There is no treatment that can eliminate cellulite. Experts recommend action on several fronts to achieve the greatest impact on cellulite. Some changes in diet and increased physical activity are the first steps to consider.

The market offers a variety of anti-cellulite products and often expensive interventions that can improve the appearance of cellulite temporarily only. These creams, gels, vigorous massages with appliances, laser treatments, radiofrequency or ultrasound and injections of substances in the surface layer of the skin or a little more in depth . Surgery can also blur the cellulite.

Good to know before starting treatment:

• None of the methods available on the market can promise to eliminate cellulite. At best, there is a temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
• Some people respond better than others to treatment. It is very difficult to move forward on their efficacy for a particular individual. Sometimes cellulite does not improve after treatment.
• Shortly after the end of treatment, their profits, if indeed there were, disappear. Must continue to get a lasting effect.
• There is still little scientific evidence of the effectiveness of anti-cellulite methods. The research is in its infancy.
• Treatments that use the microwave, laser or injections may have few side effects, although difficult to correct, such as scarring or browning of the skin.

For personalized advice, contact a doctor or dermatologist practicing in the field of aesthetics or a plastic surgeon. The cost of treatment is not covered by Social Security in France or the Plan of the Quebec health insurance (RAMQ).

Supply

(chips, ready meals industrial, commercial sauces, etc …), which contributes to water retention and waterlogging of tissues.

We will ensure, in general, good hydration.

Having a diet that provides essential nutrients also helps to keep as much as possible toned skin. To learn more about the basics of a healthy diet, check our listings Food Guides and How to eat?

Exercise

Although the weight is not involved, it is desirable to engage in regular physical exercise to strengthen muscle tone and improve blood circulation.

Any physical activity that causes increased heart and respiratory rates (aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, cycling, skiing, etc …) is very beneficial, since it improves blood circulation, in addition to contributing to the loss of fat around the body.

The practice of muscle strengthening exercises a specific area of the body (thighs, for example) has no anti-cellulite effect.

For more information on formatting, see our section Being fit.

Laser Treatment, Deep Massage

The using devices that combine the action of infrared waves, radiofrequency or laser directed at the skin with a deep tissue massage seems the most promising. The VelaShape® and VelaSmooth® allow this type of combination therapy. Supported on the skin, these devices exert a vigorous massage by suction using rollers. They are all 2 approved by Health Canada to blur the cellulite temporarily.

It is said that the waves help to dissolve the fat deposits by a heat. Now it seems that the attenuation of cellulite is rather caused by an inflammatory reaction which creates a slight swelling of the tissues under the skin. Some lasers are more penetrating than others and stimulate the formation of collagen, improving at the same time the skin tone.

The number of proposed treatments is on average 6 sessions at the rate of one session per week or fortnight. The cost of a session is about 160 € ($ 200). According to experts interviewed, improvement generally remains visible from weeks to 3 months.

Note. Other types of devices are used for a “remodeling” of fat deposits or skin tightening (Accent®, SmoothShapes®, ThermaCool®, Ultrashape®). They are not approved by Health Canada for the improvement of cellulite.

Vacuothérapie

The vacuothérapie, also known in common parlance as the Endermologie®, is the application by a medical professional, in-depth massage using a machine. As the Cellu M6 Keymodule®, has 2 adjustable rollers compressors. These rollers hold a fold of skin with suction. The massage is done according to a back-and-forth of the device on the skin. It would act by creating a swelling (edema), which makes the orange skin less apparent.

One treatment lasts about 45 minutes and is usually repeated one to three times a week for several weeks. Each treatment costs on average € 80 ($ 100). There is also a portable device for personal use, the Wellbox®, which would help to maintain the effect.

The vacuothérapie tends to be neglected in favor of devices that also emit waves and whose beneficial effect would be a bit longer.

Creams and gels

Creams and gels cellulite most used contain methylxanthines (theophylline, aminophylline, caffeine) or forskolin. Some manufacturers claim that these substances locally reduce body fat and stimulate the fragmentation of fat cells. This is however not proven. These preparations would act rather causing swelling (edema) and good skin hydration.

Other products are designed to facilitate blood circulation thanks to extracts of horse chestnut, witch hazel and red wine, for example. Their effect on cellulite is very light.

The use of topical products with other approaches are generally advised to combine cellulite.

A major obstacle to their effectiveness is their penetration. In order to act on the cellulite, the product should reach the subcutaneous layer. Manufacturers are trying to improve that aspect.

Mesotherapy

The term refers to any mesotherapy injection of minute doses of drugs or other substances in the skin, directly into the treatment area. This method was developed in Europe. It is used to treat various aesthetic and health problems. The caution because the contained substances and quantities are not regulated by Health Canada. To our knowledge, no clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of mesotherapy for this indication.

The ingredients used in the composition of these injectable products vary: aminophylline, hormones, enzymes, plant extracts, vitamins and minerals, etc … Side effects may occur, such as significant inflammation of the skin, pain, redness or necrosis, which can lead to scarring.

Lipolysis

Lipolysis is similar to mesotherapy. This treatment of the popular cellulite in some European countries is not recognized in Canada. It consists in injecting substances (deoxycholate, phosphatodylcholine like Lipostabil®) under the skin in a depth of a centimeter in length. These products destroy fat cells around the injection points. They may cause a strong inflammatory response. In Canada, the sale of Lipostabil® is not allowed. Physicians can request a compounding pharmacist.

Plastic Surgery

Skin thigh lift, to stretch the skin, may remove some of cellulite. This procedure, however, leaves scars in the groin, thighs or waist.

Grafting of fat, which is normally used to correct the defects left by liposuction, can also alleviate cellulite. Grafting is done by injection. The fat is sucked from the belly area to be injected into the area affected by cellulite.

Note. The “traditional” Liposuction is not effective against cellulite. This method eliminates costly vacuum fatty deposits can even make cellulite more apparent, adding to the skin undulations (large “valleys”) of deeper origin. During liposuction, doctors even take care to leave a layer of fat under the skin to leave minimal traces of the intervention. That said, a newer type of liposuction, microliposuccion could improve the appearance of cellulite.