Dr. Michele S. Green M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and has been an international leader in cosmetic dermatology for over 25 years. Upper East Side patients and those from the surrounding areas of New York City flock to her practice for a variety of cosmetic dermatology treatments. A graduate from Yale University, with an MD from Mount Sinai Medical School in NYC, Dr. Green treats some of the most discerning, demanding women and men in the world, with issues ranging from premature skin aging to hyperpigmentation, rosacea, acne, skin laxity, hair loss, and sun damage.

Haute Beauty Expert Dr. Michele S. Green discusses the causes of cellulite and offers several treatment options to get rid of it.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. GreenOver 90% of women have it, and everyone asks how to get rid of cellulite and the dimples that appear on areas like the upper thighs, buttocks, or abdomen. Cellulite is often a source of frustration for our patients, and is so common: it can occur in patients of any background, size, or age, particularly women. However, for many patients, the natural biological factors that lead to cellulite don’t seem to justify its presence on the thighs.

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is an accumulation of fat beneath the skin which causes the appearance of rippling or lumpy skin mainly in the thighs and buttocks. Cellulite is formed when the septae also known as the fibrous bands, which is the connective tissue that connects the muscles to the skin, causes the fat to protrude resulting in dimpling of the skin.

What Causes Cellulite?

Fat cells are a contributing factor to the appearance of cellulite but are not themselves the direct cause. A deeper layer of fat lies deep within the dermis, beneath the connective tissues. As the fat cells in that lower layer increase, they push against the honeycomb pattern of the connective tissue, creating the dimpled skin appearance of cellulite. In some areas, they bulge and in others, they are held in place by the tougher fibers above. This combination of fibers and fat is what leads to the dimpled appearance of cellulite.

What are some cellulite removal treatment options?

• QWO™ is designed to be injected into the treatment area in order to break down collagen build-up within the fibrous septae under the surface of the skin. This in turn can rejuvenate the fibrous bands, reducing the appearance of dimpling on the skin. QWO™ has two different active enzymes (AUX-I and AUX-II) that help to break down collagen without any need for downtime. Additionally, QWO™ injectable treatment provides permanent cellulite reduction with as little as three treatment sessions, spaced three weeks apart. Each treatment session takes as little as ten minutes, and requires no numbing, since the injections are practically painless. QWO injectable treatment gradually diminish the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks, and can even be used to treat cellulite on the outer thighs.

• A single treatment of Thermage® FLX offers a noninvasive method to minimize the appearance of cellulite. Thermage® is considered the gold standard for reducing the appearance of cellulite and tightening the skin. This dual benefit is provided by the unique Thermage® radiofrequency technology. With the newly designed total body tip, Thermage® FLX is able to penetrate deeper into the skin tissue in a painless and effective way to both tighten and smooth the skin. A single treatment can provide lasting benefits for up to two years. Thermage® FLX stimulates new collagen production by using radiofrequency energy that is designed to tighten skin, which in turn can rejuvenate the layers of the dermis, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and puckering as the new collagen rejuvenates the skin.

• Velashape® is a non-surgical body contouring procedure that uses a handheld device to administer a treatment technology that combines cellulite reduction and body contouring. Velashape is a non-invasive treatment that uses heat, infrared light, radiofrequency, and vacuum technology to manipulate the fibrous bands beneath the skin to improve the appearance of cellulite. This vacuum technology suction breaks up the lumpy pockets within the skin, while the infrared light and bi-polar radio frequency energy gently heat the fat cells and surrounding tissue.

DIY Cellulite treatments to improve cellulite

If you’re wondering how to get rid of cellulite fast, you may be disappointed to learn that changes in lifestyle may have minimal effect on your cellulite. Plus, unfortunately, there is no miracle moisturizer or cream that will remove that dimpled skin. However, there are a few at-home changes in routine that may help to reduce cellulite. Nevertheless, the best way to remove cellulite is through in-office procedures.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dr. GreenExercise

Exercise and a healthy diet can help shed extra pounds eliminating fat and improving cellulite. You should focus on exercises that target areas of the body which are prone to cellulite, such as the posterior thighs and buttocks. Exercise which tone muscles, including cardio and strength training which burn fat, will tighten the skin and help you reduce body fat. A reduction in body fat, by overall weight loss, can improve the appearance of cellulite, though unfortunately, this is not always the case.

Dry brushing

Dry brushing stimulates blood and lymph flow, removes dead skin cells, and stimulates new cell growth. Dry brushing is a form of Ayurvedic medicine that uses a dry bristled brush on dry skin. The dry brushing stimulates the circulation, stimulates blood flow, which in turn may improve the appearance of cellulite. This method is best for type 1 cellulite.

Which Topical Skincare Treatments are good for Cellulite?

There are topical cellulite creams and lotions which soften and tighten the skin to make the appearance of cellulite less visible. The success of these topical lotions depends on the severity of your cellulite. For grades 2 and 3 cellulite, topical treatments will probably not be the solution. These topical solutions may improve grade 1 cellulite by improving how the skin looks. By decreasing the water content of the fat cells or thickening the outer layer of the skin, the appearance of superficial cellulite can be improved. Some of the better over-the-counter cellulite lotions contain caffeine, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and aminophylline. Caffeine, commonly applied to the skin via coffee grounds, works by increasing the blood flow to the skin, which in turn changes the water content of the fat cells and softens the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, Retinol-based lotions work by generating new collagen in the skin and improving the skin’s tone and texture. Retinol comes in various strengths, and the highest strength available should yield the best cosmetic results.

If you’re frustrated with the appearance of your cellulite, there are real solutions that can help. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in cosmetic dermatology in New York. For over two decades, Dr. Green has been practicing the best non-invasive body contouring and cosmetic laser treatments in NYC. Consistently voted as Castle Connoly’s Best Dermatologist, and NY Magazine Best Doctors, Dr. Green will help you provide the best tailored made cosmetic treatments. If cellulite is an area of concern for you, please Contact Us online or call 212-535-3088 to learn more about whether cellulite treatment options such as Thermage® and QWO may be right for you.