Cellulite treatment is no longer preferred; it has become a critical necessity. Cellulite is fat that appears as a lump under the skin. This complication is harmless and common among many women and men. Cellulite occurs on the thighs, arms, buttocks, or abdomen. When the fat presses against the connective tissue of the skin, it causes wrinkles in the skin and takes the form of a lump.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 15-30 minutes | Outpatient | Few days |
Cellulite occurs in both fat and thin people. Even people in good shape sometimes suffer from this problem. Hormonal and genetic factors influence this condition. You are more prone to cellulite if you eat unhealthy food, follow strict diets, do little physical activity, and are dehydrated. As we said, cellulite has no side effects and doesn’t cause problems. However, many people seek treatment because of the unsightly appearance of cellulite.
There are different ways to treat cellulite. These methods eliminate the appearance of cellulite temporarily or in the long term. Therefore, you should research these methods before making a decision. Some studies have shown that combining these treatments can give better results.
For cellulite treatment, your doctor may recommend a more invasive surgical procedure. Using needles, razors, or other special tools, the doctor separates the fibrous strands under the skin and smooths the skin. Doctors may also perform fat grafting to improve the appearance of the skin. The results of these techniques last for 2 to 3 years.
According to experts, liposuction is one of the best ways to remove fat from different body parts. The liposuction device removes fat from the body through suction. It is true that this method effectively removes fat. However, it may not create dimples in the skin and eliminate cellulite. For this reason, doctors recommend laser treatment in combination with liposuction.
Various laser treatments eliminate scars and cellulite. In this method, the device glides over the skin, and the laser’s heat breaks the fat and destroys the connection between them. The laser eliminates the fibrous bands that bind the fat together, eliminating the cellulite-like lumpy appearance. Laser cellulite treatment will eliminate or reduce the appearance of cellulite between 6 months and 1 year.
In addition, you can also choose a mesotherapy method for cellulite treatment. Experts reduce cellulite by injecting it into the cellulite area using this method. Mesotherapy contains caffeine, hormones, enzymes, and plant extracts. Doctors use different combinations of mesotherapy for treatment. Therefore, which substances have the most significant effect are unknown.
What is Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite treatment is the name we give to all the procedures that surgeons will apply to eliminate the problem of cellulite. Although cellulite causes changes in the appearance of the skin, we don’t accept it as a disease. Cellulite isn’t a condition that threatens human health. However, due to the uneven appearance of their skin, people are looking for a way to prevent cellulite or restore the skin to its previous condition. There are threads in the human body that bind the skin and connect the skin to the underlying muscles.
On the other hand, there are fat masses between the skin tissue and the underlying muscles. As these fat masses grow, they pull the skin upwards. However, the connective tissue fibers remain in place. This causes inconsistency on the skin surface and creates bumps or depressions. This phenomenon is what we call cellulite.
According to the explanation we gave earlier about the nature and structure of cellulite, we now know that the cause of this unevenness in the skin is the tension created by the expansion of fat masses in the skin tissue. So, what is the cause of the development of these fat masses?
Cellulite has influential, serious factors and causes. Obesity or overweight is effective in causing cellulite. However, genetic and hormonal problems have a special place among the elements. For this reason, the issue of cellulite also occurs in fit people. Remember that cellulite is more prominent in women than in men. This is why more active fat mass exists on the thighs, legs, buttocks, and around the chest. Inactivity and lack of sufficient activity during pregnancy can also cause cellulite. Also, it is essential to remember that there is no such threat as the danger of cellulite and that this phenomenon doesn’t damage the human body’s tissues.
Experts use different types of laser therapy to treat cellulite. They insert a small laser fiber under the skin, and the laser energy breaks the hard bands under the skin. This treatment can also thicken the skin, which is very important for the appearance of the skin. Where cellulite occurs, the skin often becomes thinner. Specialists also use the subcision method to treat cellulite. Doctors insert a needle just under the skin to break the hard bands under the skin that make cellulite visible. The results can last for 2 years and possibly longer.
