Cellulite Removal - Skin Care

Overview
Cellulite describes the dimpled appearance in the skin, especially around the buttocks, thighs and stomach. While cellulite affects everyone, women are more prone to experiencing the condition. The dimpled appearance, often referred to as ‘cottage cheese’ or ‘orange peel’, occurs when the fat deposits directly under the skin begin to push together up against the connective tissue. There are varieties of factors when it comes to who experiences cellulite – and though women predominately experience it, men are also affected. Factors in cellulite development include:

• Gender
• Genes
• Body fat ratio
• Skin thickness

Cellulite removal treatments range from invasive to non-invasive. Such treatments do not remove cellulite permanently, as it is usually caused by the above factors, which often cannot be altered. Instead, many procedures help reduce the appearance of cellulite for an undetermined amount of time.

Procedure
Non-invasive procedures can help minimize the look of cellulite, but must be done regularly to have an effect on the appearance. Such procedures include massages to promote lymphatic flow under the skin and reduce the fatty deposits between the connective tissue. Additional procedure options include:

• Electrical stimulation
• Magnetic therapy
• Radial waves therapy

Drugs and other agents are also used to reduce the appearance of cellulite, including amino acids or caffeine. Compression garments are another form of non-invasive therapy, as the garments stimulate the lymphatic flow to the fatty deposits to reduce the dimpled appearance.

Mesotherapy is one of the most common procedures to aid in the reduction and removal of cellulite. Injections that contain compounds are used directly on the locations where cellulite exists in order to promote fatty breakdown and drainage.

Treatment
Regular massage will aid in removing or reducing the appearance of cellulite. At a beauty spa or medical facility, lotion or oil is applied directly to the skin. Some oil or lotion blends will contain properties that encourage circulation to improve blood flow to the cellulite, such as rosemary or grapefruit oil. The massage should always start from the lowest point and work up towards the heart, and use long, sweeping hand movements over the cellulite. Moderate pressure is best used with cellulite to help break up fatty deposits.

Once the massage is complete, it is important to drink plenty of water to remove toxins released from the fatty deposits into the body. Water will flush toxins away and rehydrate the body. For best results, combine cellulite removal or reduction treatments with a healthy diet. Reduce the appearance of cellulite with the following lifestyle changes:

• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits
• Get the daily recommended amount of fiber in the diet
• Keep stress levels reduced
• Exercise frequently

Benefits of Cellulite Removal
One major benefit of cellulite removal is the increased self-esteem. Those who experience cellulite are often self-conscience when wearing shorts or bathing suits, so a treatment to reduce or remove cellulite will restore confidence in the individual.

Cost of Cellulite Removal
Cellulite removal procedures range in cost, depending on whether they are invasive or non-invasive. A simple cellulite massage may be done at any beauty spa or health center, while a Mesotherapy-type procedure costs approximately between $250 and $600 USD per treatment, depending on the scope of area. In Mexico, the same cellulite removal procedure starts at $65 USD per treatment.

Choosing Your Doctor
Dermatologists or facial plastic surgeons often perform various skin care treatments and procedures. As with anything, it is important for consumers to verify the certification and training of any dermatologist or plastic or cosmetic surgeon prior to engaging his or her services. Checking with local, national dermatological or cosmetic, as well as facial surgeon associations will help to ensure that consumers are engaging the services of properly trained physicians for their skin care needs.