Farewell cellulite. The question is common, however the answers are generally vague and unclear. Why? Because the treatments in general are temporary, the causes of cellulite are based on theories that have, to a greater or lesser extent, been confirmed and accepted by the scientific community, theories that need to be confirmed by continuously updated scientific research before an answer can be given, especially over the long term.
Farewell cellulite: why cellulite appears
Cellulite affects about 90% of the female population, both those who are obese and those of normal weight.
Adipocyte cells:
- Become hypertrophic
- Change in shape and size
- Fill the intercellular spaces
- Are associated with water retention
- Cause alteration to the microcirculation.
Cellulite begins to appear at around the age of 18 and worsens with advancing age.
Farewell cellulite: where cellulite nests
The most affected areas are:
- thighs
- knees
- lumbar area
- buttocks
- inner arms
- rear base of the neck
- abdomen
- rear parts of the thighs
Farewell cellulite: types of cellulite and their classifications
The development of cellulite takes place in 3 phases, which can be effectively controlled to improve condition.
- Edematous phase: The skin is slightly rough to the touch, with stagnation of fluids causing localised swelling
- Fibrous phase: This damages the adipose tissue. Elasticity is damaged by fluid stagnation, there are nodules and the skin takes on the characteristic orange peel appearance
- Sclerotic phase: The tissues harden, the nodules are widespread and painful; the skin looks like a quilt, colour differences, stretch marks and loss of compactness are all features of this phase.
Farewell cellulite: classification
Cellulite can be classified as:
- Hard and compact
- Soft
- Mixed
- Lymphoedematous (the most difficult to treat)
Farewell cellulite: where do the treatments act?
There are numerous treatments for improving skin appearance and health. The purpose of an anti-cellulite treatment is to:
- Reactivate microcirculation
- Decrease fluid accumulation
- Reduce localised adiposity
Any treatment should envisage following:
- A healthy lifestyle
- Diet rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and trace elements
- Regular physical activity (better if aerobic)
- Drinking 2 litres of water a day
Farewell cellulite: treatments
Anti-cellulite treatments that make it possible to mitigate blemishes and to intervene at depth with satisfactory results include:
- Radiofrequency
- Carboxytherapy
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Pressotherapy
- Electrotherapy
- Ultrasound
- Mesotherapy or regional intradermal therapy
- Rollers with needles or needling
- Laser
- Liposuction
- Vacuum suction for cellulite (mechanical lipomassage)
Farewell cellulite: radiofrequency
Radiofrequency is a form of electromagnetic energy (alternating current, several million times a
second) used to create an electric field across the skin and the movement of the particles in this field. As with ultrasound, this generates heat within the skin, which reduces the volume of adipose cells.
Some devices combine fractionated radiofrequency and ultrasound.
Side effects are rare, but there can often be disturbances such as:
- Temporary erythema
Radiofrequency for cellulite makes it possible to:
- Dissolve adipose cells
- Remodel the areas affected by the blemish
How does it work?
The specialist uses a low frequency alternating current in the affected areas, which heats up the tissue. The effects of radiofrequency are visible immediately.
The tissues:
- Are firmed
- Microcirculation is reactivated
- Adipose deposits are drained.
In general, 10 sessions are needed to ensure long-term benefits.
The treatment is not painful, but in hyper-sensitive subjects, it may cause a burning and itching sensation. To eliminate any discomfort, the specialist will apply a local anaesthetic ointment.
Farewell cellulite: carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy for cellulite is a treatment in which carbon dioxide is administered subcutaneously to:
- Reactivate microcirculation
- Rehabilitate the lymphatic system
- Reduce water retention.
What are the positive effects of carboxytherapy?
- Blood circulates better
- Tissues are oxygenated
- Fluids are drained
- Fats are practically destroyed.
Treatment is not painful and has no risks.
In the short term, carbon dioxide oxygenates the tissues at a peripheral level, greatly improving the quality and elasticity of the skin.
Farewell cellulite: vacuum suction for cellulite
Vacuum suction for cellulite (mechanical lipomassage) uses a vacuum, and is a method that requires a
healthcare operator for deep massage through the use of a machine. One treatment lasts 45 minutes, and is usually repeated from one to three times a week for several weeks.
Farewell cellulite: manual lymphatic drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage is a massage technique based on precise movements, which are most often
performed by a physiotherapist, stimulating lymphatic return and reducing lymphatic edema. It is a treatment that requires perseverance, has to be repeated periodically and is generally used in combination with other treatments to achieve lasting results.
Farewell cellulite: pressotherapy
Pressotherapy is a type of automated lymphatic drainage using a pneumatic
massager.
Farewell cellulite: electrotherapy
Electrotherapy. With this method, a galvanic current is transmitted into the muscles through a needle, in
proximity to the muscle nerves. This results in:
- Muscle stimulation
- Improvement of tone
- Reduction of some fat deposits
- Improved microcirculation.
Farewell cellulite: ultrasound
The ultrasound technique (electric energy in mechanical energy) propagates in the form of waves in the
medium particles. This creates heat which is harmful to fats, but also a micromassage.
This is a minimally invasive technique.
Farewell cellulite: Mesotherapy or regional intradermal therapy
Mesotherapy. The term refers to any treatment that uses the injection of small doses of
medications or other substances into the skin, directly in the treatment zone. The mechanism of action and demonstration of the effectiveness of mesotherapy are in the phase of scientific validation.
Side effects may occur, such as:
- Inflammation of the skin
- Pain
- Redness or necrosis
- Scars
- Hematomas
- Blotches
Farewell cellulite: rollers with needles
Rollers with needles is a treatment performed using a roller coated with microneedles to induce
collagen production in the skin. This treatment is also known as needling.
Farewell cellulite: Laser
Low-energy lasers are used to stimulate the production of collagen. The lasers used to combat cellulite often have a massaging and suction effect.
Farewell cellulite: liposuction
“Traditional” liposuction is not effective against cellulite. It is a surgical treatment
and is therefore invasive, carrying all the risks of a surgical intervention. The purpose of liposuction is to remove accumulations of adipose tissue.
Microliposuction could improve the appearance of cellulite.
Farewell cellulite: for now we can only say “goodbye”, but research and technological innovations will make it possible to have fewer invasive treatments with ever longer-lasting results.