Spa Treatments for Cellulite

Many people are displeased with the appearance of cellulite on their thighs, stomach, buttocks or upper arms. Cellulite forms when pockets of fat work their way in between the body’s connective tissues, which results in the skin appearing rippled and dimpled. Though costly and inconvenient, several types of spa treatments are effective in improving the look of cellulite. The most common spa treatments for cellulite are described below.

Endermologie

Endermologie, an FDA-approved anti-cellulite spa treatment, involves the use of a massaging device to tighten the skin. The device, which consists of a suctioning component and two massage rollers, improves the appearance of cellulite by pulling the skin tissues closer together. Endermologie is not an inexpensive procedure, especially in light of the fact that as many as 30 sessions may be required to achieve desired results.

Learn more about Endermologie.

Velashape and Velasmooth

Velashape and Velasmooth treatments both utilize a combination of infrared light, bi-polar radio frequency, mechanical rollers and suctioning vacuums to reduce cellulite. When undergoing this type of treatment, one relaxes while the spa technician applies a powerful device to problem areas of the skin. Velashape/Velasmooth sessions have their drawbacks: they are time-consuming, highly expensive, and non-permanent and must be repeated over a six to eight week period of time.

Learn more about VelaShape and VelaSmooth

Thermage

Thermage is a spa treatment that breaks down fat cells beneath the skin’s surface through the application of capacitive radio frequency energy. The Thermage device heats the skin as it works to smooth out cellulite. One can expect to undergo a Thermage session for approximately 30 minutes to a few hours. The procedure is costly and may result in side effects such as soreness, redness and swelling.

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Laser Cellulite Treatment

Laser treatment systems such as Cellulaze are non-invasive, non-surgical anti-cellulite procedures. Treatments of this type utilize massage, vacuuming, laser energy and light energy to deflate fat cells and regenerate collagen production in the skin. As is the case with other spa remedies for cellulite, laser treatments are high in cost and often require multiple sessions for best results.

Learn more about Cellulaze

Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a cellulite treatment method, invented in the 1950s, in which medications are injected beneath your skin. The point of mesotherapy is to reduce the fat cells that create the dimpled and bumpy appearance of cellulite.

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Massages

Deep tissue massage and algae cellulite massage are common spa treatments for smoothing and firming dimpled skin. Deep tissue massage can be done with a mechanized device or with the hands. Algae cellulite massage involves the kneading of clay and red algae into the skin by hand. These treatments increase blood circulation, which in turn makes cellulite less noticeable. The effects of massage treatments are not permanent and require repeated spa visits.

Learn more about Cellulite Massages

Liposuction

Liposuction is a process through which fat cells are suctioned out of the body through a cannula and an aspirator. This is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves small incisions being made at the sites where cellulite is removed. Liposuction is not covered by most medical insurance plans and can result in complications such as abscesses and skin infections. Some patients experience cellulite returning in a different location.

Learn more about Liposuction for Cellulite

Alternatives to Spa Treatments

Rather than invest time and money into spa treatments for cellulite, consider using an anti-cellulite cream to reduce the appearance of unsightly skin. These creams are affordable, safe, non-invasive, and easy to use and contain ingredients that effectively target and break down fat cells.