One of the biggest buzz words currently in the Cosmetic medicine world is . The types of treatments range from:

• Lotions and potions
• Non invasive machines that use various modalities to reduce the appearance of cellulite
• Minimally invasive procedure using an instrument with a laser attached that goes under the skin

I often have patients come to my office and say I am not sure if I have or fat or both-what is the best answer is for me?

is a common term used to describe superficial pockets of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or orange peel skin. It can occur in a thin person, a person of average weight, or an overweight individual.

If this rippling or dimple like appearance of the skin is what bothers the patient, and only this, then a may be worth trying.

I do caution the patient that there currently is no cure for . Many of the current treatments can reduce the appearance of cellulite and individual results may vary. Maintenance is always recommended.

For those patients who are most bothered by the excess fat that is diet and exercise resistant, is usually the best answer. will correct localized areas of fat but it will not correct cellulite.

If both fat and cellulite are your main concerns, can be done and about six weeks after the procedure a series of non invasive cellulite treatments such as Endermologie may be recommended.

For best results, communication between you and your doctor is of the utmost importance. Know what you want to achieve and what the procedure can and cannot do.