8 Cellulite Treatments That Don't Get Rid of Cellulite

Even in a down economy, women are willing to spend tens of thousands of dollars to conquer their arch-nemesis: cellulite. Cellulite tips and remedies constitute a booming multimillion-dollar business catered to the nearly 90 percent of women who are afflicted by the classic “orange peel” or “grape bunch” texture on their hips, legs, or buttocks. But weeding out the truth between the beauty tips and overhyped cellulite treatments can be a challenge.

The classic appearance of cellulite is caused by changes in fat cells that live in between collagen fibers – the latticework of your skin. Fat cells rupture and sag between collagen supports, causing that distinctive dimpling effect.

One known reason that women get cellulite is genetics – it’s essentially written into your genes. But beyond genetics, understanding why some women get it more than others is a challenge. "Speculation ranges on a wide set of issues including inflammation and edema fluid,” says dermatologist David McDaniel, MD, an assistant professor of clinical dermatology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and founder of McDaniel Laser Cosmetic Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach.

Other possible causes of cellulite include:

• Diet. Experts note a correlation between a diet high in processed foods and the development of cellulite. Populations that eat more whole foods (fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats) seem to have less cellulite.

• Hormones. Cellulite is found most often in women and almost never in men — probably because of the hormone estrogen. And for women, cellulite increases as estrogen levels drop.

• Sedentary lifestyle. Granted, some athletes develop cellulite, but since circulation plays at least a small role in the biology of cellulite, many women develop cellulite in part because they habitually keep the blood pumping slowly.

• Underwear. Quirky, maybe, but many women develop dimpling and cellulite in a classic pattern that mirrors their panty lines. Underwear that’s too tight could be a contributing factor because it interferes with the fluids circulating through your skin, so loosen up a bit or opt for thongs.

Cellulite Treatments That Don’t Work

“Nobody talks about the social and emotional impact of cellulite on women,” says Lionel Bissoon, MD, a cellulite specialist and author of The Cellulite Cure. Some patients tell him that cellulite can be "emotionally devastating,” and despite a challenging economy and costly out-of-pocket expense for treatments, he sees several new clients at his New York City practice every week.

Given the expense, some of the following treatments should be avoided altogether — others may be worth a small try.

• Creams. Dozens of over-the-counter beauty creams are promoted ascellulite treatments. Though some may temporarily tighten or brighten skin, be skeptical. “When you look at cellulite, there are three treatable aspects: the fat, dense collagen, and circulation," says Bissoon. There is no topical product that successfully addresses all three, he adds.

• Brushes. Cellulite does seem to be affected by circulation concerns, but skin brushing increases circulation only at the surface and not in a way that will repair the damage that leads to cellulite. Massages, wraps, and similar therapeutic touch remedies aren’t effective beauty tips either, although they could help you feel better in your body.

• Cellulite garments. Specialized garments, often called “massage garments” or “compression garments,” have been developed and promoted as ways to manage cellulite. How long these effects last may depend on individual use of the garments.

• Roller-suction treatments. The devices often go by a name like “cellulite massagers” — they roll or suck the skin and, at least in theory, increase circulation. “The roller-suction devices seem to give some — I think usually temporary — improvement, but it depends on the device, settings, technique, patient,” cautions Dr. McDaniel.

• Liposuction. It might seem that simply removing the troublesome fat would fix the problem, but that’s not the case with cellulite. “Liposuction is intended for body sculpting or contouring,” points out Bissoon. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of lipo is increased dimpling.

• Weight loss. Weight loss is a worthwhile health goal, but it can actually make cellulite look worse. If your weight loss is significant, you could end up with “redundant” skin — loose skin that can make cellulite seem more severe than it is.

• Lifestyle changes. Overall it’s a good idea to start eating more healthfully(more fruits and veggies, please!) and exercising, but these changes alone can’t cure cellulite completely, although its appearance may improve.

• Hydration. Staying hydrated won’t conquer cellulite, but you should do it anyway, says Bissoon. “Take your body weight and divide it by 2.2 to give you the number of ounces you need to drink per day,” he advises. This will help you look and feel better, even with cellulite.

The good news for cellulite sufferers is that researchers are working to find a solution to the problem. Some approaches, such as radio-frequency treatments, low-level LED light treatments, and mesotherapy (injecting proprietary compounds directly into the cellulite-afflicted areas), show some promise, but they still need larger and more controlled clinical studies to support their effectiveness and safety, says McDaniel. The challenge for researchers is to distinguish between treatments that provide some temporary improvement and those that can change cellulite at the structural level.

Stay tuned. You’ll know a truly effective treatment by the lines of women waiting to try it.