Regrettably, most of us (women that is) have it to one degree or another. According to statistics, and this is
really shocking, cellulite shows up on the thighs of more than 85% of females past the age of eighteen
regardless of ancestry, although it is more common for Caucasian and Asian women. To make matters
worse, for women, cellulite represents stored, hard to metabolize fat that is interdependent on estrogen.
Ironically, weight isn’t part of the problem. Rather, any amount of fat (and we all need some of it in our
bodies) can show up as cellulite on women’s thighs. Despite being a completely benign condition, much like wrinkles, cellulite is a major beauty concern of
women worldwide with corresponding myths and deceptions taking the place of fact and reason. This
means the cosmetics industry and lots of doctors and estheticians want to sell you products or provide
treatments (particularly expensive ones) claiming to slim, trim, tone, and de-bump your thighs.
Everything from loofahs, miracle ingredients, special washcloths, herbal supple-ments, vitamins, minerals,
bath liquids, rubberized pants, brushes, rollers, body wraps, and toning lotions to electrical muscle
stimulation, vibrating machines, inflatable hip-high pressurized boots, hormone or enzyme injections, and
massage have been claimed to be successful cellulite treatments. Yet, as the anti-cellulite market increases,
research regarding efficacy remains at a bare minimum and is often obscured by self-serving studies
from those who peddle these cures. Sadly, the lure of these supposed remedies is hard to fend off because
fighting cellulite is an uphill battle. For lots of women the mere hope or illusion that something may work
is a powerful temptation, and that weakness is something the cosmetics industry counts on and exploits to
the max.
Myth Busting
Trying to navigate and smooth out cellulite fact from fiction isn't easy but there is a small amount of good
news: there are options that may make a difference. The bad news, is that even the treatments that have
some potential of working (and I say potential of working very carefully) rarely live up to the claims
asserted, but improvement as opposed to merely wasting your money is definitely a turn for the better. A
great way to start is to straighten out some popular myths about cellulite:
Men don't get cellulite : To some extent that's true. Physiologically, women are far more prone to
accumulating fat on the thighs and hips while men gain weight in the abdominal area. Plus, for women,
the connective tissue beneath the skin has more stretch and is vulnerable to disruption, which is the
perfect environment for developing cellulite. Some men do get cellulite—just statistically not as much as
women.
Drinking water helps : If water could change skin structure and reduce fat I assure you no one would have
cellulite, or would be overweight for that matter. Drinking water probably is beneficial (although there is
really no research showing how much is healthy versus unhealthy) but there is no research showing water
consumption will impact fat anywhere on your body, let alone the dimples on your thighs.
Arguments for high water intake are generally based on the assumption that because our bodies consist
mostly of wa-ter (50-70% of body weight, about forty-two liters) and our blood, muscles, brain, and bones
are made up mainly of wa-ter (85%, 80%, 75%, and 25%, respectively), we therefore need at least eight 8-
ounce glasses of water each day. But assumptions aren't science and this one is a non-sequitur; it is
similar to arguing that since our cars run on gasoline, they always need a full tank to run efficiently.
Water retention causes cellulite : It's ironic that low water intake is considered a possible cause of
cellulite, and the polar opposite—retaining too much water—is thought to be a factor as well. There is lots
of speculation of how water retention can affect cellulite but there is no actual research supporting this
notion. Further, fat cells actually contain only about 10% water, so claiming to eliminate excess water
won't make a difference and any measurable result would be transient at best. It is true that water
retention can make you look bloated and feel like you've gained weight, but water itself doesn't impact fat
or the appearance of cellulite.
Eating a specialized diet can help : A healthy diet that encourages weight loss may help your entire body
look better. How-ever, because weight in and of itself is not a cause of cellulite, dieting won't change the
skin structure of your thighs, which causes the dimpled contours to show. For some people cellulite is
made worse by the accumulation of extra fat. In those cases, weight reduction may decrease the total area
and depth of cellulite.
Cellulite is different from fat on the rest of the body: Theories abound about how cellulite differs from
regular body fat. However, few studies show how cellulite clumps differently than other fat on your body.
But overall, most researchers feel cellulite is just fat, plain and simple. Besides, even if cellulite is
different in how it congregates, what you can and can't do about fat on any part of the body remains the
same.
