Fibrous phase: When cellulite lurks at this level, it affects the adipose tissue. Elasticity is compromised by the stagnation of fluids, nodules appear and the skin takes on the characteristic “orange peel” appearance.
- Sclerotic phase: This phase is the most serious and difficult to treat; the tissues are very tough and the nodules are widespread and painful; the skin takes on the appearance of a quilted mattress with discolouration, stretch marks and dimples of varying sizes and depths.
Cellulite treatments that work: classification of cellulite by type
Cellulite can be classified as:
- Hard and compact
- Soft
- Mixed
- Lymphoedematous (the most difficult to treat)
3 Cellulite treatments that work: treatments
There are numerous treatments for improving skin appearance and health. The purpose of anti-cellulite treatments is to:
- Reactivate microcirculation
- Decrease fluid accumulation
- Reduce localised adipose cells
Any treatment is associated with:
- Healthy lifestyle
- Diet rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and trace elements
- Regular physical activity (better if aerobic)
- Drinking 2 litres of water per day to combat water retention and promote the elimination of toxins.
3 Cellulite treatments that work: plan of action
If you want to deal with cellulite properly, you should always consult an doctor who has experience and can advise on the best treatment case-by-case.
It is also important to always have realistic expectations about the results of the individual treatment or combination of treatments. Awareness of what you have to face and realistic expectations allow you to achieve the desired results and, above all, help you be satisfied with the results.
So here is a proposal that calls for a combination of several treatments.
Liposuction.
The adiposity of cellulite can be treated with surgical liposuction techniques that involve the removal of part of the subcutaneous adipose tissue previously treated with lipolytic substances, using a suction cannula.
Tissue stabilized guided subcision.
This treatment works through non-surgical cutting of the fibrous septae:
- Improving the orange peel skin appearance
- Minimal side effects
The treatment is:
- Outpatient
- Under local anaesthesia
- Lasts 45 minutes
- The results can last for up to 2 years
- It only reduces the orange peel appearance of cellulite
- It improves the results of liposuction
- Has no lifting or reducing effect
So, to complete and fill this gap, you can turn to a further treatment:
Radiofrequency.
Radiofrequency uses heat, which is directed locally into the deep dermal layer, thus enabling:
- Activation of the production of new collagen fibres
- Visible improvement in the quality of skin compactness
The treatments should be repeated over time, because the results are not permanent.
The side effects are mild and range from redness to small oedemas.
Cellulite treatments that work: cellulite can be prevented
Before treating it would be better to prevent. Within certain limits, cellulite can also be prevented. Here are a few tips for effective prevention:
A balanced, healthy and proper diet:
- Eating vegetables and fruit
- Drinking plenty of water
- Maintaining an ideal weight, without putting on weight or slimming too quickly
Practising sports or physical activity:
- Reactivates circulation
- Improves tissue oxygenation
- Yes to taking brisk walks
- Aerobic exercises for the buttocks and thighs
Clothing and accessories
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Wear ergonomic shoes
Lifestyle
- Eliminate smoking and alcohol
- Do not stay in the same position for too long
- Reduce salt and caffeine intake
- Reduce stress
According to the most widespread theories, cellulite is also classified into types, which
- Hard or compact cellulite: this affects young women and in general those who practise much sport; their tissues are firm and toned without oedemas. The cellulite is visible by pinching the skin.
- Flaccid cellulite: typical of sedentary people or those who were but are no longer physically active. The tissues are not very toned. It also appears in people who have undergone various aesthetic treatments, plastic surgery or diets that have caused a drastic weight loss.
- Oedematous cellulite: in women of all ages, but most common in young people and adolescents. In elderly women it usually appears as large, swollen thighs that are losing their shape. It is located mainly in the legs and, at first glance, the skin has the typical orange peel appearance.
- “Mixed cellulite”. The most frequent combination: flaccid cellulite on the front of the thigh, associated with compact cellulite in the rear area.
Cellulite treatments that work: cellulite and localised adiposity
These two aspects, which make life impossible for many women, do not endanger life and are not illnesses, but are blemishes that could become psychological problems linked to social life and self-esteem.
Generally having to work in both situations, that is, on localised adipose tissue and cellulite, a combination of treatments has to be used to achieve the desired result.
3 Cellulite treatments that work require an expert doctor and a plastic surgeon, operating in accredited and experienced facilities.
Choosing one method rather than another depends on costs, times and the individual situation of the patient.