If you’re unsatisfied with the appearance of cellulite on your body, you’re not alone. Cellulite is an issue that affects millions of women and men alike, with the legs and thighs being particularly a common problem area. Fortunately, it is possible to achieve smoother, tighter skin in any problem area, including the legs.
Understanding what cellulite is and why it so commonly occurs on the legs and thighs can help you better understand how to go about getting rid of it — and improving your appearance. The following guide gives you key information on cellulite causes and cellulite treatment options so you can make an informed decision for your needs and lifestyle.
What is cellulite?
You know it when you see it. Cellulite is the uneven appearance of fat under the skin that causes a lumpy surface. Many describe it as looking like the texture of an orange peel or cottage cheese.
Basically, cellulite happens when the skin over a pocket of fat gets pulled down by bands or pillars of connective tissue and collagen fibers. This creates an uneven appearance in certain areas that are associated with it. Cellulite can develop in the hips, abdomen, and buttocks in addition to the legs and thighs.
What causes cellulite on the legs and thighs?
Cellulite so commonly affects the legs because of the way fat develops in this area, particularly in women. Although it can affect women and men, cellulite is more common in women mainly due to how fat and other tissue are distributed throughout the body.
Cellulite is closely related to the natural aging process, becoming more visible over time as the skin loses elasticity and makes it easier to see connective ripples underneath. Other causes include skin thickness, genetics, hormones, dietary issues, lack of exercise, and weight gain.
Home and Topical Remedies for Reducing Cellulite on Your Legs and Thighs
If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of cellulite in your legs and thighs, consult with a qualified medical professional to create a treatment plan. In some cases, losing weight can help with cellulite, but that isn’t always the case. Many people who aren’t overweight still deal with cellulite, and others reach their goal weight only to find unsightly spots of cellulite are still there.
There are also a wide array of natural options and over-the-counter products that are commonly recommended for people looking to get rid of cellulite. These include:
- Healthy diet: There are many foods purported to help address cellulite in the legs and thighs. Foods rich in the antioxidant vitamin C, omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, and catechins can all impact the way the body metabolizes and stores fat. Specifically, this means plenty of citrus fruits and leafy green vegetables, green tea, wild-caught salmon, flax seeds, and avocados, just to name a few examples of potential cellulite-reducing foods.
- Topical creams: There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter creams on the market that are advertised to reduce the appearance of cellulite on a temporary basis. Creams work by tightening the skin and adding moisture, which both help to smooth out the surface of the skin. Common ingredients include retinol and even caffeine.
Despite trying every available option and practicing a healthy lifestyle, many people still have what they consider to be unacceptable levels of cellulite. In these situations, there are several effective medical procedures that can address cellulite.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite on Legs & Thighs
Effective medical treatments for cellulite, including the procedures performed by Dr. Bill Johnson and the talented team at Innovations Medical include:
1. SmoothShapes
This proprietary treatment is a focused collection of cellulite reduction methods that combines vacuum-based massage, LED light therapy, and a specially calibrated laser. These techniques work together to smooth skin and promote fat removal in problem areas.
2. Thermage Cellulite Treatment
This is a great first-line treatment for the type of cellulite present in the front of the legs and thighs, known as linear cellulite. Thermage uses radiofrequency waves to deep heat the skin and promotes tightening and collagen production.
3. Acoustic Wave Therapy
Believe it or not, sound waves can actually help with cellulite. Acoustic wave therapy uses the same technology that works to break up kidney stones. When applied to areas with cellulite, these low-energy sound waves work to release the contracted fibers that cause dimpling and cellulite.
4. SmartLipo
Although generally not a first-line treatment for cellulite, laser-based lipo uses a special laser at a calibrated angle to release the collagen pillars that pull down the skin and create cellulite. Many patients explore this outpatient procedure after exploring other nonsurgical treatments.
5. Fat Transfer
For especially difficult and deep dimples, procedures that move and fill fat from one area to the other can help address cellulite. The fat is basically moved from a higher area to a deeper area to create a smoother appearance.
The Innovations Medical team can help you explore the options and create a personalized treatment plan that is best for your goals and situation.
Contact Innovations Medical for Cellulite Treatment Options
If you’re looking for smoother, more even-looking legs and thighs, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if our full range of cellulite treatments may be right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.