Cellulite Treatment

Cellulite is an embarrassing condition, featuring subcutaneous fat deposits which cause dimpled or ridged skin. Skin affected by cellulite is often referred to as having an “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearance. This skin condition affects up to 90% of women around the world, as well as a small male population. For most people, cellulite begins to appear after puberty.

Contrary to popular belief, the appearance of cellulite has nothing to do with a person’s weight. Though it may be more noticeable in people who are overweight, thin people are equally likely to become affected. Cellulite causes many sufferers to feel unattractive or ashamed of their bodies. As a result, many people seek cellulite treatment as a way to restore their skin’s appearance and their self-confidence.

Cellulite Treatment Options

There are quite a few cellulite treatment options available, which may vary in price by as much as several thousand dollars. The more expensive a cellulite treatment is, the quicker it tends to provide results. Here are some of the most popular and effective treatments:

• Diet. Reducing body weight through a healthy diet has been proven to reduce cellulite’s appearance. Healthy eating is a free cellulite treatment, but it may take months before results are visible.
• Exercise. Like dieting, exercise can reduce overall body weight and improve the appearance of cellulite. In some cases exercising is more effective than dieting, since dieting reduces body fat everywhere while exercise can build muscle in the cellulite-afflicted area.
• Creams. Several cellulite creams have appeared on the market in recent years. These are less expensive than medical treatments, but provide quicker results than diet and exercise. Creams can also be used in conjunction with other treatment methods to see better, faster results. Cellulite creams are generally affordable, but some cost as much as a few hundred dollars.
• Body wraps. Usually administered at spas and salons, body wraps temporarily tighten skin, reduce weight and improve shape. Most wraps’ results only last for up to a few weeks, making them ineffective for long-term cellulite treatment.
• Laser Therapy. In laser therapy, infrared light is used to treat fat and cellulite. The FDA-approved VelaShape treatment is an example of a laser therapy treatment. Unfortunately, laser therapy can be inconvenient. It requires several treatments, costing hundreds of dollars as well as doctor’s visits.
• Liposuction. With liposuction, a device is inserted beneath the skin to suck out excess fat. This can be a painful procedure, costing thousands and often leaving behind unsightly scars. Like laser therapy, this also needs to be conducted at a doctor’s office. Cellulite treatment is considered a cosmetic procedure, which isn’t covered by most health insurance providers.

To choose the right cellulite treatment for you, strike a balance between the time you have, the results you need, and what you can afford. If you only want to reduce the appearance of cellulite temporarily, a body wrap may be a good solution for you. For more permanent results, you’ll need a more effective cellulite treatment.