Many of us hate the dimples caused by cellulite, even though most of us have them. "Cellulite is a genetic predisposition – no one knows exactly why it's caused and almost every woman will have some form of it," says Dr. Nowell Solish, a dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic treatments at Women's College Hospital in Toronto. Cellulite is not a weight thing – gals of any size get it.
Unfortunately, there's no cure for cellulite and there's no way to truly prevent it. But if you're really aching for smoother-looking skin, you can get temporary relief with the following noninvasive cellulite treatments. "They don't actually make the cellulite better, but they can reduce the appearance of it a little," Solish says.
Endermologie
Procedure profile: Endermologie was one of the first cellulite treatments to hit the market years ago and it's still a popular and widely available option.
It tackles dimpled areas with rollers and suction – the device goes to work fighting cellulite by massaging the heck out of it. The idea is that the massage helps break up areas of cellulite, increases blood flow, and releases excess water and toxins so your skin looks smoother.
The protocol is two treatments a week for a total of 10 to 20 sessions. You see results about halfway through the series and to maintain them, you have to get weekly or monthly (depending on your body) upkeep treatments.
Perks: It's one of the more affordable cellulite treatments and it's relaxing – it feels like a deep tissue massage. Plus, there's no recovery time.
Pitfalls: "If you keep up with [endermologie], cellulite probably stays a little bit better," says Solish. "But as soon as you stop, that area will form back into the same shape and configuration that it was before."
Price: From $60 to over $100 per treatment.
Location: To find an endermologie centre near you, visit www.endermologiecenter.ca.
Page 1 of 2 – Thermage and VelaShape: Two more cellulite-fighitng treatments. Get the full scoop about each on page 2.
