Cellulite is a kind of subcutaneous fat that creases the skin and makes it dimple. Cellulite, also known as cottage cheese fat, forms in the thighs, buttocks, stomach and the back of the arm. The growth of cellulite is caused by globules of fat that get deposited under the skin and give it a kind of unattractive mottled look. Cellulite occurs more in women than in men and 85% women have different stages of cellulite. This kind of fat is difficult to remove and dermatologists as well as health professionals have been researching and experimenting with different techniques in the search for the most effective way to reduce and ultimately eliminate cellulite.

There are several causes of cellulite and they are

• A sedentary lifestyle without much exercise
• A fatty and non nutricious diet
• Too much exposure to sunlight
• Both fluid retention as well as dehydration
• Hormonal changes and imbalances, especially estrogen and cortisol
• Overweight
• High amount of stress

There are several types of treatment for cellulite. Cellulite treatment in Dubai is carried out in several clinics and therapy centres around the city. The different types of treatment and the most effective ones are

Laser- This is an invasive type of treatment also known as cellulaze. A small laser fibre is inserted into the skin and when the laser is fired, it breaks up the tough bands of cellulite. The immediately perceptible result of this treatment is the thickening of the skin which will help reducing the formation of cellulite. The results last for six months upto a year after which cellulite formation seems to increase again.

Subcision- This process is usually done by dermatologists and consists of a needle being inserted under the skin in areas where there is a higher concentration of cellulite. The inserted needle breaks up the tough bands under the skin and causes the cellulite intensity to reduce. This method is effective and the results can last upto 2 years.

Carboxytherapy- This is another popular cellulite treatment in Dubai and involves the use of carbon dioxide that is inserted beneath the skin. This treatment has been found to be somewhat effective and women have taken upto 8 sessions of carboxotherapy.

Vaccuum assisted Precise tissue release- This procedure is done by dermatologists and includes the use of small blades to cut through the tough bands that show the presence of cellulite. Once these persistent bands are cut, tissue moves up and covers the dimpled skin. This precise tissue release method has been found to be effective and patients have shown less cellulite formation for upto three years.

Acoustic Wave Therapy- This type of treatment uses different frequencies of audio waves for healing. Acoustic wave therapy is a kind of mechanical simulation that stimulates natural healing processes within the body and has been found to be effective for optimization, healing and pain management. There are wide uses of acoustic wave therapy which has been known by medical practitioners for creating new blood vessels. Targeted acoustic waves in areas of high cellulite density have been shown to be effective.

Endermologies- This is a type of treatment which is mostly done in spas and is one of the processes of cellulite treatment in Dubai. The process involves deep massages that serve to loosen the tough bands under the skin. Dermatologists also use a vacuum tool to lift up the skin. This treatment process requires a number of sessions though studies have shown that it is not very effective. Though the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved endermologies treatment, there is little data to support how effective it really is.

Exercise- Exercise is the most effective treatment and is known to help prevent a large number of diseases. A regular regimen of discipline involving at least 30 minutes of exercise everyday is not only sufficient but ideal as well. There are specific exercise for reducing cellulite and doing these exercises even 3 to 4 days a week is considered very good. Specific exercises for reducing cellulite are those that focus on strengthening muscle fibre. Such exercises are known as barre, barre amped and pilates.

Diet- Since poor food habits and overweight is one of the main causes of cellulite, a change in diet and food habits can contribute greatly to reducing cellulite. Most dermatologists recommend a strict diet schedule along with different treatments such as acoustic wave therapy, laser and subcision procedures. The foods strongly recommended are hydrating foods, flax seeds, high fibre foods, clean protein sources, potassium rich foods, healthy fats, kelp and water. Kelp is a fucoxanthin bearing compound found in green leafy plants and is sprayed onto meals. Food rich in collagens are highly recommended. Collagens are very effective in strengthening the skin, reducing the growth and accumulation of cellulite.

A strict diet also means avoiding certain types of foods. These are sugars and salts, refined flour and refined grain products, foods with hydrogenated and trans fats and food allergens such as glutens and casein which are mostly found in processed foods.     

Use of anti cellulite supplements- There are several supplements that are recommended by dermatologists as well as dieticians. These include Bromelein and proteolytic enzymes which fight inflammation and dissolve clumps of accumulated cellular tissue, primarily fibrinogen. Kola is another supplement and is a caffeine free herb that is recommended to be consumed before bedtime. It serves to increase the elasticity of the skin and help thicken it. This leads to reduction of cellulite. There are other additives such as green coffee extract, fucoxanthin and African mango that are recommended to be added along with the other supplements for best results on the skin.

Use of skin healing oils and creams- There are several types of healing oils and creams that are used for cellulite treatment in Dubai.  Most of them have been found to have limited effect in reducing cellulite. One remedy is to use home made grapefruit anti cellulite cream.

Are all these remedies effective?

Studies about the effectiveness of all the above treatment procedures are still in progress. Though some treatment such as endodermis and laser treatment have shown to have an effect for upto 2 to 3 years, a combination of the treatment along with specific exercises and a focussed diet will prove effective in fighting cellulite.