Cellulite is a subcutaneous fat deposit that gives the typical ‘orange peel’ appearance. Three factors are involved: fibrosis, oedema and fat accumulation. This is why even very slim women can be affected by this unsightly condition. The phenomenon often appears during adolescence.
Cellulite is a common aesthetic problem that affects many women, and several methods are effective in eliminating cellulite.
Anti-cellulite treatments help achieve smooth and toned skin.
Whether it is adipose cellulite, cellulite with water retention or embedded cellulite, there are treatments for cellulite. These treatments help women reduce and eliminate cellulite in order to regain smooth and firm skin.
Cellulite is the result of the histological structure of the skin. The epidermis (superficial layer of the skin) and the subcutaneous tissue (superficial fatty layer where the adipocytes are located) are connected by fibres called septa that pass through the dermis (deep layer of the skin). When these fibres contract, the adipocytes (fat cells) are compressed and create a kind of hernia at the surface of the skin, creating an orange peel appearance.
The responsible factors are :
There are three types of cellulite :
Stage I cellulite
Stage II cellulite
Stage III cellulite
Stage IV cellulite
There are four stages of cellulite severity :
Theoretically, cellulite can form on all areas of the body. However, some locations are more common.
Rarely, particularly in the context of certain pathologies, cellulite can form on the neck and ankles.
In men, cellulite is rare and its distribution differs from that in women. It is found on the neck, shoulders, flanks, and the skin area corresponding to the stomach.
A slim woman can have cellulite. Several factors are responsible for the appearance of this aesthetic issue, and excess fat cells is one of them, but not the only one.
In fact, a slim woman will not typically have adipose cellulite, but she may have aqueous or fibrous cellulite.
It should not be forgotten that even a slim person or someone with a normal weight can have small localized fat bulges where adipose cellulite can accumulate.
Weight loss, in the case of overweight, improves the appearance of cellulite.
Treating the responsible factors is essential for a visible and lasting result.
Sometimes, changing one’s lifestyle and reducing contributing factors is enough to satisfactorily improve skin quality.
To avoid having cellulite, and therefore as a preventive measure, a healthy lifestyle is essential.
Cellulite treatments include : Sculptra injections, cryolipolysis, EMSculpt, radiofrequency and Onda CoolWaves.
Carboxytherapy and mesotherapy are more maintenance and complementary treatments.
Sculptra injections provide the most convincing result. This method is only used on the buttocks.
The injection is performed with a cannula, no anaesthesia is necessary. The result is visible one month after the injection, maximal after three months and lasts for two years.
The drawback of the treatment is the cost.
For the buttocks, for example, three to four vials per session will be used. The number of sessions required is three or four. The price per vial is 900 CHF.
Cryolipolysis is indicated in cases of adipose cellulite. No result is obtained on fibrous and aqueous cellulite.
This technique of reducing fat cells through cold improves the appearance of the skin in one to two sessions.
The results are optimal three months after the session and are long-lasting.
EMSculpt is a technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate deep muscle contractions. These contractions, which are impossible to achieve through voluntary exercise, increase muscle mass and burn localised fat. By strengthening and toning the underlying muscles, EMSculpt helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The skin becomes firmer and more even in texture.
Radiofrequency is a non-invasive technique that uses electromagnetic waves to heat the deep layers of the skin. This heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the firmness and tone of the skin. This method reduces the appearance of cellulite and smooths the skin surface, which becomes more even and smoother.
Mesotherapy is a treatment that consists of injecting small amounts of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids directly into the middle layer of the skin. These injections stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, promoting the drainage of water and toxins. By nourishing and hydrating the skin from within, mesotherapy helps reduce cellulite, improves skin texture and restores its elasticity. Mesotherapy improves skin quality and aqueous cellulite.
Carboxytherapy is a method that involves injecting medical carbon dioxide (CO2) under the skin. This gas improves blood circulation and stimulates collagen production, which helps break down fat deposits and smooth the skin. By increasing tissue oxygenation, this technique reduces skin irregularities and significantly improves the appearance of cellulite, making the skin firmer and more elastic.
Carboxytherapy is quite effective on fibrous cellulite.
Several sessions are necessary, and the sessions can be painful.
Onda CoolWaves is a fast (lasting around ten minutes) and painless shockwave treatment.
The mechanism involves the destruction of fat cells and stimulation of collagen synthesis around these cells.
The skin becomes firmer and more toned.
Several sessions are necessary.
To naturally get rid of cellulite, several habits should be incorporated into daily life.
Balanced diet and good hydration
Anti-cellulite foods : foods rich in fibre such as fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Diet low in sugars, processed foods and saturated fats.
Regular physical activity
Cardio and muscle strengthening.
Anti-cellulite massages and self-massages
Massage techniques : kneading massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation.
Use of brushes : dry brush your skin with a natural bristle brush to exfoliate and improve circulation.
Skin hydration
Moisturizing creams and natural oils to maintain skin elasticity.
Anti-cellulite creams : use products containing caffeine, retinol or plant extracts to firm the skin.
Healthy lifestyle
Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Stress management: practise relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or tai chi to reduce stress, which can contribute to cellulite.
Improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation
Contrast shower : alternate hot and cold water jets to stimulate circulation.
Lymphatic drainage activities : include exercises or special techniques that promote lymphatic drainage.
The improvement in appearance is progressive. A healthy lifestyle and the elimination of contributing factors are necessary to maintain the result.
Results include :
Depending on the chosen treatment and the type of cellulite, several sessions may be necessary for visible results.
Maintenance sessions should be scheduled, their frequency depends on the method used and the severity stage of the cellulite.
The cost of anti-cellulite treatments in Geneva depends on the technique used and the surface area to be treated.
Sessions of Onda Cool Waves and radiofrequency are offered at 250 CHF per area, per session.
The term “area” refers to a specific anatomical region : the abdomen, inner thighs, and outer thighs each represent one area.
The price of a mesotherapy session starts at 250 CHF.
The number of sessions required is determined by the quality of the tissues and the patient’s individual response to treatment.
Sculptra may be used as a complementary approach to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is offered at 900 CHF per vial. The result depends directly on the quantity injected : one vial can treat an area roughly equivalent to an A4 sheet of paper. The number of vials required is therefore tailored to the extent of the areas targeted and is specified in a personalised quote.
Reviews are generally positive. Patients report a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the skin after a few sessions. Below are common feedbacks.
Yes, cellulite is very common in women, affecting up to 90 % of women at some point in their lives. It is less common in men because of histological differences in the skin and subcutaneous fat.
Excess fat causes adipose cellulite. Other factors are responsible for cellulite, so even slim women can get it.
Results vary depending on the treatment and the characteristics of each patient. Although treatments can offer significant improvement, maintenance sessions and a healthy lifestyle are often necessary to maintain results.
Yes, cryolipolysis can be effective in reducing cellulite by targeting and eliminating subcutaneous fat cells, thereby improving skin texture.
A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they cannot eliminate it completely.
There are several treatments available to reduce cellulite: cryolipolysis, EMSCULPT, carboxytherapy, mesotherapy and radiofrequency.
It is not possible to completely prevent the appearance of cellulite, but a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, good hydration and regular exercise, can help reduce its appearance and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
