Cellulite is a subcutaneous fat deposit that gives the typical ‘orange peel’ appearance.
Three factors come into play : fibrosis, edema and the accumulation of fat. This is why even very slim women can be concerned by this unaesthetic condition.
The phenomenon often appears during adolescence.
Cellulite is a common aesthetic problem that affects many women, several methods are effective in eliminating cellulite.
Anti-cellulite treatments make it possible to obtain smooth and toned skin.
Whether it is adipose cellulite, cellulite with water retention or fibrotic cellulite, treatments against cellulite exist. 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 fibers called septa that cross the dermis (deep layer of the skin). When these fibers contract, the adipocytes (fat cells) are compressed. This phenomenon creates irregularities on the surface of the skin, responsible for the characteristic so-called 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 severity of cellulite :
Theoretically, cellulite can form on all areas of the body. However, some locations are more common.
More rarely, particularly in the context of certain pathologies, cellulite can appear in the neck or ankle area.
In men, cellulite is uncommon and its distribution differs from that observed in women. It is located mainly in the neck, shoulders, flanks and upper abdominal region, in front of the stomach.
A slim woman can have cellulite. Several factors are responsible for the appearance of this unaesthetic condition and an excess of fat cells is one of them, but it is not the only one.
In fact, a slim woman, a priori, will not have adipose cellulite, but she can have aqueous or fibrous cellulite.
It should not be forgotten that even a slim person or a person with normal weight can have small localized fat bulges where adipose cellulite can be stored.
Weight loss, in cases of excess weight, improves the appearance of cellulite.
The treatment of the responsible factors is essential for a visible and lasting result.
Sometimes, changes in lifestyle and in contributing factors are enough to satisfactorily improve the quality of the skin.
To avoid having cellulite, and therefore in prevention, a healthy lifestyle is essential.
The treatments for cellulite are : Sculptra injections, cryolipolysis, EMSculpt, radiofrequency and Onda CoolWaves.
Carboxytherapy and mesotherapy are rather maintenance and adjunctive treatments.
The injections of Sculptra currently offer the most convincing results in the management of cellulite, with an indication limited to the buttocks area.
The treatment is performed using a cannula, without the need for anesthesia. The effects appear gradually, with a visible result from one month, optimal after three months, and an effectiveness duration that can reach two years.
The main disadvantage of this treatment lies in its cost. For the buttocks area, three to four vials are generally necessary per session, and the complete protocol is most often based on three to four sessions, depending on the indication and tissue response.
The cryolipolysis is indicated only for 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.
The EMSculpt is a technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate deep muscle contractions. These contractions, impossible to obtain through voluntary exercise, increase muscle mass and burn localized fat. By strengthening and toning the underlying muscles, EMSculpt helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. The skin becomes firmer.
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.
The mesotherapy is a treatment that consists of injecting small quantities 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 the inside, mesotherapy helps reduce cellulite, improves skin quality and restores its elasticity.
Mesotherapy reduces aqueous cellulite.
The carboxytherapy is a method that consists of injecting medical carbon dioxide (CO2) under the skin. This gas improves blood circulation and stimulates the production of collagen, which helps break down fat deposits and smooth the skin. By increasing the oxygenation of the tissues, this technique reduces skin irregularities and significantly improves cellulite, making the skin firmer and more elastic.
Carboxytherapy is quite effective on fibrous cellulite.
Several sessions are necessary, the sessions can be painful.
The Onda CoolWaves is a treatment with rapid shock waves (its duration is about ten minutes) and is painless.
The mechanism is the destruction of adipose cells and the stimulation of the synthesis of collagen that surrounds them.
This double action helps improve the firmness and tone of the skin. Several sessions are necessary to obtain an optimal result.
To naturally get rid of cellulite, several habits should be incorporated into daily life.
Balanced diet and proper hydration
A balanced diet combined with sufficient hydration plays an important role in the prevention of cellulite. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, promote transit and limit water retention. Conversely, excessive consumption of sugars, processed foods and saturated fats can accentuate the metabolic imbalances involved in cellulite.
Regular physical activity
Cardiovascular exercises, combined with muscle strengthening, stimulate blood circulation, promote drainage and improve tissue tone.
Anti-cellulite massages and self-massages
Techniques such as kneading-rolling stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, while dry brushing using natural-bristle brushes allows gentle exfoliation and helps improve cutaneous microcirculation.
Skin hydration
The regular application of moisturizing creams or natural oils helps maintain skin suppleness. So-called anti-cellulite creams, containing in particular caffeine, retinol or certain plant extracts, can contribute to a superficial firming effect, without however acting on the deep structure of cellulite.
Healthy lifestyle
Tobacco and alcohol have a negative impact on microcirculation and tissue hydration, which can accentuate the appearance of cellulite. Stress management is often underestimated, although it can influence the hormonal and circulatory mechanisms involved. Practices such as yoga, meditation or tai chi can help reduce this aggravating factor.
Improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation
The alternation of hot and cold water jets, as during Scottish showers, stimulates microcirculation. Certain activities or lymphatic drainage techniques can also be integrated into daily life in order to limit water retention and improve the appearance of the skin.
The improvement of cellulite is progressive. The maintenance of the results is based on a healthy lifestyle and on the correction of contributing factors, essential for the stability of the effects obtained.
The treatments allow a significant reduction of subcutaneous fat cells, associated with a visible improvement in skin quality. The skin appears more hydrated, firmer and more elastic, with an attenuation of the characteristic orange-peel appearance. When the treatment includes a technology such as Emsculpt, toning and firming of the underlying muscles can also be observed.
Depending on the chosen method and the type of cellulite, several sessions are often necessary to obtain a visible and satisfactory result. Maintenance sessions can then be proposed, at a variable frequency depending on the technique used and the stage of severity 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, which improves skin quality.
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.