Exercise can help : Exercise helps almost every system in the human body, but it won't necessarily impact
the appearance of cellulite. Exercise doesn't improve skin structure and it can't affect localized areas of
fat. In other words, you can't spot reduce fat accumulation in a specific area.
Detoxifying the body reduces the appearance of cellulite : Detoxifying the body for consumers has taken on
the meaning of purging it of pollutants or any other problem substances in the environment or in the
foods we eat. In terms of the way this concept has been mass marketed, there is little research showing
credible efficacy as to whether or not detoxification of the body is even possible. However, "detoxifying"
the body as it is used in the scientific community describes the process of reducing cellular damage
primarily by antioxidants or enzymes that prevent certain abnormal or undesirable cell func-tions from
taking place. There is no doubt this is helpful for the body. Whether or not this reduces cellulite is
completely unknown because skin structure and fat accumulation are not caused by toxins in the
environment. Furthermore, there are no studies showing toxins of any kind prevent fat from being
broken down.
What We Do Know
There are three leading theories about cellulite formation:
1. Women have unique skin structure on their thighs, which causes cellulite to easily form.
2. The connective tissue layers on the thigh are too weak or thin to maintain a smooth appearance—
allowing fat contour to show through.
3. Vascular changes and possible inflammatory conditions may be to blame.
Most cellulite products come in the form of lotions and creams with a vast array of either exotic-sounding
or lab-synthesized ingredients. Beyond topical products there are devices such as endermologie and
microdermabrasion, medical treatments such as lasers and mesotherapy (a procedure involving repeated
injections, which is claimed to break down fat).
Lotions, Creams & Extracts Galore
As far as skin-care products for the body are concerned, the litany of options is mesmerizing. Yet there is
almost no uniformity between formulas. It would appear, if the claims are to be believed, a wide variety
of unrelated plant extracts can deflate or break down fat and/or restructure skin. Looking at the research,
however, most articles suggest there is little hope that anything rubbed on the skin can change fat deposits
or radically improve the appearance of cellulite.
The hope that botanicals have the answer is odd because not one study points to what concentration of an
ingredient needs to be in a formulation, what physiochemical characteristics particular to each active
ingredient need to be present, or whether or not these ingredients retain any standardized properties
between batches.
A Bevy of Anti-Cellulite Ingredients
From aminophylline to Visnaga vera extract , cosmetics companies will claim that just about anything can
treat cellulite! Our Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary is a rich resource of research-driven ingredient
defnitions to help you understand if that fancy-sounding exotic ingredient can really do what the label
claims.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a procedure, which has been claimed to dissolve fat from the repeated injection (and I
mean lots and lots of injections) of various substances into the fat layers of skin. Mesotherapy actually got
its start 50 years ago in France through the work of a physician who was trying to find a cure for
deafness. From there it gained notoriety in the United States after singer Roberta Flack appeared on
ABC's 20/20 claiming mesotherapy helped her lose 40 pounds (although she said she also dieted and
exercised, what stood out for lots of people was the part that didn't involve diet and exercise).
Some of the substances being injected are homeopathic and some are pharmaceutical. Strangely, there
isn't necessarily any consistency, and the cocktail of ingredients can vary from practitioner to
practitioner. The fact that the material being injected isn't consistent and not everyone discloses exactly
what they are using makes this treatment very hard to evaluate. The most typically used substance in
mesotherapy is phosphatidylcholine, but it can also be combined with deoxy-cholate. A handful of studies
have shown that this can successfully reduce fat when injected into the skin, with one study demonstrating
this for the undereye area. Theoretically, the reduction of subcutaneous fat may be caused by
inflammatory-mediated cell death and resorption.
However, mesotherapy isn't without risk. One study explained, "Side effects included burning, erythema,
and swelling at the injection site. At follow-up averaging 9 months, 50% of patients reported persistence
of benefit, 20% experienced some fading, and 30% [received no benefit at all]." It also concluded that
"Larger studies evaluating long-term safety and efficacy of phosphatidylcholine for cosmetic purposes are
warranted." Another study states, "Until further studies are performed, patients considering mesotherapy
for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically
disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy."
Finding out if this would work for you isn't inexpensive. Mesotherapy costs $300-$500 for each treatment
and about ten to fifteen sessions are recommended, so it ends up being more expensive than liposuction.
Endermologie
Searching on the Internet, you would think endermologie was nothing less than a cure for cellulite.
