Perfect skin is a desire that everybody has. However, for one reason or the other, just when your skin seems to be glowing, different skin conditions often pop up. One of such skin conditions is the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is a condition that affects both women and men. However, statistics have shown that it is more prevalent in women. Furthermore, cellulite is nothing to be ashamed of. 80% of women experience cellulite developments at specific points during their lives.
Thankfully, there are cellulite treatment techniques that can effectively take care of cellulite without a need for surgery. Before we discuss these techniques, why don’t we take a quick look at the meaning of cellulite?
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a cosmetic term used to describe the development of dimples and depressions in the skin. It is also referred to as cottage-cheese skin or orange peel skin. When cellulite occurs, your skin begins to look like there are lumps under it. It usually occurs in areas where fat deposits are prominent including the stomach, buttocks, and thighs. It’s usually more apparent on loose skin as well.
Cellulite Grades
When it comes to cellulite treatment, cellulite can be classified into three significant grades. They include:
- Mild Cellulite: This form of cellulite looks like an orange peel. Primarily, it manifests in the form of 1-4 superficial depressions and a slightly saggy look to your skin.
- Moderate Cellulite: This grade of cellulite is slightly more severe. It usually has 5-9 medium depth impressions and a cottage cheese appearance. Just like its name, it’s appearance looks moderately draped.
- Severe cellulite: This is the most intense form of cellulite. It usually encompasses over 10 deep depressions with the skin looking severely draped.
Cellulite Treatment Options
With advances in beauty treatment techniques, different options have surfaced for the effective treatment of cellulite. The most effective of these options include laser treatment and the use of radio frequency. The least effective treatments, but the most affordable for most women, is cellulite cream and firming body creams.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment has proven to be an effective remedy for the appearance of cellulite. Usually, it involves the careful insertion of a minuscule laser probe underneath the skin. Using the probe, laser energy is fired at errant tissues, breaking them up. Mainly, the laser energy heats fat deposits, leading to their destruction. It also stimulates collagen production in the skin, leading to smoother, stronger skin.
It is a non- invasive technique that is favored by health spas all over the world. Laser treatment has minimal side effects. Skin redness and irritation are normal, but they usually disappear within a few days.
Radio Frequency Treatment
Radio Frequency treatments have been proven to be valid for cellulite treatment and body contouring purposes. Pure RF energy can be combined with infrared heat, tissue suction, and mobilization to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This treatment technique works by deep, effective and controlled heating of fatty layers in the affected region. The result is a systematic draining of fat deposits through the body’s lymphatic system.
With RF treatments, most patients experience an improvement in skin tone and the appearance of fatty deposits(cellulite) within a few weeks. This benefit is paired with minimal risks and zero downtime. The price of an RF treatment session is entirely dependent on the area that is being treated and the device that is used.
Possible Risks and Complications of RF treatment
Radio Frequency treatments are a non-invasive form of treatment. As such, there is a reduced possibility of complications and side effects. However, you will experience a heating sensation every time RF energy is delivered to your skin. This sensation is minimally painful. In fact, some devices have cooling mechanisms that help to protect you from the heat.
Also, pain thresholds differ from person to person. Therefore, it is difficult to say for certain how painful these treatments are. One thing is sure; it is far less painful than invasive treatment options. The pain is dependent on the device used and the intensity of your treatment. Your cosmetic aesthetician may prescribe anesthesia for you to make the procedure less painful.
The most prevalent side effects are:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Slight bruising
- Irritation
- Dry Skin
Causes of Cellulite
The exact factor behind the formation of cellulite is unknown. However, the interaction between connective tissues just below the skin surface and fatty layers below it is thought to contribute to the formation of cellulite. When fat cells penetrate this layer, it gives a lumpy look to your skin.
Other factors that play a role in the formation of cellulite include:
- Hormones
- Genetic Factors
- Age
- Diet
- Exercise routine
- Lifestyle choices
Even if you get cellulite treatments, you may want to further enhance your results with a firming body cream.
