If you’ve spent hours searching online for the answer to “what is the best treatment for cellulite,” you’re not alone. To say cellulite is common is an understatement. Between 80% and 90% of all women have cellulite. (Less than 10% of men have cellulite.)
Plenty of creams and treatments promise to minimize—if not get rid of—cellulite. In this post, we’ll get answers to common questions about cellulite from Dr. Jeffrey Rockmore, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Latham, NY.
Let’s start with the basics: What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition that creates a lumpy, dimpled appearance on the skin, primarily on the thighs and buttocks. A shadowing effect during the day magnifies the dimpled appearance. Cellulite worsens as we age, and the dimples lose the smooth appearance of the skin on the buttocks and thighs that is associated with youth.
Is cellulite caused by being overweight?
Being overweight makes cellulite more noticeable, but the condition can occur in leaner people, too. Weight gain doesn’t cause cellulite, but it does increase its visibility. The presence of more fat causes the skin to puff out more when the fibrous bands that cause cellulite pull the skin down. That results in deeper dimples.
What does cause cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by fibrous cords that extend from the undersurface of the skin to the underlying fascia (a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and other internal structures). This connects the skin to the underlying tissue and prevents the skin from shearing away. As fat accumulates under the skin or the skin becomes less elastic, the tough, inelastic cords pull the skin down and create dimples.
Do creams work on cellulite?
There’s certainly no shortage of creams and lotions marketed to treat cellulite. Unfortunately, far too many people have wasted their money. There are no creams that effectively treat cellulite. Some can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite by dehydrating fat cells, but the effects are subtle and last only hours. Otherwise, I would advise against people spending money on any creams.
Can you get rid of cellulite?
While you can’t eliminate cellulite, you can meaningfully reduce the dimpled appearance and create smoother skin on the buttocks or thighs. Many people also ask if liposuction treats cellulite. In truth, it does not, and if the skin has lost much of its elasticity, liposuction can worsen the appearance of cellulite.
What is the best way to treat cellulite?
The search for an effective cellulite treatment is one that many women pursue. A couple of cellulite treatments introduced recently claim to be breakthrough procedures. In my mind, the best treatment would be effective in treating the dimples but cause minimal damage to other tissue, can be done in a single treatment, and have lasting results. Based on this, I believe Avéli to be the best treatment for cellulite. I’m happy to finally offer an effective cellulite treatment.
What makes a minimally invasive treatment, such as Avéli, a better approach than non-invasive cellulite treatments?
During an Avéli treatment, the provider makes a small puncture in the skin and then maneuvers the device to selectively divide various fibrous cords, releasing the dimple. There is minimal downtime with some swelling and bruising, but people typically return to work in a day or two. An injectable treatment called QWO®, which required 3 treatment sessions and resulted in significant swelling, bruising, and discomfort, is no longer being produced by the manufacturer. There are other options, but they require expensive devices making the procedures costly, and they have more potential complications.
How many Avéli treatments would a patient need to get the desired results?
Avéli is designed to be a single, in-office procedure. The indentations on your buttocks or thighs can be marked, and the targeted areas of both can be addressed in a single procedure.
How would someone concerned about cellulite schedule an appointment at your practice?
If you are interested in learning more about cellulite treatment, you can make an appointment by calling Rockmore Plastic Surgery at (518) 328-3330. At that time, we can assess your cellulite and answer any additional questions you may have. You can also request a consultation using the online form.
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