Physicians, spas, salons, and just about anybody else with the money to buy one of these machines want
you to believe in their exaggerated, over-the-top claims. Developed in France in the 1980s, the FDA
approved this high-powered, handheld massage tool in 1998. It consists of two motorized rollers with a
suction device that is moved over the skin, somewhat like a mix between an old-time, wet-clothes ringer
and a vacuum cleaner. (By the way, European women are confounded by cellulite, too, even though they
tend not to have the weight problems Americans do. But remember, weight and cellulite are not directly
related.)
While claims abound, legally those advertising endermologie treatment are only permitted to promote it
for "temporarily im-proving the appearance of cellulite." Of course, somehow the word "temporarily"
never is seen in the ads or Web sites pro-moting this device. Finding out if this works is time consuming
and pricy. Anywhere from ten to twenty treatments are recommended plus one or two maintenance visits
per month are required to preserve any results. There is no typical cost, and depending on where you go,
prices can range from $75 to $200 per session.
Attempting to portray endermologie as a serious effective treatment for cellulite, it is often presented as
being FDA-approved as a Class I Medical Device and therefore approved by the FDA for its intended
purpose. While endermologie machines are indeed Class 1 Medical Devices, this has no meaning in terms
of efficacy. Class I status is a designation indicating there is "minimal potential for harm to the user." No
other aspect of the machine is approved or sanctioned by the FDA. According to the FDA, "Class 1 Medical
Devices are subject to the least regulatory control … Foreign establishments … are not [even] required to
register their product with the FDA…. Examples of Class I devices include elastic bandages, examination
gloves, and hand-held surgical instruments." The FDA attributes no efficacy value to endermologie
machines. Whether or not these devices are harmful depends on how they are operated, meaning how
aggressively they're used.
Despite the FDA's lack of recognition (and some warning letters admonishing those making false claims)
you will often see lists of "studies" claiming to prove endermologie's effectiveness. Yet, some of these
"studies" were neither published nor peer-reviewed. Rather, they were lectures presented worldwide at
various medical conferences. These types of presentations are not studies. The information presented is
one sided, and more often than not, paid for by the company that owns the device with the presenter
receiving financial compensation for the endorsement. Such presentations are not held to the same
scientific standard as published, peer-reviewed research. What you will certainly not see listed are the
published studies indicating that endermologie doesn't work.
Regardless of conflicting evidence, endermologie and similar machines, such as ESC's Silhouette SilkLight
Subdermal Tissue Massage System, are here to stay. It is an easy procedure to offer clients and, for the
most part, it seems to make women happy. Whether or not this is psychological doesn't seem to matter. In
the long run, complications are few and far between, so the only real downside is the potential waste of
money, which doesn't stop those in the pursuit of perfection.
Non-Ablative Lasers & Light Systems
Lasers may very well be the next generation in the world of cellulite therapies, but a lot more research is
needed before this evolving treatment proves itself to be effective and worth the money. Ever since the
FDA approved TriActive Laserdermology (Cynosure Inc, Chelmsford, MA) as a Class II medical device that
"temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite," lots of companies have wanted in on the action.
TriActive combines a diode laser (at a wavelength of 810 nanometers) with localized cooling, suction, and
mechanical massage (sort of a cross between a laser and an endermologie machine). Treatment protocol
varies, but generally the process is three times a week for two weeks and then biweekly treatments for
five weeks. A Class II medical device status indicates this laser can be sold and used without physician
supervision, which means a growing number of salons and spas are advertising its success and changing
the FDA classification of "temporarily reduces" to a more alluring "reduces" cellulite.
Another device approved by the FDA is the VelaSmooth system (Syneron Inc, Richmond Hill, Ontario,
Canada). It combines near infrared light at a wavelength of 700 nanometers, continuous wave
radiofrequency, and mechanical suction. Twice-weekly treatments for a total of eight to ten sessions have
been recommended. One of the only studies demonstrating this machine's efficacy included twenty
women, and eighteen of the twenty personally thought they saw improvement. Yet the actual
measurements only showed a 0.3-inch reduction in thigh circumference. Hardly sweeping results by any
standard, making it clear that larger-scale studies are needed, especially before you decide to spend
$1,000 or more to see if these kind of machines can get you what you want, namely smoother thighs, not a
lighter wallet.
