Cellulite is a common source of low self-esteem and frustration for anyone battling those unwanted ripples and dimples on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen, but separating fact from fiction when it comes to overcoming cellulite can be a difficult task. . With treatments ranging from surgeries to herbal teas, M&F talk to Dr. Michele Green, MDcosmetic dermatologist in New York, to make sense of it all.
Fact: More women tend to develop cellulite than men
“According to the American Academy of Dermatology, cellulite affects 90% of adult women in the United States,” says Dr. Green. “There is a genetic predisposition in women to develop cellulite. Women naturally distribute and store more fat on their thighs and buttocks than men. There are also differences in the distribution of muscle and connective tissue between men and women. But, while fat cells contribute to the appearance of cellulite, individuals of any weight, height, age and gender can develop cellulite.
Fiction: Everyone Notices Your Cellulite
While we’re all constantly striving for perfection, the presence of cellulite shouldn’t affect your ability to hit the beach, have fun, or feel confident. In fact research by Goldincisiona cellulite treatment developed for doctors in Brazil, suggests the insecurities surrounding it are often heightened by women themselves, rather than potential male partners. Of those requestedonly 8% of respondents believe that men have more negative reactions to cellulite than women.
Fact: Cellulite is harder to shed than fat alone
Many people invest a lot of time and energy to burn cellulite like regular fat, but it’s really harder to move it. “Cellulite forms when the fibrous bands known as septae; the connective tissue that connects muscle and skin causes fat to protrude, resulting in dimpling of the skin,” says Dr. Green. “As these fat cells grow and expand, they bulge towards the surface of the skin as the fibrous bands fold up against the fat cells. It is therefore impacted by three biological factors: the fibrous bands, the sagging skin and fat cells.Although weight loss can help soften the appearance, it cannot be cured or permanently eliminated.Cellulite is a complex condition influenced by factors such as hormones, aging and environmental stress.
Fiction: many quick fixes are available
Although antioxidant-rich supplements, such as green tea, can help reduce cellulite, the idea that you can simply eliminate it by taking pills or drinking tea alone is incorrect. “Not every tea or pill that claims to be a quick cellulite detox solution works,” says Dr. Green. “Many ‘detox’ teas and supplements claim to help with weight loss, and many people believe that fat is directly correlated to the development of cellulite. But, while losing weight and building muscle can help improve appearance, it won’t completely get rid of it. Additionally, the healthiest and most effective way to lose weight is to eat a healthy diet and exercise daily, and incorporating “detox” teas alone will not aid in weight loss. Sometimes weight loss can increase sagging or loose skin, and can exacerbate the appearance and make it more noticeable. Cellulite is a complex condition with a variety of contributing factors, including genetics.
Fact: You can improve appearance without medical intervention
“There are no permanent solutions to cellulite, but there are anti-cellulite creams that help temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite,” says Dr. Green. “These creams typically contain ingredients such as caffeine, retinol, vitamin E, vitamin C, and botanical extracts like ginkgo, centella, and pineapple. These ingredients aim to hydrate and plump the skin, improve its firmness and improve its elasticity. Continued and diligent use of cellulite creams is essential to improving appearance, and improvements will likely take at least three months of regular use. However, Dr. Green says cellulite creams may not be suitable for the most severe cases.
Fiction: the medical establishment has no answers
With professionals like Dr. Green at the forefront of helping people find better results, now is an exciting time when it comes to current and future treatments. “VelaShape is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that reduces the appearance of cellulite,” says Dr. Green. “VelaShape uses infrared (IR) light and bipolar radio frequency (RF) energy combined with vacuum suction and deep tissue massage. This heats up fat cells and connective tissues, allowing new collagen and of elastin to improve skin texture The combination of suction and deep tissue massage helps stretch the fibrous bands that contribute to the appearance of cellulite The advantage of this quick procedure is that it does not require downtime, but results are temporary and require maintenance treatments.
She adds, “Thermage FLX is a gold standard skin tightening procedure that uses radio frequency (RF) energy to stimulate collagen synthesis. Sagging skin or loose skin can make the appearance worse, so tightening the skin of the buttocks and thighs with Thermage can improve the fine lines, creases and sagging that naturally occur with age. This non-invasive RF treatment has no downtime, can be combined with other treatments like VelaShape, and can be done yearly to maintain best results. QWO was the first FDA-approved injectable cellulite treatment with the active ingredient collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes, which is an enzyme that breaks down the fibrous bands that cause cellulite dimpling. Endo Aesthetics, the maker of QWO, recently ceased production of QWO, but its FDA approval remains, so it’s possible that QWO will return in the future, or another version of collagenase treatments will be created. .
So here is. There are no quick fixes, but you can find real improvements by taking care of your body, controlling your hormones, muscle tone and weight, and exploring a range of established treatments and procedures without resorting to liposuction. But above all, remember that you are your own worst critic, so don’t let cellulite keep you from enjoying the summer!