There are also drug treatments for cellulite. Specialists achieve the comprehensive therapeutic effect of cellulite creams through lipolysis of fatty tissue, peripheral microcirculation, and edema reduction. Check out other drug treatments:
- Caffeine: This substance causes the breakdown of fat cells by regulating biological second messenger systems. It also activates the enzyme triglyceride lipase, which is involved in the study of triglycerides’ conversion into free fatty acids and glycerol.
- Retinol: Retinols, which are anti-fat agents, inhibit the formation of precursors of human fat cells and also increase the level of collagen.
- Cupping therapy: Cupping is a traditional Persian and Chinese medicine. The suction force pulls the skin upwards and reduces the amount of cellulite in the body. However, there isn’t yet enough research to draw firm conclusions.
- Ginkgo biloba: Experts often use this plant in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow to many parts of the body. Increased blood flow in the stomach, legs, and buttocks reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Grape seed extract: Grape seed extract or oil increases blood flow to many parts of the body and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Press therapy: This controlled compression system enhances the body’s natural detoxification process. The patient wears a tight-fitting jumpsuit, and the corresponding device increases the pressure on the body. Alternating suction and pressure levels creates a sensation similar to a manual massage. This treatment is particularly suitable for women with cellulite due to excessive water retention or poor lymphatic drainage. However, we don’t recommend it for advanced tissue hardening or skin laxity.
Mesotherapy is also an effective and almost complete treatment for cellulite. This method helps to retain fluids, drain lymph, reduce local fat, and rejuvenate the skin. Specialists use this excellent and minimally invasive method to improve skin texture.
Doctors improve skin tissue by combining cocktails such as caffeine, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, plant extracts, minerals, and antioxidants with hyaluronic acid and injecting them into the skin according to the patient’s needs. Common side effects of this procedure include redness and swelling, a feeling of soft bumps under the skin, infection, allergic skin reactions, and skin changes.
Who Should Have Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite treatments reduce the appearance of cellulite, a common and harmless skin condition that we usually characterize by a dimpled or lumpy appearance on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. It is essential to consider the following factors when deciding whether cellulite treatment is appropriate:
- Personal desire for aesthetic changes: People who are uncomfortable or unhappy with the appearance of cellulite and are looking for a smoother skin texture may consider treatment.
- Understanding of results and expectations: It is imperative to have realistic expectations. Cellulite treatments reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they rarely provide a permanent solution.
- General health and medical history: Individuals should be in good health. Experts do not recommend some treatments for people with certain medical conditions or who are pregnant.
- Age and skin condition: While cellulite can affect people of all ages, skin elasticity and other factors related to aging jeopardize the effectiveness of cellulite treatments.
- Lifestyle factors: People who maintain a stable weight and lead a healthy lifestyle may experience better and more lasting results from cellulite treatments.
- Budget and adherence to the treatment plan: Treatments can be costly and may require multiple sessions. So, it would be best to consider whether you are willing to commit to the entire treatment plan and can afford the financial cost.
- Consultation: Before starting any treatment, we recommend you consult a healthcare professional who can give you specific advice based on your skin type, health history, and treatment goals.
What are the Risks of the Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite treatments, whether non-invasive, minimally invasive, or surgical, carry various risks and potential side effects. Here are some of the common risks associated with different cellulite treatments:
Topical treatments
- Irritation and allergic reactions: Creams and lotions may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Limited effectiveness: These treatments often provide temporary or minor improvements.
Massage and mechanical manipulation
- Bruising and pain: Treatments such as Endermologie can cause bruising or pain in the treated areas.
- Temporary results: The benefits are often not long-lasting and require ongoing treatment.
Laser and radiofrequency treatments
- Burns and skin damage: There is a risk of burns or other injury to the skin.
- Temporary discomfort: These treatments may cause temporary pain, swelling, or redness.
- Cost: They can be expensive and often require more than one session.
Cryolipolysis (fat freezing)
- Numbness and skin changes: May cause temporary numbness, bruising, and skin sensitivity.
- Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia: A rare condition in which the treated area increases in size instead of shrinking.
Acoustic wave therapy
- Pain and bruising: May cause pain or bruising in the problem area.
- More than one session required: You will need more sessions to see precise results.
Injection treatments (Qwo)
- Bruising and pain: Common side effects include marked bruising and pain at the injection site.
- Hypersensitivity reactions: There is a risk of allergic reactions to the injection components.
Surgical procedures (Cellulaze, Subcision)
- Infection and scarring: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection and scarring.
- Anesthesia risks: General or local anesthesia in these procedures carries risks.
- Longer recovery time: These treatments require longer than non-invasive methods.
Remember that the effectiveness and risks of treatments can vary greatly depending on the individual’s health, the severity of the cellulite, and the specific treatment. It is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional to understand these risks and choose the most appropriate treatment.
What Will You Encounter During a Cellulite Treatment Consultation?
During a cellulite treatment consultation, several steps and discussions typically occur to ensure the treatment plan is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs. Here is what you can generally expect in a cellulite treatment consultation:
- Review of medical history: The specialist will review your medical history, including past treatments, current medications, and general health status.
- Physical examination: Physical examination of the affected areas to assess the severity and type of cellulite.
- Discuss health conditions: Discuss any health conditions that may affect treatment with your doctor.
- Treatment goals: Specialists will ask you about your goals and what you hope to achieve with treatment.
- Realistic expectations: The specialists will discuss what the treatment can and cannot do and help set realistic expectations.
- Explaining the different treatments: Doctors will provide information about available treatments, including non-invasive, minimally invasive, and surgical options.
- Benefits and risks: Experts will discuss each treatment option’s potential benefits, risks, and side effects.
- Recommendations: Doctors will recommend a customized treatment plan based on your cellulite severity, health status, and goals.
- Customization: The experts will customize the plan to fit your needs and preferences.
- Cost information: Doctors will provide detailed information about the costs involved, including the possibility of needing more than one session.
- Scheduling details: The specialists will tell you how they will schedule the treatment and the duration of each session.
- Preparation for treatment: The doctors will give you instructions on preparing for the treatment, including any dietary restrictions or activities you should avoid. They will also inform you about what to expect after treatment and how to care for the problem area.
- Follow-up appointments: You will also discuss the need for follow-up appointments or additional treatments at this consultation. The specialists will answer any questions or concerns about the treatment.
It would be best if you used this consultation to get a clear understanding of the treatment process and to make sure that your expectations are in line with what the treatment can realistically achieve. Always feel free to ask questions and raise any concerns.
How Should You Prepare for Cellulite Treatment?
Preparing for cellulite treatment usually involves several steps to ensure the best possible results and a smooth recovery. Specific preparations may vary depending on the type of treatment. Here is the preparation process for cellulite treatment in general:
- As mentioned above, you must consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist before any treatment. Experts can assess your condition, discuss different treatment options, and recommend the most suitable one.
- Learn about the treatment you will choose. Ask questions about the procedure’s effectiveness, potential risks, and what results to expect.
- Inform your doctor about your medical history and any medications or supplements you already take. Taking a break from some medicines, such as blood thinners.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise will improve overall skin health and cellulite treatment results.
- Keep your body moisturized before and after treatment, aiding healing and overall skin health.
- Depending on the treatment, experts may advise you to avoid alcohol, caffeine, or smoking for some time before and after the procedure.
- Depending on the treatment, you may need to exfoliate or moisturize your skin before the procedure. Follow the specific instructions your healthcare provider will give you. Take time off work if necessary and arrange for someone to help you after treatment.
- Understand and prepare for aftercare, including wearing compression garments, avoiding sun exposure, or applying certain creams or ointments.
- You must have realistic expectations about the results of cellulite treatment. While these treatments may improve the appearance of cellulite, they may not eliminate it.
- Remember that specific preparations can vary greatly depending on the type of cellulite treatment, such as laser therapy, radiofrequency, liposuction, or topical treatments. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to achieve the best results.
