Devices to Remove Cellulite

Cellulite is a type of fatty tissue that gets trapped beneath the skin and causes dimpling. Commonly found on the thighs and stomach, cellulite is often mistaken for obesity. More than 90% of post-adolescent women will develop cellulite in their lifetime, therefore removing it has become a common surgical and non-surgical process. Hormonal changes and genetics are contributors to cellulite, and healthy diet and exercise must be maintained to prevent it from worsening.

Endermologie

• Exercises that work the outer thighs and stomach help tone the skin naturally.

  Approved by the FDA in 1996 as the first non-invasive method of removing

  cellulite, roller massage therapy breaks down the fat cells that cause cellulite. Regulated suction during the process stimulates circulation, leading to a smoother skin appearance over multiple treatments. Although endermologie does not cure cellulite, it does remove the dimpled look of skin. Typically a dozen or more treatments are necessary for results and additional, less frequent treatments are needed to maintain the smoothed skin. Minimum cost per treatment is around $50 and is performed by an esthetician or cosmetic surgeon. Treatments are pain free with little to no side effects.

Liposuction

• Liposuction must be performed by a board-certified surgeon.

  This is the top cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Liposuction removes cellulite from beneath the skin through a small tube called a canulla. The canulla is inserted into the body and suctions the fat for permanent results. People opting for liposuction must be in good health and within 30 to 40 pounds of their ideal body weight. Surgery is performed at a cosmetic surgery office and normally takes a few hours. Anesthesia is used during this process. Depending on the body area where liposuction will be performed, the cost of the procedure ranges from $1,800 to $8,000. Recovery time is five to 10 days and compression garments are worn on the body area for up to eight weeks. Results are maintained through a healthy living regime.

Laser Treatment

• Creams also help reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation.

  This option for removing cellulite is not FDA approved in the United States yet, but is being used in Europe with positive results. Radio frequency waves soften the tissue through use of infrared light, which is directed on the body areas affected by cellulite. These waves heat the skin and melt the fat cells according to current research. Deep skin massage and endermologie are used in conjunction with this procedure, which is non-invasive and has no recovery time. Ten or more treatments are recommended for results. A bundle of 16 treatments costs $1,500 to $1,800. Less frequent treatments afterward maintain the smoother skin. Positive results according to research and testing, are permanent given that a healthy living regime is followed.