What To Do Know About Cellulite Reduction Treatment

Before having cellulite reduction treatment, understand exactly what is being offered. Treatments vary considerably in invasiveness, evidence, potential results and side effects, and cellulite itself is a normal cosmetic concern rather than a disease that must be treated.

Know What The Treatment Can Achieve

The American Academy of Dermatology explains that some treatments can make cellulite less noticeable, but evidence varies between procedures. It also stresses that cellulite and body fat are different.

For example, liposuction can remove fat but is not recommended specifically for eliminating cellulite and may make dimpling more noticeable in some circumstances. Cryolipolysis can reduce certain areas of unwanted fat but is not considered a treatment that removes cellulite.

Be cautious when a treatment is marketed primarily as “fat removal” but you are seeking improvement in cellulite texture.

Understand The Risks

Potential side effects depend on the procedure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists possible complications of certain energy-based body-contouring procedures including:

• Pain or discomfort
• Redness and swelling
• Bruising
• Blisters or burns
• Nodules
• Changes in skin colour
• Scarring

Minimally invasive procedures have their own risks and recovery requirements, which should be explained during consultation.

Check Before Booking

Ask the provider:

• What is the exact treatment and device name?
• Is it specifically intended for cellulite?
• What evidence supports it?
• Who will perform the procedure?
• What qualifications do they hold?
• What complications are possible?
• What happens if you are unhappy with the result?
• How long are results expected to last?

Also tell the practitioner about relevant medical conditions, medicines and implanted devices.

Regulatory terminology differs by country. A device that is FDA-cleared or otherwise permitted for marketing in the United States does not automatically have equivalent regulatory status in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or another country. Check with your national regulator and applicable professional-registration system.

Finally, approach guarantees of complete or permanent cellulite removal cautiously. The FDA states that body-contouring procedures may not produce the desired effect and that results from non-invasive procedures may be temporary.

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration; American Academy of Dermatology; FDA medical-device classification database.