In layman’s language cellulite is nothing but fat cells being trapped by fibers that have formed a network. These fibers are constantly cleansed by body fluids and poor circulation retards this cleansing process. The result is disastrous. Waste materials accumulate; they slowly thicken and become hard pockets of immovable fat. This is what causes the “orange peel effect” or dimpling as it is often called. Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the legs, tenderness when pressed or massaged is common. That is the downside of cellulite. The good news is that it is not a disease or illness in the real sense of the word, but a sign that your lifestyle is unhealthy.
There is no quick fix solution for cellulite reduction, and the obvious and most inexpensive way to treat cellulite is to watch what you eat and drink, and burn those calories by exercising on a regular basis. Thousands of OTC potions, creams and pills to combat cellulite have flooded the market but the fact remains that Cellulite is stubborn and refuses to budge easily.
Liposuction removes the deposits of fat which lie trapped between the skin and muscle. It is a surgical procedure that is done under general anesthesia. A cannula connected to a suction pump is allowed to penetrate the skin through small incisions. Suction breaks through the layers of deposited fat. Tumescent liposuction avoids general anesthesia by using a dilute solution of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) in combination with epinephrine. This being a vasoconstrictor, loss of blood is minimal. The endermologie machine also targets cellulite. It massages affected areas with rollers and gently suctions fat molecules. As it elongates the connective fibers that hold the fat cells, toxins and water are expelled. When the machine is used on you, be prepared to have your body encased in a huge stocking.
Tri-Active Laser Dermology is a high tech new fangled massager. It uses laser technology and has 3 different functions. Like any other machine, it first breaks up fat molecules and collagen, and then smaller lasers generate new collagen making surface skin smooth. Then it offers localized cooling to prevent bruising and swelling. Micro massaging is rendered possible by cellulite hosiery that effectively massages even as you wear it thereby improving circulation and increasing lymphatic drainage. It reduces cellulite, tones the muscles and makes skin look firm. A truly promising form of cellulite treatment.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage increases the functioning of the lymphatic system, and helps to remove and filter waste, toxins and excess fluids from the body. Good lymph fluid circulation prevents the fluid from solidifying and binding with collagen fibers of the fat cells. Heat and Water Treatments, which include hydrotherapy, saunas, and steam baths, help to increase circulation. This brings the toxins closer to the surface of the skin. During the process of excretion, these toxins find their way out and the pressure on the lymph system is greatly reduced. The principle involved in Hydrotherapy is pretty much the same. Baths, showers and hydro massage treatments encourage weight loss; increase circulation and boosts lymph flow. All this impedes the formation of cellulite.
Cellulite treatment is as varied as it can get. Water, suction, laser, massage and now there is the electric muscle stimulation. Electric currents passing through pads placed on the body cause the muscles to contract and relax alternatively. A good work out no doubt to build the muscles, but to what extent it is good for cellulite is really hard to say. Body Brushing removes dead cells from the surface of the skin, making it easy for toxins to be removed. The new Vibratory Endermatic system for cellulite treatment increases blood circulation, stretches the connective fibers and reduces dimpling of skin. These systems can conform to different body shapes and the main advantage is that it does not cause harm to the collagen, does not destroy subcutaneous tissue nor does it damage the elastin layers of the skin. A combination of massage techniques with endermatic applicators is known to have produced specific body results.
Patch contour deals with the application of patches which contain Celidium cartilagineum that converts fat into energy and eliminates unwanted toxins. Used like a sticking plaster, it has produced good results by reducing stubborn cellulite.
New therapies like the jet therapy, which breaks fat cells with the help of compressed air blown onto the skin through a small filtration system, is yet to gain credibility. Gene therapy works on the principle of an inherited cellulite gene on the x chromosome. Replacement of the cellulite-causing gene engineered to follow a different pattern could prove to be the ultimate breakthrough. New ones that would augur cellulite free frames will replace old cells. This however is a long way off. Both the therapies are only airborne and need to surface.
All said and done, a good balanced fat free diet, drinking plentyof water, eating fiber and wholegrain foods, and consuming fresh fruit and vegetables does not allow fat tissues to form. Coupled with 30 minutes of exercise everyday will ensure that you maintain the shape of your body. Avoid smoking and unnecessary medication, and de-stress by doing yoga. This is be the easiest way to lead a cellulite free life.
