Cellulite Treatment

Cellulite is the term given to the appearance of the skin resembling an orange peel, known as lipodystrophy. Cellulite primarily arises from the accumulation of lymph fluid between cells due to any slowdown in lymphatic circulation within our tissues.

The formation of the orange peel appearance is attributed to the fibrous bands that attach vertically between the skin and the underlying tissue. Since these fibrous bands differ in men and women, cellulite formation is almost negligible in men due to hormonal influences.

How Does Cellulite Develop?

It’s an event involving the expansion of subcutaneous fat tissue. This expansion:

Disrupts microcirculation
Disrupts lymphatic circulation
As a result of impaired lymphatic and blood circulation, there’s an increase in pressure in the intercellular space, causing the leakage of fluid and toxins.
With the disturbance in lymphatic circulation, fats begin to accumulate between cells. This accumulation, or edema, also impairs cell functions.
As fat cells grow, they exacerbate the blockage, leading to further accumulation.
With the increase in subcutaneous thickness, the lack of expansion in fibrous bands causes localized protrusions of fat under the skin, contributing to the appearance of the orange peel texture.
As cellulite continues to form due to additional fat accumulation, it becomes increasingly challenging to treat. This accumulation can lead to decreased muscle and joint functions, back and waist pains, fatigue, varicose veins, skin deformations, tissue sagging, and stretch marks, affecting a person’s psychosocial well-being.

In short, cellulite, starting as a mere cosmetic issue, becomes almost irreversible if its progression is not halted and presents itself like a disease. Weight loss and dieting can only target the deeper layers of fat beneath the skin; therefore, cellulite cannot be treated solely through diet and exercise. It’s mostly observed in women, particularly prominent in the legs and buttocks. In men, it may appear in areas of increased fat accumulation, like the abdomen and flanks. Cellulite can occur without an excess weight condition. The cellulite-affected skin appears pale and cooler compared to other areas and is more sensitive to pain.

Degrees of Cellulite

Stage 1: Cellulite, in its initial stage, possesses a soft tissue characteristic, often termed ‘soft cellulite.’ While standing or lying down, the skin appears smooth, but upon squeezing, dimples become visible. This type is the easiest to treat, and sometimes, mild treatments like creams or massages can alleviate it.
Stage 2: Over time, cellulite progresses, forming occasional hardness in some areas known as ‘nodular cellulite.’ When gliding a hand over the skin’s surface, nodules can be felt underneath the skin’s surface, especially when standing. Positive responses to treatment are seen, but professional intervention is recommended.
Stage 3: With further progression, the nodular hardness becomes more extensive and firmer, known as ‘fibrous cellulite.’ It’s noticeable regardless of position—lying down or standing. Treatment may be difficult or slow to yield results.

Causes of Cellulite

Factors contributing to cellulite include:

İnactivity
Past surgeries
Poor nutrition: alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods
Hormonal reasons
Genetic predisposition
Circulatory disorders: Wearing tight clothing on legs, crossing legs
Hypothyroidism
Chronic constipation
Oral contraceptive use: Causes water retention due to estrogen.
Liver dysfunction
Psychological issues
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking (reduces blood flow)
Pregnancy

Cellulite Treatment

The main principles to combat cellulite are:

Exercise
A healthy diet
External therapies, such as massage applications.

Cellulite treatment should not only focus on reducing subcutaneous fat but also eliminate the factors contributing to its formation. Since cellulite has multiple underlying causes, relying solely on one method for its treatment may not yield satisfactory results. Diet alone can help reduce fat mass beneath the skin but may not completely eliminate the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite cannot be treated with liposuction, which targets deeper fats, while cellulite is primarily the accumulation of fat just below the skin’s surface. Even after liposuction, cellulite tends to persist. Similarly, massages alone cannot resolve your cellulite issue. To achieve the most effective results in cellulite treatment, a combination of diet, exercise, and vacuum-radiofrequency therapies is applied.

Especially, weight loss programs that lack exercise and vacuum-radiofrequency therapy, especially as we age, can lead to skin sagging. Both methods aim to stimulate reduced local blood flow, decrease fluid and fat accumulation between cells, and break down fat cells. If necessary, liposuction may be applied before treatment to enhance effectiveness.

The primary objectives of external therapies

Elimination of stagnation in blood flow in cellulite-affected areas
Reduction of tissue pressure
Increase in lymphatic flow around fat cells for removal

Massages are especially effective in regions inaccessible through exercise alone (such as inner thighs and knees) for:

Eliminating cellulite appearance
Skin tightening
Achieving localized slimming

Besides using a wide head preferred for treating large areas, these therapies can also employ a smaller head for tightening facial skin, neck, arms, and other small areas. Medical studies have shown a 65% reduction in cellulite appearance and an average decrease of 3.2 cm in leg circumference, despite no weight loss.

Application Areas

Legs and hips
Upper arms
Waist, love handles
Abdomen

Sessions are recommended based on cellulite severity, ranging from 8 to 16 sessions, twice a week.

Besides alleviating the orange peel appearance, this treatment breaks down fats in the legs and waist, resulting in reduction. Additionally, radiofrequency energy is used to firm and rejuvenate the skin. This procedure is not solely for eliminating cellulite but also for reducing sagging in the face and neck, enhancing facial contours, and tightening facial skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often and for How Long Should the Treatment Be Applied?

Initially, 16 sessions, twice a week, are recommended. Improvement is often observed in some patients after 10-12 sessions, while others may require all 16 sessions. To maintain lasting results, a single session per month can be administered. Each session typically lasts 45-60 minutes, varying based on the treatment area’s size.

How Many Sessions Are Necessary?

Many individuals express satisfaction after 10 sessions, even noticing a difference after the first few sessions.

What Sensations are Felt During the Procedure?

The skin surface undergoing treatment may show pinkness due to increased skin temperature. Following the procedure, a warmth sensation may be felt in the treated area for a few hours. You can resume daily activities immediately after the procedure.