At this time of year a woman's thoughts often turn to cellulite - or to be more exact - what's the best cellulite treatment for my lumpy, bumpy thighs?

It affects most women and certainly most women over 40.  It may be airbrushed out or covered by body doubles in Hollywood - but cellulite affects the world's rich and famous too.

And does the fact that most of us have cellulite mean that we accept it as natural? Not a bit of it. Nothing is more hated by women and a whole industry had grown up around getting rid of it. But can you….and how?

Cellulite treatments - I'm talking clinic-based, machine treatments NOT topical creams and lotions - have taken a huge leap forward in recent years because of the laser.

Well - to be perfectly correct here - the best cellulite treatments involve both laser and radio frequency heat and both these approaches are usually combined with deep tissue or suction massage to help firm those lumps and bumps we hate so much 

Laser-based cellulite treatments appear to have a higher success rate than most other cellulite treatments which often result in very little improvement. Not surprising when you think about it. 

The problems associated with cellulite are deep below the surface of the skin. Heat based systems work because the energy from certain types of laser and radio frequency machines reaches the junction between skin and fat tissue which topical treatments or massage on it's own just can't.

So - if this is something you might consider - here's some information about what are likely to be two of the best cellulite treatments available:

TriActive - A cellulite machine which combines a low-energy laser, a skin-cooling mechanism, and suction massage. The goal is to stimulate collagen, circulation, and lymphatic drainage in the lower skin layer and below while protecting the skin by cooling. Because no FDA approval is neccessary you don't need a licensed physician to treat you. There's not much data around yet but early results seem good. It's not clear how long the effects of the treatment will last and as it's likely to cost you up to $1,500 for a course of TriActive treatments - that matters!

VelaSmooth - Another cellulite machine but with a different combination of radiofrequency energy, infrared laser and suction massage. The heat generated by the radiation from the RF (Radiofrequency) causes some fat cells to burst. The infrared light heats the juncture between skin and fat to improve circulation 'remodel' connective tissue. The suction massage evens out the newly softened tissue and stimulates drainage. Velasmooth claim that this combined approach reduces cellulite by 50% or more. Downside is you need ten sessions and at $200 a pop it's not going to be cheap. Unlike TriActive, VelaSmooth has FDA approval and can only be operated by a licensed physician. There is no proper clinical evidence of how good VelaSmooth is but so far customer experience seem to be promising.

Of the two - VelaSmooth is more likely to be effective although it is a bit more risky and more expensive. At least you will be treated by a licensed physician - but there are absolutely no guarantees of results. 

Neither of these treatments seem to give any indication of just how long the results will last or what top-up cellulite treatments are needed. Ask these questions at the clinics you look at - you need to know just how much money you're going to need to maintain the effects. 

Take a look at my anti aging treatment checklist to help you choose a good physician and take your time before committing your cash.

And stay realistic.  Even the best cellulite treatment won't banish your cellulite completely and certainly not in time for this summer's swimsuit appearance.  Choose wisely though and next summer could be different!

Share This