It goes by many names. Cottage cheese, orange peel, hail damage. But whatever you call it, cellulite has been a scourge for bikini and swimsuit wearers for years. Unfortunately, when women pile on the winter pounds, it tends to sit stubbornly on our hips, bottom and thighs … Just in time for summer. Since cellulite is a structural problem—the “cheese effect” only worsens as the pounds are added on. With age, hormones and genetics, the connective tissue that bands under the skin begins to stiffen and the fat cells they surround to become larger and push up into the skin. This creates the “cottage cheese” effect you that many of us wish we could eliminate.
But there is good news. The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a one-time treatment method called Cellulaze that helps diminish the look of cellulite. Using a very small cannula (a narrow tube that is roughly the size of a pen tip), the Cellulaze™ laser is inserted directly under the skin and a controlled laser is used to treat the affected area. The laser diminishes the lumpy pockets of fat, releases the areas of skin depression and increases the elasticity and thickness of the skin. Because the cannula is so small, Cellulaze™ is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia.
Wondering what the catch is? There are few locations within the District at offer the treatment (which will surely change in the next few months) and depending on the size being treated, the cost of the one-time only treatment can range from $5,000-7,000. In general, people do pay upwards of $10,000 for cosmetic work and other forms of surgery, but this amount may be seem like pocket change to those seeking more confidence in shorts and bathing suits.
For those looking for just a bit more confidence and not willing shed the skin pucker or the money for such a treatment, there are some at home remedies that can help reduce the appearance and provide you with the confidence to ask “Who wears short shorts?”
Steer from Salty and Sugary Snacks
In most cases, cellulite is simply part of the genes you were born with, but you can reduce their appearance with a healthy diet. This includes avoiding excessive sugar, which gets stored in fat cells and causes them to expand and try limiting your salt intake. Sodium causes fluid retention, meanwhile, which makes cellulite appear even worse.
There’s a Rub
Massages actually help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Because cellulite is comprised of fibrous connective bands between the skin and fat, the fat is pulled to the surface, causing the pocketed effect on skin. Pressure on the skin can help loosen the bands, stimulate circulation and drain excess fluids.
Drink and Be Merry
We’ve all been told to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Not many of us are walking around with liter bottles, but by increasing our water intake, we allow our bodies to flush out the toxins hidden between the fat layers which help reduce the appearence of cellulite. When we consume more water our skin appears healthy and plump … which is much better than any lump.
A Lovin’ Spoonful of Flaxseeds
By adding flaxseeds to meals and salads, you can help the appearance of your cellulite. Flaxseed boosts collagen growth, the main component of connective tissue in our skin. By strengthening this, it reduces the appearance of cellulite. Just sprinkle a couple of tablespoons daily on oatmeal, cereal and yogurt to help prevent cellulite.
