Can Cellulite Go Away on Its Own?
Many women worldwide are tortured by the imperfections on their bodies. As a result, they fall asleep and wake up with the same question — how do I make these imperfections go away?
One of the most common skin problems that women have a hard time dealing with is cellulite. Interestingly enough, we found that there’s a lot of incomplete, untrue, and misleading information about cellulite. If you browse for information online, most of what you’ll find are advertisements for various products.
Considering that the sole purpose of marketing is to sell the product, we advise you not to put too much trust in ads. If you want to solve your problem, you should first understand it. When in doubt, we always turn to science.
What Is Cellulite and What Causes It?
Your body holds itself together because of collagen — a protein that provides structure to your organism. To illustrate — all connective tissues like ligaments, skin, and muscles are mostly made of collagen.
When fat goes through collagen tissues — other than skin, of course — cellulite appears. Consequently, we’re stuck with lumpy, dangly, imperfect skin. Although it usually appears on the hip area and thighs, cellulite is also common on arms and stomach.
Can You Inherit Cellulite?
In the sea of misinformation, this one is actually true — cellulite is a genetic inheritance. However, you can also develop it. For that reason, we wouldn’t advise you to start blaming your parents — their genes just make you more prone to having cellulite.
Amusingly, you can find out if your parents are responsible for your imperfections. If you want to find out whether you should blame yourself or your genes for cellulite, you can take a test. The results will show you if got cellulite because of your parents or your lifestyle.
Does Cellulite Get Worse with Age?
Being that it’s a natural process — which many people don’t acknowledge — aging changes a lot of things. To begin with, as a woman, your glands will produce less estrogen as you grow older.
Among other things, estrogen keeps your blood moving. Because of it, your blood vessels function properly. As the amount of estrogen decreases, your circulation becomes worse.
The chain of events doesn’t stop there — collagen production levels also drop. Consequently, your connective tissues weaken, which is also how cellulite spreads out. So yes, aging and cellulite go hand in hand for most women.
Will Losing Weight Make Cellulite Disappear?
Even though losing weight is a good step towards getting rid of cellulite, we must disappoint you. Losing weight won’t make cellulite go away.
However, the good news is that losing weight will noticeably iron the problematic areas. Naturally, a lot depends on how you lose the extra weight. If you do it steadily and in a healthy way, the effect will be satisfying.
Are Women More Prone to Cellulite than Men?
Although men have significantly fewer issues with cellulite, it’s not impossible that they develop it. However, the harsh truth is that men are far less likely to have cellulite.
Unlike women, men don’t have that many problems with weakening connecting tissues. Although we’re all headed to the unbecoming, soggy finish, men’s structure is more durable. As men have stronger collagen tissues, they rarely develop cellulite.
Contrary to men, women have more body fat. As I already mentioned, fat is the invitation cellulite is waiting for.
Possible Cellulite Treatments to Consider
Are Anti-Cellulite Products Effective?
Anti-cellulite product ads are everywhere. Lotions, creams, serums, oils — the list of magical solutions is quite long. Personally, we think that some of the ads are quite convincing. You almost end up believing that at least one of the products must work. That’s how you spend a fortune on anti-cellulite creams.
While some anti-cellulite products might have a brief effect, they won’t help you get rid of cellulite forever. Regardless of what the ad says — science says otherwise. Have in mind that there’s no scientifically proven anti-cellulite solution in the form of lotions.
Can Massage or Laser Treatments Help?
Similarly to anti-cellulite over-the-counter products, massages, and laser treatments are not a permanent solution. However, these treatments can have a better effect than products.
For example, after up to fifteen laser treatments, you’ll be able to notice a difference. Chances are you’ll be satisfied with what you see. Nevertheless, don’t expect to get rid of every trace of cellulite.
In case you stop going to treatments, cellulite will slowly come back. Before you know it, you’ll be back where you started. But, if you make treatments a regular monthly activity, you’ll stop the yo-yo effect.
As you can see, it’s necessary to commit to treatments to see the results. Although prices differ, the type of high maintenance we’re talking about isn’t cheap.
Is Liposuction an Effective Anti-Cellulite Method?
Liposuction sounds like a good solution. Considering it’s used to get rid of extra fat, liposuction should also help with cellulite.
Oddly enough, liposuction doesn’t make cellulite go away. After the procedure, fat isn’t naturally spread out in your body. Because of uneven fat tissues, you might be even less satisfied with your appearance.
Can You Lose Cellulite with a Proper Diet?
A healthy diet with a lot of water can help you make a difference. You should include fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water to your nutrition. Zucchini, cucumber, watermelon — the list of delicious healthy foods goes on and on.
The most effective way to make cellulite go away is actually a combination of healthy food and exercise. Contrary to the popular belief, it’s not cardio that you should focus on. The true nemesis of cellulite is strength. If you do more strength exercises, you’ll be happy with the changes.
In the end, we’d like to share one more fact with you. Cellulite doesn’t go away forever. If you eat healthily and work out, you’ll see a huge difference. However, if you go back to your bad habits, cellulite will follow.
About The Dermatology and Laser Group
The Dermatology and Laser Group is a dermatology clinic in Midtown, Manhattan that offers Cellulite Treatment in NYC for cellulite reduction. If you would like more information about this treatment, call (212) 444-8204 or leave us a message here.
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.