Cellulite is a troublesome subject for many women. It’s stubborn, unsightly and difficult to treat. There are some ways to reduce the appearance of so called ‘cottage cheese’ thighs which can make you feel more comfortable and raise your confidence. Modern techniques and a deeper understanding of the causes have led to some truly promising results.
By James Namnoum, MD
And Beverly Brooks
The Plastic Surgery Channel
Understanding Cellulite
The majority of women (and some men) have cellulite. It shows up on the thighs of more than 85% of females past the age of eighteen and it is more common for Caucasian and Asian women. It’s dimpled skin, particularly noticeable in the thighs and buttocks. Cellulite is caused from fat deposits pushing up between criss-crossed tissue strands under the skin, making it appear bumpy and dimpled, rather than smooth. Cellulite can be affected by hormones, circulation, skin thickness and, to some degree, diet and exercise.
Cellulite Cream
Unfortunately there is so much negativity towards cellulite, and so many women spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on lotions, creams, loofahs, vitamins, minerals, special brushes and rollers, and “miracle” body wraps to smooth their skin. These products typically plump the surrounding skin through massaged application, but only temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite.
What is Liposuction, and How Can SAFELipo® Improve the Appearance of Cellulite?
Liposuction is a procedure used to improve the body’s contour. By removing fat deposits that lie between the skin and muscle, fat cells are permanently removed from the directed area, resulting in a thinner, more sculpted physique. Candidates are those who have areas of excess, stubborn fat which resists efforts of diet and exercise. Having firm and elastic skin will result in a better final contour and enhanced look.
To maintain results following liposuction, a healthy diet and exercise plan should be in place.
The SAFELipo® technique is a unique 3-step process of separation, aspiration and fat equalization. It’s a comprehensive body reshaping procedure that, in the hands of an expert plastic surgeon, can consistently produce dramatic, smooth and natural contours.
“SAFELipo smooths the fat and can actually tighten the skin,” says board certified plastic surgeon James Namnoum, MD. “We’ve seen stunning results with this technique.”
Fat Sometimes Gets a Bad Rap
“Fat actually plays a useful purpose to supply us with the necessary calories and glucose to make the brain work and heart work; without it we wouldn’t survive,” says Namnoum. “However, anything above the desirable range can place you at risk for developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and other diseases.”
Recent studies have shown that if you carry extra fat around your waist, you are at a higher risk for developing the diseases mentioned above than if you carry the same amount of extra fat around your thighs and buttocks.
Lifestyle Changes That Help Get Rid of Cellulite
- Avoid toxins like excessive alcohol and cigarettes, which put a burden on your body’s lymphatic system
- Eat lots of leafy greens and fruit
- Avoid junk food, diet soda, processed foods, artificial colors and flavors, butter, sugar and salt
- Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily to hydrate your body and flush out toxins
- Brush your skin before bathing to stimulate blood and lymph flow (removes dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth)
- Maintain your healthiest weight and lose fatty calories