Electrical Muscle Stimulators (EMS) & Iontophoresis Devices
According to quackwatch.com , "Muscle stimulators are a legitimate medical device approved for certain
conditions—to relax muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, prevent blood clots, and rehabilitate
muscle function after a stroke. But many health spas and figure salons claim that muscle stimulators can
remove wrinkles, perform face lifts, reduce breast size, reduce a 'beer belly,' and remove cellulite.
Iontophoresis devices are prescription devices that use direct electric current to introduce ions of soluble
salts (i.e., medications) into body tissues for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. The FDA considers
promotion of muscle stimulators or iontophoresis devices for any type of body shaping or contouring to be
fraudulent."
Body Wrapping
Many salons and spas offer a cellulite/weight- loss service where the body is tightly wrapped or dressed in
special garments with or without a "specialty" cream or lotion applied first. Promising to take inches off
your body, the cost for these treatments range from $65 to $500 depending on the salon and if the
clientele is elite enough to warrant the steep price. Scientific-sounding information makes this process
seem legitimate, but in the long run all it is doing is temporarily compressing your skin (you could
probably do this yourself with plastic wrap), which will then return to its original shape in a matter of
time, how much time depends on your skin's response. Impressive results often are delivered after
measuring several parts of the body and adding up small incremental changes, which in total, end up
sounding far more impressive than it really is.
Infomercials, Internet sites, and some multilevel marketing companies sell at-home systems claiming to
eliminate toxins and squeeze water-logged fatty tissue dry. You can't squeeze toxins out of a cell. While
you may be able to squeeze water out of a cell that same pressure would concurrently injure other cells,
which isn't good for your skin. Plus, the water content would return to whatever level is natural for the
body fairly soon due to homeostasis. All in all, there is no research whatsoever showing that body
wrapping does anything positive and it will not get rid of fat or cellulite.
Skin Patches
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it "…has continued its attack on bogus weight-loss
claims by suing a diet patch manufacturer and a retailer that marketed the patch directly to Spanish-
speaking consumers. In two separate federal court actions, the FTC charged that the patch manufacturer,
Transdermal Products International Marketing Corporation, and the retailer, SG Institute of Health &
Education, Inc., falsely claimed that the skin patch causes substantial weight loss. The FTC complaints in
both cases also challenged false claims that the patch or its main ingredient, sea kelp, has been approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FTC further alleged that Transdermal Products provided
retailers with deceptive marketing materials that could be used to mislead consumers."
The defendants in both cases allegedly used one or more of the seven bogus weight-loss claims that are
part of the FTC's 'Red Flag' education campaign announced in December 2003." The ongoing Red Flag
campaign provides guidance to assist media outlets and others in spotting false claims in weight-loss ads.
According to the FTC, one of the most common false weight-loss claims is that diet patches, topical creams
and gels, body wraps, and other products worn on the body or rubbed into the skin can cause substantial
weight-loss.
Liposuction
Liposuction has been used to reshape and reduce the appearance of accumulated fat layers and cellulite.
However, the primary function of this procedure is to remove fat in localized areas, not cellulite. In cases
where liposuction involves the removal of large quantities of stored fat, it can sometimes worsen the
appearance of cellulite by creating unsupported and slackened skin, which will allow any remaining fat
(and some always remains) to show through.
Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, October 2004, page 49; Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages
866-872; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, December 2004, pages 181-185; Journal of Applied
Physiology, April 2002, pages 1611–1618; and Skin Research and Technology, May 2, 2002, pages 118-124;
Journal of Cosmetic Science, November 2005, pages 379-393; Journal of Cosmetic Science, March-April
2005, pages 105-120; Clinical Dermatology, July-August 2004, pages 303-309; http://
www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/cellulite.html ; British Journal of Plastic Surgery, April
2004, pages 222-227; Journal of Endotoxin Research, April 2005, pages 69-84 and Journal of Biochemistry;
Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, December 2005, pages 147-154; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report, November 2005, pages 1127-1130; http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf3/k030876.pdf; Securities and
Exchange Commission Information, http://www.secinfo.com/dsvRx.z4y6.htm; Journal of Cosmetic and
Laser Therapy, June 2005, pages 81-85.
really shocking, cellulite shows up on the thighs of more than 85% of females past the age of eighteen
regardless of ancestry, although it is more common for Caucasian and Asian women. To make matters
worse, for women, cellulite represents stored, hard to metabolize fat that is interdependent on estrogen.
