This year, newer combination laser and massage therapies have been introduced that claim to target cellulite more effectively than any other method. However, these “new” technologies are only slight variations on other effective cellulite treatments I already offer at my practice. Massage is emphasized as a central advantage of these “new” treatments, and while massage can help address some of the factors that may contribute to cellulite, its impact is limited because it stimulates only the top layers of the skin. As a dermatologist highly familiar with the various options available through laser skin care centers in Portland, Oregon, I believe that laser treatment is the most critical aspect of any cellulite reduction therapy that actually addresses the root causes of cellulite.
What is Cellulite?
While people of all weights and athletic levels, and both sexes, can experience cellulite, it is by far most prevalent in women. Cellulite is not fully preventable, but can be minimized with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Cellulite is mainly believed to result from decreased “microcirculation” of the blood through your tissues to the top layers of fat under your skin. Decreased nourishment to the cells can harden and tighten the fibers that normally divide fat clusters into smooth pockets. The cells are squeezed tight, and as they receive less nourishment, they may also swell with trapped fluids. Weight gain can also thicken deep-layer fat that further pushes these pockets outward into lumps, which become more obvious as you gain weight and your skin thins.
Some people tend to experience cellulite more than others; the reasons behind this seem to involve:
- Genetics
- Hormones, particularly for women
- Smoking
- Inactive lifestyle
- Obesity
Cellulite is difficult to treat using conventional methods partly because all of these various factors, as well as skin quality, circulation, fat amount, and lifestyle habits may impede treatment. It’s also why at-home “treatments” tend to be so disappointing.
An All-in-One Approach: How Laser Skin Care Centers Target Cellulite
SmoothShapes® featuring Photomology® restores enlarged fat cells through a unique mechanism of action which combines dynamic laser and light energy that specifically targets problem cellulite. The result is tighter and smoother-looking skin. Thermage® and Accent™ therapies also use radiofrequencies to warm skin and reach the deeper layers where cellulite is located.
In both kinds of procedures the heat can help melt fat cells for your body to carry them away naturally, lessening the pressure of those pockets on the skin and providing a comfortable treatment alternative to liposuction. My Portland patients particularly enjoy the tighter, firmer skin that also can result from these treatments, because unlike simple massage techniques, which encourage fluid flow only temporarily, laser therapies stimulate deep-tissue production of collagen and elastin for long-lasting skin improvement.
For larger deposits of fat in addition to cellulite, many of my patients choose minimally-invasive liposuction in Portland. It is important to keep in mind that liposuction may actually increase the appearance of cellulite if your doctor does not carefully assess your existing anatomy and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Through both nonsurgical and surgical body shaping methods, you can achieve a smooth, attractive silhouette and enhance your overall confidence.