Oh cellulite. The unwanted guest. The swimsuit party crasher. The problem that nearly every woman struggles with. But what exactly is cellulite, and what can we do about it?
Fact is, cellulite is incredibly common. Most people believe only overweight people get cellulite, but the reality is that it actually affects up to 90% of all women, and some men as well—regardless of weight. So what’s the deal with cellulite? For something so common and universally hated, it’s an issue that few people really understand. Let’s take a look at what cellulite is—and isn’t—so you can start to understand it and have the tools to fight back.
What is Cellulite? Is it Fat?
So what is cellulite, exactly? We all recognize it—the areas of dimpled skin that have an irregular, lumpy texture and often have an “orange peel” appearance. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push up against the skin, causing distortion. It’s ordinary fat; it’s simply distributed a bit differently. Cellulite is most common on the hips, thighs, and butt, although it can appear in areas like the arms as well. It’s far more common in women than in men, simply because of differences in fat distribution.
Treatment Options
Most people think that you can just exercise and diet cellulite away. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. Many women work hard to lose weight, only to find that the cellulite deposits they’d hoped to banish are still there. Instead of hitting the gym to fight cellulite, it’s more effective to get professional treatment.
Cellulite treatments don’t have to involve liposuction or other surgical treatments (although these can be an option for some patients). Instead, patients can take advantage of non-invasive techniques, such as radiofrequency therapy, to treat cellulite.
Two of the most popular cellulite treatments are TriPollar RF and Thermage. Both of these procedures are based on radiofrequency energy, which gently heats the tissues underneath the skin, causing the body to create a metabolic response. The body does all the hard work once this response has kicked in, breaking down the cellulite and eliminating it using the lymphatic drainage system. The process typically takes less than an hour, and involves very little discomfort. Best of all, patients can get back to normal activities right away, with no downtime involved. Radiofrequency treatments are safe for patients 18 and up, and are suitable for all skin types.
How Effective is Cellulite Treatment?
Cellulite can be difficult to treat. It’s not usually possible to completely eliminate the issue, although many men and women have seen impressive results using radiofrequency treatments. Results are largely individual, and patients should expect to need a series of treatment in order to see good results. It’s key that patients understand what’s realistic when it comes to cellulite treatment, and to understand that improvement is the goal, rather than perfection. With these caveats in mind, patients can see dramatic changes in the appearance of cellulite with proper treatment.
Your Best Swimsuit Season Ever
So now that you know the facts about cellulite (and how to treat it), your next step is to find someone who can help you in your quest for the best swimsuit season ever. A board certified plastic surgeon should always be your first choice for cosmetic treatments, as they will have the knowledge and expertise to not only optimize your results, but ensure your safety throughout the treatment process. Minimally invasive treatments are very safe, but only an experienced provider can optimize results and minimize the potential for complications.
If you’re looking for an expert’s opinion and assistance, consider a visit to Dr. Ruth Hillelson and her associates at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic in Richmond, VA. Dr. Hillelson is an esteemed plastic surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive treatments like Thermage. She is renowned for her results with Thermage and TriPollar, and has hundreds of happy patients who have improved the appearance of their skin and cellulite after working with her. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Hillelson and the options for cellulite treatment at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic, call 804.290.0060 today to request a consultation.