Question

Is there a way to prevent cellulite?


Asked by: Anonymous

Answers (4)

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1
November 18, 2008

You already know how to minimize cellulite, but here are a few tips

Brent Moelleken, MD
Brent Moelleken, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Cellulite has two primary causes:  fat irregularities in the superficial skin and fat in the deep tissues.

Fat in the deep tissues can be globular, since fat has irregular septations that can be broken with liposculpture techniques.  Many patients interpret fat around the thigh and buttock areas as being cellulite, when in fact it is just fat.  So some hope there.  Exercise and a healthy diet reduce fat, as does liposuction/liposculpture.

Fat in the superficial tissues causing irregularities on the surface is normal to have in the teen years and beyond, and non currently treatable.  Some patients have found temporary relief with Endermologie, probably because of the temporary swelling it causes.  Some creams may also cause temporary swelling and may minimally reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Weight loss and diet also reduce the superficial cellulite.

Lasers, superficial liposuction, radiofrequency treatments have been disappointing because of the damage they may cause to the subdermal plexus, the blood vessels below the skin that nourish the skin.  Destroying the subdermal plexus causes the skin to die or change color permanently.  It can also cause very significant irregularities that are permanent and sometimes deforming.

One thing patients can do is to keep fit.  People who have cellulite are genetically programmed to have it at a certain weight.  Some patients who are genetically "gifted" and do not exhibit cellulite despite being heavy and not exercising.  However, these patients often have the "apple" configuration with fat depositions in the abdomen, an unhealthier condition compared to their cellulite-suffering cohort.  By reducing the body fat percentage through a sustained and effective exercise program with lots of cardio, and by restricting intake of fatty and carbohydrate rich foods, patients may reduce in a meaningful way their cellulite.  This is in fact better than any treatment any doctor can offer (and cheaper and healthier as well).

2
November 20, 2007

Cellulite is a fact of life

Neil Sadick, MD
Neil Sadick, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist
Answer by Neil Sadick, MD

No, there is no way to prevent cellulite.

3
November 14, 2007

Cellulite is inevitable

Mitchel Goldman, MD
Mitchel Goldman, MD
Board Certified
Dermatologist

There is no way to prevent cellulite. Even the most fit women over 13 will have an 80% incidence of cellulite. Fortunately, there are a number of topical creams that improve the appearance in addition to a number of treatments including the Triactive, Velasmooth, Endermologie, and more.

4
August 24, 2007

Almost everyone will get cellulite at some point

David Goldberg, M.D.
David Goldberg, M.D.
Board Certified
Dermatologist

No, there isn’t any way to prevent cellulite, but I can’t stress enough that the time has come to get rid of the shame!

Nearly 85% of post-pubescent women develop cellulite, and if it bothers you or is affecting your self esteem, consult with a cosmetic dermatologist or medical professional who can help you explore treatment options.

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