What Are the Treatments for Cellulite?

by Chelsea Skaggs

Overview

Cellulite is lumpy-looking fat located just under the skin that frequently appears on the thighs and stomach. People who have recently had a significant change in weight frequently struggle with cellulite. It is a common problem among middle-aged people, but cellulite can appear on anyone. There are a number of treatments that range from clinical methods to home-based solutions for cellulite.
Liposuction

Liposuction eliminates cellulite by sucking out the fatty cells that cause the cellulite lumps. This method is not completely effective alone and is usually used in conjunction with a skin smoothing technique to reduce dimpling of excess skin once the fat is removed.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is thought to be one of the most effective methods of eliminating cellulite. Laser therapy uses a laser to simultaneously melt the fat and tighten the overlying skin to eliminate sagging and dimpling. Laser therapy is not as invasive as liposuction, and the healing process is much faster.
Cellulite Creams

Cellulite creams work by stimulating blood flow to the cellulite-filled area, increasing heat and removing moisture in the area, firming the area for a short time to minimize the appearance of cellulite. Some creams also exfoliate the area to increase skin thickness and reduce the appearance of the fat cells through the skin.
Diet

One of the most popular methods for getting rid of cellulite is dieting. Dieting targets the source of cellulite by eliminating fats, and this is particularly effective for cellulite on the stomach. People wishing to get rid of cellulite by dieting simply reduce their daily calorie intake. Adding fiber to the diet is a good way to help flush fat out of the system.
Aerobics

Aerobic activity eliminates cellulite from the skin by replacing fat with muscle. The best aerobic activities for getting rid of cellulite are those that work all the small stomach and thigh muscles, such as yoga and pilates. Jogging and swimming are also popular aerobic activities for eliminating cellulite.