Although it is harmless to your health, cellulite can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. If you are looking for ways to eliminate visible cellulite, you may wonder whether plastic surgery is the right solution. With many treatments promising results, including home remedies and creams, you don’t want to waste your time and money or put your safety at risk. Read on to understand more about cellulite and the appropriate and safe ways of eliminating it.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the dimpling of the skin that occurs due to the tightening of fibrous bands under the skin that causes fat deposits to push upward. It usually occurs on the thighs, hips, and buttocks and is more common in women than men. Studies show that up to 90% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. Anyone can get cellulite, including slim and fit individuals.
Factors like hormonal changes, poor diet, inactivity, lifestyle, age, increased body fat, dehydration, and a slow metabolism can make cellulite more visible. Although you can’t permanently eliminate cellulite, you can improve its appearance and make it less visible through effective cellulite treatments.
Can Plastic Surgery Eliminate Cellulite?
Plastic surgery falls into two categories, reconstructive and cosmetic. While reconstructive plastic surgery aims at improving function or repairing injuries, cosmetic plastic surgery focuses on enhancing aesthetics. As such, in the hands of a skilled and experienced professional, you can improve the appearance of cellulite by undergoing cosmetic medical procedures.
Note that procedures like liposuction and tummy tucks do not remove cellulite as they only get rid of stubborn fat. If you have dimply skin before these surgeries, the appearance will remain after the surgery. However, liposuction and tummy tucks can be combined with other treatments to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Treatment Options for Cellulite
There are many different options for reducing the visible signs of cellulite. Below are some of the most popular cellulite treatment options you can choose from.
- Injectables: Injectables are non-invasive cellulite treatments that are safe and effective in eliminating cellulite. Your plastic surgeon injects enzymes into affected areas to break down the bands responsible for dimpling. The treatment also facilitates the production of more flexible collagen bands. An example of injectable cellulite treatment is QWO®. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of cellulite in the buttocks.
- Laser Therapy: As the name suggests, laser treatments utilize different lasers to remove cellulite. Cellulaze® is an FDA-approved minimally invasive treatment that uses a laser to break up tough collagen bands responsible for cellulite. It also thickens the skin, reducing the appearance of dimpling.
- Subscision: Your plastic surgeon uses a device the size of a needle to break down tough collagen bands just below the surface of your skin. Cellfina® treatment is an example that targets the buttocks and backs of your thighs.
- Energy Treatments: Energy treatments work like injectables by stimulating collagen and reducing cellulite. They use heat to shrink fat below the skin, reduce bulging and smoothing out the skin texture. The treatments can involve radiofrequency, infrared light, and radio pulse therapy. Since the treatments offer short-term results, you will require several treatments to maintain your new look.
Finding the Right Cellulite Treatment for You
The best way to know whether plastic surgery can improve your cellulite is by speaking with a professional. Not only will you get the best recommendation on the appropriate treatment for you, but you’ll also receive advice for maintaining your results.