How is Cellulite Treatment Performed?
Specialists can perform cellulite treatment in various ways depending on the severity of the condition and the desired results. Here are some standard methods of cellulite treatment:
- Topical treatments: These include creams and lotions that claim to reduce cellulite. They often contain ingredients such as caffeine, retinol, or antioxidants. The effectiveness of topical treatments varies, and we usually consider them a temporary solution.
- Massage and mechanical methods: Special massage techniques can improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Mechanical treatments, such as Endermologie, involve a machine that uses rollers and suction to massage the affected areas, potentially reducing cellulite deeply.
- Radiofrequency: This method involves heating the cellulite with radiofrequency energy. It can tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Treatments such as Thermage are examples of this technique.
- Laser treatment: Laser treatment can reduce cellulite by breaking down the bands of connective tissue that cause the dimpling effect. It can also reduce the appearance of cellulite by thickening the skin. Cellulase is one such treatment.
- Cryolipolysis: Also known as fat freezing, this treatment targets fat cells by freezing them. Although people prefer this method more for fat reduction, it can also affect the appearance of cellulite.
- Acoustic wave therapy: This therapy uses sound waves to break down cellulite potentially. It is a newer treatment and may require several sessions.
- Subcision: In this procedure, specialists use a needle to break up the connective bands that cause cellulite. This method may have longer-lasting results.
- Carboxytherapy: In this method, doctors inject carbon dioxide gas under the skin, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Diet and exercise: Although they cannot cure cellulite, a healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce fat and improve muscle tone. This can also reduce the appearance of cellulite.
- Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound is another non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to target and reduce cellulite. It can improve blood flow and reduce the size of fat cells under the skin.
- Injection treatments: There are treatments such as Qwo that are FDA-approved to treat cellulite, especially on the buttocks of adult women. This treatment involves doctors injecting enzymes that break down the collagen bands that cause cellulite.
- Vacuum-assisted precision tissue release: In this method, specialists lift the skin and cut it with a device to break the bands that cause cellulite. The way is a newer technique. But it offers more dramatic and long-lasting results.
- Combination therapies: Specialists can often combine different treatments for better results. For example, they may treat a patient with radiofrequency and laser or a combination of subcision and carboxytherapy.
- Lifestyle and home treatments: Besides clinical therapies, lifestyle changes can help manage cellulite. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, dry brushing, and using compression garments can all contribute to reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Remember that results may vary, and you will need more than one session for more pronounced effects. We recommend consulting a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for individual needs and expectations. Some treatments may not suit everyone, and side effects or risks may be involved.
What to Consider After Cellulite Treatment?
After cellulite treatment, there are a few important considerations and steps you should keep in mind to achieve and maintain the best possible results. Here are some things to consider after cellulite treatment:
- Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions based on the type of treatment you received. These may include guidelines on avoiding activities, how to care for the problem area, and any signs of complications you should watch out for.
- A balanced diet will help you maintain your results. Focus on foods high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, and avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods that can contribute to fat accumulation and worsen cellulite.
- Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Proper hydration also supports overall health and can improve the results of your treatment.
- Regular physical activity, especially exercises that tone the muscles in cellulite-prone areas, helps maintain and improve the results of your treatment.
- Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the skin and overall health, potentially negating the benefits of cellulite treatment.
- Maintaining a healthy and stable weight can help prolong the results of your treatment. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend special creams or lotions to improve or maintain the effects of your treatment.
- Depending on the type of treatment, you may need to attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and determine if additional treatments are required.
- Cellulite treatment can improve the appearance of cellulite but may not eliminate it.
- Be alert to any side effects or unusual symptoms following your treatment, and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
- The effectiveness of cellulite treatments may vary depending on the individual, the type of treatment, and the severity of the cellulite. Discussing these factors with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice and guidance is always best.
What is the Recovery Process After Cellulite Treatment?
