Brazilian dermatologist Doris Hexsel, my friend and colleague, has classified cellulite into four different stages:
- At Stage 0, the skin's surface is not altered.
- At Stage I, skin is smooth when the individual is standing or lying down, but some cellulite appears if the skin is pinched.
- At Stage II, skin appears dimpled without any pinching or manipulation.
- At Stage III, skin appears both dimpled and raised in some areas.
That's all fine and good, you might be thinking, but what can I do about it? Understanding the degree of cellulite you are experiencing is an important first step in considering your treatment options.
At Stage I, for example, you might limit your intervention to topical creams. Shop carefully, though - the only creams that I have found to be effective are those that contain caffeine or theophylline.
At Stage II, if you are bothered by the appearance of cellulite, you might start to consider some of the non-invasive professional treatments that have recently been approved by the FDA:
- Endermologie uses a combination of rollers and suction to smooth dimpled problem areas.
- VelaSmooth uses a combination of radio frequency, infrared light, and tissue manipulation to smooth skin.
Both of these treatments work best in healthy, active people and require as many as 14 initial treatments, with less frequent follow-ups thereafter.
Dermatologists are also investigating the effectiveness of a minimally invasive dermal stimulator called Sculptra in treating cellulite. It works by thickening the skin in dimpled areas, making cellulite appear less noticeable, and after several injections can last for up to two years. I have tried this treatment in many patients, however, and it does not work for everyone.
Surgical intervention is an option in the treatment of cellulite, although doctors generally agree that it is only suited to the most pronounced, Stage III cases. Cellulite occurs when fat cells bulge around fibrous connective tissue. During an outpatient surgical procedure, a doctor can break up that connective tissue, allowing for more even distribution of fat.
And finally, there's the most traditional approach: Exercising regularly (I find a combo of cardio and weight-training helps) and remembering that we're all in the same boat!
Wishing you great skin!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dr. Baumann is author of the best-selling book, " The Skin Type Solution." To learn more about her revolutionary skin typing system, visit her Web site, SkinTypeSolutions.com.
All of Dr. Baumann's recommended skin care products are available online, and a portion of proceeds goes to The Dermatology Foundation.
You can sign up for Dr. Baumann's newsletter.
Visit Dr. Baumann's online forum and join thousands of other people who share your skin type.