To get rid of cellulite or reduce its appearance, a combination of lifestyle changes, topical treatments, and professional procedures is most effective. Here are key strategies supported by medical sources:
Lifestyle Changes
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially strength training exercises like squats, lunges, glute bridges, and leg presses, helps build muscle under the skin, making cellulite less visible by tightening the skin and reducing fat layers. Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling, or swimming also improve circulation and aid fat loss, which can reduce cellulite
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fiber, fruits, and healthy fats supports skin health. Avoiding processed foods, excess salt, sugar, and high-calorie diets helps prevent worsening cellulite
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water improves skin elasticity and helps flush toxins, which can reduce the dimpled appearance
- Dry Brushing and Massage: Dry brushing stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage, while massage or cupping therapy can boost circulation and break down fat cells temporarily reducing cellulite visibility
Topical Treatments
- Retinol Creams: These may thicken the skin over time, making cellulite less noticeable
- Caffeine-based creams: They can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite
Professional Treatments
- Laser and Radiofrequency Treatments: Procedures like Cellulaze use laser fibers to break the bands under the skin causing cellulite and stimulate collagen production for firmer skin. Radiofrequency combined with acoustic wave therapy (e.g., Emtone) can thicken and tone skin, improving cellulite appearance
- Subcision and Vacuum-assisted Tissue Release: Minimally invasive procedures that cut the tough connective tissue bands responsible for cellulite, offering results lasting from 2 to 3 years or more
- Injectable Treatments: QWO (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) is an FDA-approved injectable for moderate to severe cellulite on the buttocks
- CoolSculpting (Cryolipolysis): Freezes fat cells beneath the skin to reduce fat volume and cellulite visibility over time
- Acoustic Wave Therapy: Noninvasive treatment that reduces cellulite and tightens skin by improving circulation
Summary
No treatment completely cures cellulite, but consistent exercise, a healthy diet, hydration, and skin care can significantly improve its appearance. For more dramatic or longer-lasting results, professional treatments like laser therapy, subcision, or injectable options are available but can be costly. Combining multiple approaches tailored to individual needs yields the best outcomes
