Liposuction: A Cure for Cellulite

Liposuction: A Cure for Cellulite?

Most of us already recognize the impact liposuction can have on our bodies and minds:

  • Slimming areas plagued by stubborn fat deposits
  • Giving our self-esteem a well-deserved boost
  • Putting our bodies into overall better balance

What’s new, however, is the notion that liposuction may be considered a potential cure for cellulite – and that’s piqued our interest. Can you imagine…a cure for cellulite? The thought alone makes this a topic worth looking into.

So, get ready to dig in and find out more about this topic along with us. First, we’ll tell you how liposuction affects cellulite. Then, we’ll review a few “cure”-related findings and theories to help you put them in perspective.

Lastly, we’ll recap your options in liposuction and talk about avoiding cellulite altogether.

How Liposuction Affects Cellulite

One of the world’s most popular plastic surgery procedures, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons says liposuction (or lipoplasty) slims and reshapes “specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image”.

Whether performed alone or alongside other, complementing procedures (ex: breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc.), it can offer real benefits. A few of those benefits which target fat and are directly related to cellulite include:

  • Safe, effective removal of fatty tissue
  • Reduced amounts of cellulite stored in the body
  • Improved overall appearance of areas affected by cellulite
  • With some techniques, a smoothing & tightening of the skin
  • Sculpting in areas which are resistant to a good diet & exercise

The ASPS defines “cellulite” as a common condition which appears as dimpling of the skin – most often along women’s hips and thighs. Additionally, the ASPS, says “there are a number of different ways to treat cellulite, (but) there is no sure-fire cure”.

Why? Because cellulite may be caused by many factors. Believe it or not, skin thickness and your body’s own hormone levels are among them. While we won’t explore causes here, we will tell you about treatment options which are said to “cure” cellulite.

Note, also, that new techniques and technologies are developed all the time. When you meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss eligibility, get a handle on liposuction cost and review liposuction before and after photos, ask about new procedures.

Liposuction & Cellulite: Findings – Fact vs. Fiction

As we hinted at in the list above, some cellulite-removal techniques have been shown to leave patients with skin that’s both smoother and tighter in texture. Laser light, heat and ultrasound waves achieve that by boosting collagen production and muscle contraction.

But, is that sufficient reason to consider them a “cure” for cellulite? The one method which may be considered the most serious contender in this debate appears to be Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) treatment.

Recently, the London area’s UK Health Centre stated that after UAL treatment patients:

  • Showed reductions in cellulite levels
  • Had skin that appeared tighter & firmer
  • Had skin that appeared to be more elastic

They also called UAL the best option for patients seeking the removal of large amounts of fatty tissue. Though, as the ASPS stresses, it’s faulty to label liposuction as a weight-loss method. It’s designed, in fact, designed to slim and reshape the body only.

Another proposed treatment for cellulite worth mentioning is mesotherapy – in which a blend of natural extracts, homeopathic agents, pharmaceuticals and vitamins are injected below the skin’s surface multiple times. The blend is said to:

  • Eliminate cellulite
  • Promote weight loss
  • Treat aging &/or sagging skin

It’s said to achieve that by making cells more active and flushing fat (stored within cellulite) from the body. It may improve circulation and smooth the skin’s surface by addressing issues related to connective tissue.

Since it’s non-surgical, the ASPS does not endorsed it and the FDA is said to have little control over the practice. Even the American Society for Dermatological Surgery suggests additional study before it’s widely accepted.

Your Liposuction Options

So, what’s anyone looking to shed cellulite do? At the moment, turn to a board-certified plastic surgeon for advice and relying on time-tested, fat-removal procedures to get one step closer to your goal.

As a quick refresher, here is a list of common liposuction options and their descriptions:

UAL (Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction) – Ultrasound energy and sound waves stimulate fat cells to liquefy them prior to extraction; results can be smoother with less impact

TCAL (Twin Cannula Assisted Liposuction) – This 2-in-1 method helps speed up liposuction and may make it easier to perform, often with less scarring and/or burning

SAL (Suction Assisted Liposuction) – This is the traditional cannula & vacuum method

PAL (Power Assisted Liposuction) – A fast-moving, vibrating mechanical cannula is used to extract fat; incisions are small and results may be more targeted

Laser-Assisted Liposuction – Fat is melted using concentrated beams of laser light which break down fatty tissue; bleeding, bruising and inflammation may be minimized

Tumescent Liposuction – This fluid-injection method helps blood vessels contract as fat is removed with a cannula and may lead to less blood loss or bruising (ex: SmartLipo®)

Avoiding Cellulite Altogether

Whether or not liposuction will ever be a cure for cellulite, it can offer many benefits. By removing fat in virtually any area of your body, it makes a better-looking body more attainable. And there are things you can do to avoid cellulite altogether.

What are they?

  • Eat a well-balanced diet that’s low in fat
  • Use your increased mobility to exercise more
  • Smoke, drink & eat less to encourage skin elasticity
  • Do weight-bearing exercise to build fat-burning muscle
  • View your post-lipo look as incentive to stick to a healthy routine

Lastly, choose the liposuction procedure that’s right for you. Find out about its risk, benefits and more by using our FREE Surgeon Finder to locate a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. Get the information you truly want and need today!

Get A Quote
Get A Quote

Accessibility Toolbar