Even though it is a common and harmless skin condition, many people out there are looking for ways to get rid of cellulite.
There is a wide range of methods to improve the appearance of cellulite, such as massage, creams and special treatments that have shown varying degrees of success.
However, you should never feel guilty for having cellulite!
Here at River Stone Wellness, we believe that all bodies are beautiful.
But we also understand that everyone’s journey to discovering self-love is as unique as they are, which is why we offer treatments to help you love the skin you’re in.
Keep reading to learn more about what cellulite is, what causes it, and the treatment options available for getting rid of it:
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a skin condition that causes dimpled and lumpy flesh on the hips, thighs, abs, and bum.
You can see mild cellulite if you pinch your skin and look for a rumpled texture. Severe cellulite has this texture without the need to pinch any skin.
Cellulite is extremely common – 80% to 90% of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite to some degree!
On the other hand, less than 10% of men have cellulite.
Cellulite will not affect your overall physical health and does not cause pain or discomfort.
What Causes Cellulite?
While there is no one particular cause of cellulite, this condition involves fibrous connective cords that connect your skin to the underlying muscle, the fat lying in between.
As fat cells increase, they push against the skin and cause the long, fibrous cords to pull down, creating an uneven or bumpy surface.
Cellulite can also be caused by a significant stretching of the skin, such as during pregnancy.
You can have cellulite whether you are heavy or thin – even people with amazing muscle tone can have cellulite!
Here are some other contributing factors of cellulite:
Skin Structure
The way these connective tissues are arranged can vary, especially in females. They tend to run vertically and perpendicular to the skin and tether the skin to the underlying tissue at certain points.
This creates pockets of fat cells that push up against the skin while the fibers pull it downward – kind of like tufted upholstery.
Males, on the other hand, have connective fibers that are arranged in a smooth and continuous cross-hatched pattern.
They also tend to have a thicker skin layer than females, so if they do have cellulite, it’s less noticeable.
Genetics
Studies have shown that genetics may play a role in how likely a person is to develop cellulite.
These passed-down genes typically deal with substances that influence blood-flow regulation, inflammation, estrogen receptors, and the biology of fat cells.
Age
Young skin is elastic and supple, meaning that it can stretch while remaining smooth.
However, once puberty hits, hormones begin to impact connective tissue, making it stiffer and less elastic.
Fat cells also tend to expand in certain areas and push out against the skin, causing the appearance of cellulite.
Throughout adulthood, the outer layer of skin thins and loses elasticity, leading to fragile blood vessels and sagging – all of which make the appearance of cellulite more prominent.
Lifestyle Habits
Although the above causes of cellulite are out of your control, there are exacerbating factors that can worsen cellulite within your control:
- Weight changes
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of physical activity
- Dehydration
- Smoking
- Poor skin health
Lifestyle modifications can help you not only get rid of cellulite but will improve your overall health!
How to Get Rid of Cellulite
While there is no treatment out there that can get rid of cellulite permanently, there are treatments you can try to temporarily reduce its appearance.
Each type of treatment has its own potential results and benefits, and some studies show that combining treatments can yield the most satisfactory results!
Here are some treatments you should consider when it comes to getting rid of cellulite:
Aesthetic Shockwave
Aesthetic shockwave therapy can help reduce cellulite while smoothing and lifting the skin and tissues of the thighs and buttocks.
This procedure stimulates the production of collagen, reduces cellulite, shrinks stretch marks and renews connective tissue.
Aesthetic shockwave therapy uses acoustic pulses that pass through the skin and into the tissue to stimulate a regeneration process.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments for cellulite typically involve a combination of injectable solutions and lasers to liquefy fat, cut connective tissues, boost collagen, and tighten skin.
Subcision
Subcision is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a needle under the skin. This needle is used to break up the tough bands of connective tissue beneath the skin that causes the appearance of cellulite.
Vacuum-Assisted Precise Tissue Release
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release breaks up the tough bands using a device that cuts the bands and moves tissue upwards to fill out dimpled skin.
Lifestyle Changes
While making healthy lifestyle changes may not be enough to completely get rid of cellulite, they can certainly contribute to improving its appearance.
Eating more healthfully (lots of fruits and veggies!), getting active and working on toning your muscles are great ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite while improving your overall health!
Creams & Lotions
There are some creams and lotions on the market that can have a positive effect on the appearance of cellulite.
Many of the most effective products contain two key ingredients: caffeine and retinol.
Caffeine dehydrates skin cells, making cellulite less obvious, while retinol can help thicken skin and reduce the appearance of dimpled skin.
Look for products that contain caffeine and 0.3% retinol – just keep in mind that you will have to use these products daily for at least six months before you may see any results.
Treatments That Don’t Get Rid of Cellulite
In an effort to get rid of cellulite, it can be easy to fall for miracle cures and promises. While some treatments are certainly beneficial to your skin, they will not get rid of cellulite.
Here are some treatments that have not been proven to work:
- Dry Brushing: While dry brushing is an amazing way to exfoliate your skin and promote blood flow, it only addresses circulation issues on the surface – not deep enough to affect cellulite.
- Compression Garments: These “special” garments were developed to manage cellulite, but there’s no evidence to support long-term effects. In fact, once the garment is removed, the cellulite reappears unchanged.
- Liposuction: Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite – it can actually make the appearance of dimples and ripples worse!
- Supplements: There is no supplement you can take that will reduce the cellulite on your body!
We Can Help You Get Rid of Cellulite!
River Stone Wellness is proud to have highly-trained shockwave technicians on our team to help you get rid of cellulite.
Our Aesthetic Shockwave Therapy can provide noticeable results in as little as 5 to 8 treatments!
Not only do we understand what is on the skin but what is happening under the surface as well – and this goes for discovering your inner beauty and strength.
Click here to book your free consultation so we can determine which treatment will best help you reach your goals.