Ironically, weight isn’t part of the problem. Rather, any amount of fat (and we all need some of it in our
bodies) can show up as cellulite on women’s thighs. Despite being a completely benign condition, much like wrinkles, cellulite is a major beauty concern of
women worldwide with corresponding myths and deceptions taking the place of fact and reason. This
means the cosmetics industry and lots of doctors and estheticians want to sell you products or provide
treatments (particularly expensive ones) claiming to slim, trim, tone, and de-bump your thighs.
Everything from loofahs, miracle ingredients, special washcloths, herbal supple-ments, vitamins, minerals,
bath liquids, rubberized pants, brushes, rollers, body wraps, and toning lotions to electrical muscle
stimulation, vibrating machines, inflatable hip-high pressurized boots, hormone or enzyme injections, and
massage have been claimed to be successful cellulite treatments. Yet, as the anti-cellulite market increases,
research regarding efficacy remains at a bare minimum and is often obscured by self-serving studies
from those who peddle these cures. Sadly, the lure of these supposed remedies is hard to fend off because
fighting cellulite is an uphill battle. For lots of women the mere hope or illusion that something may work
is a powerful temptation, and that weakness is something the cosmetics industry counts on and exploits to
the max.
Myth Busting
Trying to navigate and smooth out cellulite fact from fiction isn't easy but there is a small amount of good
news: there are options that may make a difference. The bad news, is that even the treatments that have
some potential of working (and I say potential of working very carefully) rarely live up to the claims
asserted, but improvement as opposed to merely wasting your money is definitely a turn for the better. A
great way to start is to straighten out some popular myths about cellulite:
Men don't get cellulite : To some extent that's true. Physiologically, women are far more prone to
accumulating fat on the thighs and hips while men gain weight in the abdominal area. Plus, for women,
the connective tissue beneath the skin has more stretch and is vulnerable to disruption, which is the
perfect environment for developing cellulite. Some men do get cellulite—just statistically not as much as
women.
Drinking water helps : If water could change skin structure and reduce fat I assure you no one would have
cellulite, or would be overweight for that matter. Drinking water probably is beneficial (although there is
really no research showing how much is healthy versus unhealthy) but there is no research showing water
consumption will impact fat anywhere on your body, let alone the dimples on your thighs.
Arguments for high water intake are generally based on the assumption that because our bodies consist
mostly of wa-ter (50-70% of body weight, about forty-two liters) and our blood, muscles, brain, and bones
are made up mainly of wa-ter (85%, 80%, 75%, and 25%, respectively), we therefore need at least eight 8-
ounce glasses of water each day. But assumptions aren't science and this one is a non-sequitur; it is
similar to arguing that since our cars run on gasoline, they always need a full tank to run efficiently.
Water retention causes cellulite : It's ironic that low water intake is considered a possible cause of
cellulite, and the polar opposite—retaining too much water—is thought to be a factor as well. There is lots
of speculation of how water retention can affect cellulite but there is no actual research supporting this
notion. Further, fat cells actually contain only about 10% water, so claiming to eliminate excess water
won't make a difference and any measurable result would be transient at best. It is true that water
retention can make you look bloated and feel like you've gained weight, but water itself doesn't impact fat
or the appearance of cellulite.
Eating a specialized diet can help : A healthy diet that encourages weight loss may help your entire body
look better. How-ever, because weight in and of itself is not a cause of cellulite, dieting won't change the
skin structure of your thighs, which causes the dimpled contours to show. For some people cellulite is
made worse by the accumulation of extra fat. In those cases, weight reduction may decrease the total area
and depth of cellulite.
Cellulite is different from fat on the rest of the body: Theories abound about how cellulite differs from
regular body fat. However, few studies show how cellulite clumps differently than other fat on your body.
But overall, most researchers feel cellulite is just fat, plain and simple. Besides, even if cellulite is
different in how it congregates, what you can and can't do about fat on any part of the body remains the
same.
Exercise can help : Exercise helps almost every system in the human body, but it won't necessarily impact
the appearance of cellulite. Exercise doesn't improve skin structure and it can't affect localized areas of
fat. In other words, you can't spot reduce fat accumulation in a specific area.
