What Is Cellulite and How Is It Treated?

Are you happy with what you see looking in the mirror? As a woman, the chances of you dealing with cellulite in your lifetime are relatively high. Unfortunately, cellulite is going to be a part of most women’s lives, whether they like it or not. That said, cellulite is a natural part of the body, even if the advertising tries to tell you otherwise. 

If you are like many other women, you may be feeling self-conscious about your cellulite. That’s perfectly normal. Today, we’ll discuss what cellulite is, and we’ll go over some treatments that can help eliminate or significantly reduce visible cellulite as well. 

What is Cellulite?

We always hear about cellulite, but the truth is that most people don’t know what it is. Cellulite will occur when you have fat that is pulled in a downward direction within the deeper tissue. Essentially, this is when you have a very uneven surface area, which manifests itself as a dimpled appearance. You can get cellulite anywhere, but the most common areas are: 

  • Abdomen
  • Breasts
  • Buttocks
  • Hips 
  • Thighs

Women are more often affected by cellulite than men. Cellulite happens due to differing connective, fat, and muscle tissue distribution. Studies estimate that 80-90% of women will be affected by cellulite. 

What Causes Cellulite?

There is not much known about what causes cellulite. However, doctors know that cellulite involves the fibrous connective cords, referred to as rugged bands tethered under the skin between the muscle and fat layer. As fat cells start to accumulate, fat cells will start pushing against the skin, and the fibrous connective cords will get pulled down. This is why you’ll notice dimpling and uneven surface level. 

However, it is also understood that hormones and genetics also play a role in the development of cellulite.

More leading causes for cellulite are:

  • Accumulated Toxins
  • Genetics
  • Hormones
  • Inactivity
  • Poor Diet
  • Pregnancy
  • Unhealthy Lifestyle

5 Treatments for Cellulite

If you are looking to get rid of or reduce your cellulite, you will need to talk to your dermatologist or doctor. They will help you determine the safest and most effective route for your body.

1. Acoustic Wave Therapy

Acoustic Wave Therapy was developed to reduce the amount of cellulite you have. Acoustic Wave Therapy works by sending vibrations to the connective tissues in the areas that your body carries the cellulite. This therapy will help increase and stimulate collagen production, which can improve the appearance of your skin. 

Acoustic wave therapy’s results are not instant, so expect as few as 6 treatments up to 12 treatments to fully see the results. Acoustic Wave Therapy will get done 2 times a week. Each therapy session will last about 30-minutes. 90% of women who have had Acoustic Wave Therapy report that they would undergo this treatment again. 

2. Carboxytherapy

Carboxytherapy is a non-surgical treatment where a dermatologist injects a small amount of carbon dioxide beneath the skin into the subcutaneous tissue. This therapy helps increase your blood flow to the area with the cellulite, lessen the appearance of cellulite, and improve your skin’s elasticity. However, with this procedure, you have a chance of experiencing temporary bruising and some mild discomfort. 

As with acoustic wave therapy, results are not instant, so prepare for a few sessions before noticing results. There have been many studies that support Carboxytherapy is safe and effective in treating cellulite. 

3. Vacuum-Assisted Precise Tissue Release

During a vacuum-assisted precise tissue release treatment, your dermatologist will use a handheld device that uses a microneedle to break up any of the fibrous connective cords under the skin, causing the dimpled areas to bounce back and significantly reduce visible cellulite in the area. This procedure is commonly used to help eliminate any of the cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. 

You will start seeing results within 72 hours. This treatment can last for nearly 3 years and is effective in almost 98% of patients.

4. Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is also known as CoolSculpting, another noninvasive type of treatment. This treatment will remove your cellulite by freezing the fat cells underneath your skin. When freezing, the fat cells will break down, allowing your body to absorb them and break them down. 

You will need to do this treatment a few times to start seeing results. It can take between 3 to 4 months before you can see a noticeable change in your cellulite. Studies have shown people who’ve undergone this procedure will see an average of 15-28% in cellulite reduction. 

5. Laser and Radiofrequency Treatments

Your dermatologist can use a radiofrequency device to help battle cellulite troubles. This device will give off thermal energy to your subcutaneous/dermal plane via electrodes. Giving thermal energy will increase the tissue temperature to the skin area, stimulating neocollagenesis. 

Cellulaze is a type of laser treatment in this category that will break up the fibrous connective cords underneath your skin. This treatment has the chance to thicken your skin. According to this study, with Cellulaze treatment, you’ll start noticing results after a few treatments, but they will last for about 12 months on average. 

6. Viora Skin Tightening

Reaction ™ by Viora offers new, cutting edge technology to tighten the skin and improve body contour, all without any surgery. This FDA-approved, non-invasive treatment combines three different radiofrequency (RF) modes along with vacuum therapy to achieve its rejuvenating effects and reveal your new contour.

The RF causes gentle heating of different layers of the skin and superficial fatty tissue which stimulates the natural break up of fat cells and increases blood circulation throughout the treatment area. Application of heat at various depths below the skin surface promotes new collagen formation and shrinkage of the skin’s underlying fibers while the vacuum intensifies the process, making for deeper penetration that enhances lymphatic drainage. This combination of technologies restores the skin’s elasticity to regain a tighter, smoother appearance and breaks down fat to improve cellulite and body contour.

Viora treatments take between 45-60 minutes per session. Treatment sessions are scheduled every one to three weeks depending on the precise goals of the treatment. And, maybe best of all, patients do not experience any downtime after the treatment and are able to return to daily activities immediately afterward.

Ready for a New You?

That youthful-looking skin you’ve been wanting for so long is just a simple appointment away with body contouring available from Dulce Lash and Skin

From basic skin care and elegant, beautiful lashes to MedSpa procedures and gentle body waxing, Dulce Lash and Skin keeps your skin glowing from head to toe. 

With five convenient locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Issaquah, and Puyallup, Dulce Lash and Skin is here for you, wherever you are.

Drop us a line for more information or to call and book your appointment today!