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How to... Diminish cellulite thanks to these in-clinic treatments

The truth is, when it comes to topical solutions for cellulite, there’s no quick off-the-shelf fix! However these treatments are tried and true

Often called ‘orange peel skin’, cellulite is the term given to the dimpled, uneven skin that can appear on the hips, buttocks and thigh area. It’s extremely common for all shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and while cellulite mostly affects women it can, in rare cases, occur in men too.

“A lot of people are under the illusion that you must be at an unhealthy weight to have cellulite, and this simply isn't true,” explains Jaye Mills, Director of Jaye Bird Aesthetics. “Factors such as a poor circulatory system, your genetic body type, hormones, muscle mass and skin laxity are all huge contributors.”

However, gender genetics play the largest part. In men when the fibrous septa (springy bands that connect your skin to the muscle layer underneath) stiffen and pull against the surface of the skin, and the fat there, cellulite rarely occurs because their connective tissue has a criss-cross structure.

While in women these tissues are arranged vertically in columns, as are fat cells, and it seems this makes all the difference, as it’s estimated that around 90 per cent of women will experience cellulite at some stage in their lives.

As cellulite occurs due to the normal and natural internal structure of the female body it’s impossible to totally get rid of it, but “exercise may help reduce cellulite by increasing muscle mass and decreasing the appearance of skin laxity,” says Mills.

When it comes to topical solutions, creams containing ingredients such as caffeine and retinol can improve its appearance, but aesthetic treatments are where you’re likely to see the most difference.

Read on to discover all you need to know about two much loved cellulite treatments…

The Innovative One 

LanLuma is a new collagen-stimulating injectable that aims to smooth, shape and sculpt treated areas of the face and body. The injectable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) can be used to increase fullness and add volume in both face and body, as well as being able to correct medium to deep facial lines. Unlike many other fillers which literally ‘fill up’ areas with hyaluronic acid, LanLuma goes deeper into the skin to stimulate the growth of new collagen.

In the case of treating cellulite, LanLuma purports to set off deep tissue regeneration that smooths the skin as well as ‘filling out’ any lost volume and giving a re-contouring effect. Results are long-lasting and downtime is minimal.

“Thanks to its collagen-stimulating properties, LanLuma can not only tackle cellulite but also improve skin tightness and tone, as well as the shape and volume of the buttocks and thigh area,” explains Dr Ali Ghanem, Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon and founder of The Ghanem Clinic, in London and Bahrain.

Who is it best for? 

This virtually painless and adaptable treatment is ideal if patients are looking for visible results with minimal downtime. It’s suitable for all skin types and can typically be performed in under an hour. LanLuma is also recommended for post-surgical concerns such as atrophy and lipoatrophy, and is gentle enough to be used for postpartum body reshaping.

How many sessions do you need? 

1-4 sessions are recommended, depending on the individual, with around 6 weeks between sessions. Results will appear over 2-4 months and can last 2-5 years.

Is aftercare required?

“It’s a great idea to massage the treatment area for ten minutes twice a day, for a fortnight after treatment to maximise the results,” suggests Dr Ghanem. Set an alarm on your phone to remember to do your massage. For 24 hours after treatment don’t apply moisturiser, fake tan or anything else to the skin and avoid using the sauna or swimming pool for at least a week post-treatment.

The Classic One

Acoustic wave therapy is a popular treatment for cellulite and works using shockwaves to break down fatty deposits under the skin. This then helps to encourage collagen production and lymphatic drainage, naturally enhancing the skin tone and texture of the area that’s being treated.

“The connective fibrous walls that are trapping toxins and fibrous fat under the skin, and causing cellulite, will break down thanks to the sheer force of the oscillating wave of energy,” explains Mills. “The radial wave and motion of the treatment will also stimulate new collagen and elastin fibroblasts.”

The therapy also aims to increase the neo-vascularisation and lymphatic drainage in the area resulting in firmer and more toned-looking skin.

Who is it best for?

“This treatment is suitable for all areas, all skin types and all ages for those who have any concerns with cellulite, stretch marks or lipoatrophy (mottled or bumpy looking skin on areas with good circulation),” explains Mills. She also suggests that it can be used as a preventative treatment and post-surgery for small scars and indentations caused by surgical procedures.

How many sessions do you need? 

Mills recommends 1-2 sessions a week with 8-10 sessions in total, depending on the severity of the cellulite and individual patient concerns.

Is pre or post-care required?

“We ask that patients come to their appointments well hydrated and with exfoliated and lotion-free skin to get the best out of their appointment,” says Mills. Post treatment advice includes body brushing to increase cellular turnover and keep blood circulation to a maximum.

Jaye Mills, Clinic owner/Director/Lead Practitioner

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