Detoxifying the body reduces the appearance of cellulite : Detoxifying the body for consumers has taken on
the meaning of purging it of pollutants or any other problem substances in the environment or in the
foods we eat. In terms of the way this concept has been mass marketed, there is little research showing
credible efficacy as to whether or not detoxification of the body is even possible. However, "detoxifying"
the body as it is used in the scientific community describes the process of reducing cellular damage
primarily by antioxidants or enzymes that prevent certain abnormal or undesirable cell func-tions from
taking place. There is no doubt this is helpful for the body. Whether or not this reduces cellulite is
completely unknown because skin structure and fat accumulation are not caused by toxins in the
environment. Furthermore, there are no studies showing toxins of any kind prevent fat from being
broken down.
What We Do Know
There are three leading theories about cellulite formation:
1. Women have unique skin structure on their thighs, which causes cellulite to easily form.
2. The connective tissue layers on the thigh are too weak or thin to maintain a smooth appearance—
allowing fat contour to show through.
3. Vascular changes and possible inflammatory conditions may be to blame.
Most cellulite products come in the form of lotions and creams with a vast array of either exotic-sounding
or lab-synthesized ingredients. Beyond topical products there are devices such as endermologie and
microdermabrasion, medical treatments such as lasers and mesotherapy (a procedure involving repeated
injections, which is claimed to break down fat).
Lotions, Creams & Extracts Galore
As far as skin-care products for the body are concerned, the litany of options is mesmerizing. Yet there is
almost no uniformity between formulas. It would appear, if the claims are to be believed, a wide variety
of unrelated plant extracts can deflate or break down fat and/or restructure skin. Looking at the research,
however, most articles suggest there is little hope that anything rubbed on the skin can change fat deposits
or radically improve the appearance of cellulite.
The hope that botanicals have the answer is odd because not one study points to what concentration of an
ingredient needs to be in a formulation, what physiochemical characteristics particular to each active
ingredient need to be present, or whether or not these ingredients retain any standardized properties
between batches.
A Bevy of Anti-Cellulite Ingredients
From aminophylline to Visnaga vera extract , cosmetics companies will claim that just about anything can
treat cellulite! Our Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary is a rich resource of research-driven ingredient
defnitions to help you understand if that fancy-sounding exotic ingredient can really do what the label
claims.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a procedure, which has been claimed to dissolve fat from the repeated injection (and I
mean lots and lots of injections) of various substances into the fat layers of skin. Mesotherapy actually got
its start 50 years ago in France through the work of a physician who was trying to find a cure for
deafness. From there it gained notoriety in the United States after singer Roberta Flack appeared on
ABC's 20/20 claiming mesotherapy helped her lose 40 pounds (although she said she also dieted and
exercised, what stood out for lots of people was the part that didn't involve diet and exercise).
Some of the substances being injected are homeopathic and some are pharmaceutical. Strangely, there
isn't necessarily any consistency, and the cocktail of ingredients can vary from practitioner to
practitioner. The fact that the material being injected isn't consistent and not everyone discloses exactly
what they are using makes this treatment very hard to evaluate. The most typically used substance in
mesotherapy is phosphatidylcholine, but it can also be combined with deoxy-cholate. A handful of studies
have shown that this can successfully reduce fat when injected into the skin, with one study demonstrating
this for the undereye area. Theoretically, the reduction of subcutaneous fat may be caused by
inflammatory-mediated cell death and resorption.
However, mesotherapy isn't without risk. One study explained, "Side effects included burning, erythema,
and swelling at the injection site. At follow-up averaging 9 months, 50% of patients reported persistence
of benefit, 20% experienced some fading, and 30% [received no benefit at all]." It also concluded that
"Larger studies evaluating long-term safety and efficacy of phosphatidylcholine for cosmetic purposes are
warranted." Another study states, "Until further studies are performed, patients considering mesotherapy
for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically
disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy."
Finding out if this would work for you isn't inexpensive. Mesotherapy costs $300-$500 for each treatment
and about ten to fifteen sessions are recommended, so it ends up being more expensive than liposuction.
Endermologie
Searching on the Internet, you would think endermologie was nothing less than a cure for cellulite.
Physicians, spas, salons, and just about anybody else with the money to buy one of these machines want
you to believe in their exaggerated, over-the-top claims. Developed in France in the 1980s, the FDA
approved this high-powered, handheld massage tool in 1998. It consists of two motorized rollers with a
suction device that is moved over the skin, somewhat like a mix between an old-time, wet-clothes ringer
and a vacuum cleaner. (By the way, European women are confounded by cellulite, too, even though they
tend not to have the weight problems Americans do. But remember, weight and cellulite are not directly
related.)
