Having cellulite is normal and perfectly natural. 90% of women have it, but if you don’t like the look of it and want to do something about your cellulite, then this article is for you!
One thing you need to know, however, is that you can’t get rid of it at home with normal homecare treatments. No matter how many cellulite creams or exfoliating scrub s you use, it’s close to impossible to make that dimpled lumpy texture disappear without proper treatment.
What Is Cellulite & How Is It Formed?
Cellulite is caused by the topmost layer of fat (subcutaneous fat) bulging through the interwoven fibrous tissue (septae) that’s connected to underlying muscle, creating the puckered appearance associated with cellulite.
Fat loss treatments don’t work on cellulite because the subcutaneous fat is wound up in connective tissue. There also isn’t really a treatment that can make cellulite disappear completely because our bodies hold fat cells between the skin and muscle in this manner.
But there is good news! You don’t have to lose weight to get rid of cellulite since it’s not really related to your weight.
Also, there are plenty of treatment options for you to reduce the lumpy appearance of cellulite and smoothen your skin for a period of time (usually 1-2 years)!
1. Surgical Procedures
The appearance of cellulite can be treated with surgical procedures like Cellulaze and Cellfina. These treatments involve getting rid of the fibrous tissues wrapped around the fat in order to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulaze is performed using a laser probe that is inserted under the skin while Cellfina involves inserting a needle under the skin to cut the fibrous tissue.
Although these treatments are FDA approved, we don’t recommend using such invasive methods to remove cellulite—which occurs naturally!
2. Proionic Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency can be used to safely deal with cellulite on the face and body. The FDA approved Indiba treatment does this by delivering patented 448 kHz radiofrequency waves into the layer of skin above the cellulite.
Why does it work?
The 448kHz of radiofrequency energy aids lymphatic drainage and firms the collagen of connective tissues in the skin by producing more collagen to reduce the effect of cellulite under the skin.
How It Helps
This Indiba treatment is EHA’s recommended treatment for cellulite if fluid retention is problematic for you or you would like to pair it with other body sculpting treatments. It doesn’t involve creating any incisions on the skin, nor does it damage the fibrous tissue under it. Instead, Indiba relies on a well researched radiofrequency that has been known to normalise cell function. This 448kHz frequency also has regenerative, anti-inflammatory, anti-algic and anti-adipogenic effects and promotes increased blood circulation through bio-stimulation.
An average of 8 sessions of Indiba treatments are required before a reduction of cellulite can be seen. Results can last up to a year. Book a consultation with Dr. Elias Tam to discuss your cellulite treatment needs.
3. Radiofrequency + Pulsed Electro-magnetic Fields
Radiofrequency combined with pulsed electromagnetic fields can smoothen the appearance of cellulite for all skin types. Equipped with the Diamondpolar Applicator that makes this possible, FDA-approved Venus Viva uses this (MP)2 technology to stimulate collagen in multiple layers of tissue.
Why does it work?
Venus Viva’s Multi-Polar Radiofrequency applicator applies a complex algorithm to deliver homogeneous energy and volumetric heating to stimulate collagen growth in multiple tissue depths of the treated area. This strengthens the collagen that holds down fat and reduces the appearance of cellulite. It works using Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields which activates fibroblasts—major cells responsible for producing collagen.
How It Helps
Venus Viva is typically used for acne scar treatment. However, combined with the Diamondpolar Applicator, it is able to reduce the appearance of cellulite just as effectively as cellulite-specific treatments. This treatment is available at EHA Clinic and is recommended if you eat healthy, exercise regularly but still struggle with cellulite. Book a consultation with Dr. Elias Tam to see if this is a good option for your cellulite problems.
As with Indiba, this treatment option will not damage your fibrous tissue. Venus Viva’s combination of Multi-Polar Radiofrequency and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields for reducing cellulite and skin tightening have been proven to show results after about 5 treatments.
4. Acoustic Wave Therapy
Acoustic wave therapy, also known as shockwave therapy, is used in X-Wave to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stimulate lymphatic drainage. X-Wave is a clinically proven and FDA approved solution for cellulite.
Why does it work?
X-Wave sends acoustic waves in powerful pulses to stimulate collagen production. The vibrations of these acoustic waves also break down fat under the skin by making them more permeable so they leave the body more easily through the lymphatic system, reducing the protrusion of cellulite lumps.
How It Helps
Aside from reducing the appearance of cellulite, acoustic waves also boost blood flow and circulation, allowing the treated area to access more oxygen and nutrients for skin and tissue repairs. This treatment is available at EHA Clinic and is recommended if excess fat is what exacerbates your cellulite problems. Book a consultation with Dr. Elias Tam to discuss suitability and get a more detailed breakdown of how best to resolve your cellulite problem.
A reduction in cellulite appearance can be seen after 4 treatment sessions but full results require completing your full course of treatment.
5. Fat Loss Treatments
Body sculpting treatments that help with fat loss don’t necessarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. No matter how slim you are, you will still have a certain amount of cellulite. However, theoretically, if there is less fat for your fibrous tissue to be wrapped around, the lumpy texture of cellulite will decrease.
Here are some fat loss treatments we recommend here at EHA Clinic.