The recovery process after cellulite treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment applied. However, there are common elements that many patients experience. Here is the recovery process after cellulite treatment in general:
Immediate post-treatment period
- Mild discomfort or pain: Some treatments may cause temporary discomfort. Over-the-counter painkillers usually manage this.
- Swelling and bruising: It is common to have some swelling and bruising in the problem areas.
- Redness and warmth: Immediately after the procedure, the area may appear red and feel warm.
Short-term care
- Rest: Most cellulite treatments allow you to return to daily activities quickly, but we recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Avoiding strenuous activities: We recommend avoiding intense physical activity for a few days, depending on the treatment.
Longer recovery
- Gradual resumption of normal activities: You can usually return to normal activities within a few days. However, always follow the specific advice of your healthcare professional.
- Wearing compression garments: For some treatments, wearing compression garments can help reduce swelling and support healing.
- Follow-up treatments: Multiple sessions may be required, with several weeks to months between sessions to achieve the desired results.
Individual variation
- Response to treatment: Each individual’s body responds differently to cellulite treatments. Recovery times and results may vary.
- Possible side effects: Be aware of any unusual or long-lasting side effects and report them to your healthcare provider.
How Long After Cellulite Treatment Will You See the Final Result?
The time it takes to see the final results of cellulite treatment can vary significantly depending on the type of treatment, the severity of cellulite, and individual factors such as skin type and general health. For example, topical treatments such as creams and lotions can provide a minimal and gradual improvement in the appearance of cellulite. Visible results, if any, may require several weeks or months of consistent use.
Technologies such as radiofrequency, laser therapy, and mechanical massage can produce results faster than topical treatments. You may start to see improvements within a few weeks, but it usually takes several sessions over several months to see optimal results. Recently, experts have developed injectable treatments for cellulite. The effects of these treatments can be seen relatively quickly, sometimes within weeks to a few months, and can improve over time.
Regular exercise, healthy eating, and proper hydration can gradually improve the appearance of cellulite over time. This is a longer-term approach, and results can vary greatly.
How Much Does Cellulite Treatment Cost?
The cost of cellulite treatment can vary greatly depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the cellulite, the location of the clinic or medical facility, and the number of sessions required. For example, topical treatment prices range from $50 to $200. Techniques such as endermologie or mechanical massagers can cost between $100 and $200 per session. Laser and radiofrequency prices, on the other hand, vary widely and can range from $1000 to $5000 depending on the number of sessions.
While less common, especially for cellulite, you may also consider procedures such as liposuction in some cases. Surgical options are typically the most expensive and can potentially cost $5000 or more.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Cellulite Treatment Performed?
Finding the cheapest cellulite treatment in specific countries can be difficult because costs vary widely depending on the type of treatment, the clinic’s location, the practitioner’s expertise, and local economic conditions. In general, however, medical and cosmetic treatments, including cellulite treatments, are more affordable in countries with lower living costs.
Taiwan, for example, is famous for medical tourism and offers various cosmetic procedures, including cellulite treatments, at competitive prices. Turkey has also gained a reputation for its medical tourism industry, offering a variety of cosmetic procedures at lower costs than many Western countries. Here are cellulite treatment costs by the country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $100 to $500 |
| Brazil | $30 to $120 |
| China | $70 to $280 |
| Japan | $75 to $300 |
| South Korea | $85 to $340 |
| India | $25 to $100 |
| Argentina | $40 to $160 |
| Mexico | $50 to $200 |
| Germany | $70 to $300 |
| Turkey | $30 to $120 |
| Colombia | $40 to $160 |
| Italy | $70 to $280 |
| France | $75 to $300 |
| Spain | $60 to $240 |
| Taiwan | $70 to $280 |
| Venezuela | $20 to $80 |
| United Kingdom | $80 to $320 |
| Netherlands | $70 to $280 |
| Egypt | $30 to $120 |
| Peru | $40 to $160 |
| AVERAGE COST | $20 to $500 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a skin specialist for personal guidance.
References
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.12154
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352647518300418
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14764172.2012.670706
