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Asking for a Friend: How Do I Get Rid of Cellulite?

Four different methods, from massage to surgical treatments.

Skin
Asking for a Friend: How Do I Get Rid of Cellulite?

Cellulite is part and parcel of being a woman and we’re all for embracing natural beauty (aka cellulite). But we also understand that some are more comfortable with it than others. If taking steps to remove it is *your* choice and will make you more comfortable in your skin, then more power to you.

“Despite our best efforts in the gym, cellulite is not linked to being overweight,” says cosmetic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft. “Superficial fat is located in a honeycomb-like structure near the surface of the skin [and] fat pockets are separated by connective tissue which tethers skin to underlying tissue. The fat create ridges and the tethered connective tissue creates valleys, leaving a quilt-like appearance on your skin often compared to an orange peel.” While you can’t totally get rid of it, you can reduce the appearance of it: follow the below steps.

 


THE LESS SODIUM, THE BETTER

Doesn’t it always come down to this? Your fat cells swell when sodium intake is high, which ultimately means that the more sodium in the food you eat, the worse your cellulite is going to look. Ease up on the sodium, and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking more water will help smooth out the texture of your skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite.

 

MASSAGE THAT SH*T

 

Get in the habit of massaging trouble areas on a daily basis (twice a day is even better) either with a washcloth or cellulite massage brush in the shower, or with a cream or gel post-shower. According to M.D. Dendy Engelman, it is best to use creams that have coffee as a main ingredient, as it will dehydrate your fat cells, causing them to shrink. Massaging also triggers lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate toxins from your body that cause inflammation.

 

CALL THE DOC

Dr. Melissa Doft gives us the lowdown on an FDA-approved laser, Cellulaze: “[It’s] similar to very superficial liposuction: a solution is injected into the area which you would like treated [and] this solution will numb the area and separate the skin from the underlying fat. A small incision is made [and] a laser is inserted, which will melt superficial fat, heat the overlying skin, leading to skin tightening, and break apart the tethering connective tissue to smooth the area. Most patients have one to two treatments. Treatments cost $2500-5000 depending on [the] size of the area, and results are varied.”

A pricey procedure, and although many find it worth it, Dr. Doft warns us, “I do not know anyone who believes that all cellulite was removed and I do know patients who have been very disappointed.” Tread carefully, and perhaps consider a second option called Smooth Shape that reduces cellulite by way of a non-invasive laser. “The machine combines massage, suction, and laser to help treat dimpling,” Dr. Doft says. “The skin in sucked into a handpiece so that the laser can come closer to fat cells—the laser then will help dissolve these fat cells. Multiple treatments are required and results vary.”

 

DRY-BRUSHING

 

Don’t forget everything we’ve taught you about dry-brushing; it’s going to become your best friend when it comes to getting rid of pesky cellulite. As Lisa Ariotti of Bliss 57 told us, “Dry-brushing will help to tighten your skin and evenly distribute your fat deposits, ultimately reducing the appearance of cellulite.” Pro tip: Always brush upwards towards your heart, and never dry-brush to the point where your skin is irritated or red.

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