While claims abound, legally those advertising endermologie treatment are only permitted to promote it
for "temporarily im-proving the appearance of cellulite." Of course, somehow the word "temporarily"
never is seen in the ads or Web sites pro-moting this device. Finding out if this works is time consuming
and pricy. Anywhere from ten to twenty treatments are recommended plus one or two maintenance visits
per month are required to preserve any results. There is no typical cost, and depending on where you go,
prices can range from $75 to $200 per session.
Attempting to portray endermologie as a serious effective treatment for cellulite, it is often presented as
being FDA-approved as a Class I Medical Device and therefore approved by the FDA for its intended
purpose. While endermologie machines are indeed Class 1 Medical Devices, this has no meaning in terms
of efficacy. Class I status is a designation indicating there is "minimal potential for harm to the user." No
other aspect of the machine is approved or sanctioned by the FDA. According to the FDA, "Class 1 Medical
Devices are subject to the least regulatory control … Foreign establishments … are not [even] required to
register their product with the FDA…. Examples of Class I devices include elastic bandages, examination
gloves, and hand-held surgical instruments." The FDA attributes no efficacy value to endermologie
machines. Whether or not these devices are harmful depends on how they are operated, meaning how
aggressively they're used.
Despite the FDA's lack of recognition (and some warning letters admonishing those making false claims)
you will often see lists of "studies" claiming to prove endermologie's effectiveness. Yet, some of these
"studies" were neither published nor peer-reviewed. Rather, they were lectures presented worldwide at
various medical conferences. These types of presentations are not studies. The information presented is
one sided, and more often than not, paid for by the company that owns the device with the presenter
receiving financial compensation for the endorsement. Such presentations are not held to the same
scientific standard as published, peer-reviewed research. What you will certainly not see listed are the
published studies indicating that endermologie doesn't work.
Regardless of conflicting evidence, endermologie and similar machines, such as ESC's Silhouette SilkLight
Subdermal Tissue Massage System, are here to stay. It is an easy procedure to offer clients and, for the
most part, it seems to make women happy. Whether or not this is psychological doesn't seem to matter. In
the long run, complications are few and far between, so the only real downside is the potential waste of
money, which doesn't stop those in the pursuit of perfection.
Non-Ablative Lasers & Light Systems
Lasers may very well be the next generation in the world of cellulite therapies, but a lot more research is
needed before this evolving treatment proves itself to be effective and worth the money. Ever since the
FDA approved TriActive Laserdermology (Cynosure Inc, Chelmsford, MA) as a Class II medical device that
"temporarily reduces the appearance of cellulite," lots of companies have wanted in on the action.
TriActive combines a diode laser (at a wavelength of 810 nanometers) with localized cooling, suction, and
mechanical massage (sort of a cross between a laser and an endermologie machine). Treatment protocol
varies, but generally the process is three times a week for two weeks and then biweekly treatments for
five weeks. A Class II medical device status indicates this laser can be sold and used without physician
supervision, which means a growing number of salons and spas are advertising its success and changing
the FDA classification of "temporarily reduces" to a more alluring "reduces" cellulite.
Another device approved by the FDA is the VelaSmooth system (Syneron Inc, Richmond Hill, Ontario,
Canada). It combines near infrared light at a wavelength of 700 nanometers, continuous wave
radiofrequency, and mechanical suction. Twice-weekly treatments for a total of eight to ten sessions have
been recommended. One of the only studies demonstrating this machine's efficacy included twenty
women, and eighteen of the twenty personally thought they saw improvement. Yet the actual
measurements only showed a 0.3-inch reduction in thigh circumference. Hardly sweeping results by any
standard, making it clear that larger-scale studies are needed, especially before you decide to spend
$1,000 or more to see if these kind of machines can get you what you want, namely smoother thighs, not a
lighter wallet.
Electrical Muscle Stimulators (EMS) & Iontophoresis Devices
According to quackwatch.com , "Muscle stimulators are a legitimate medical device approved for certain
conditions—to relax muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, prevent blood clots, and rehabilitate
muscle function after a stroke. But many health spas and figure salons claim that muscle stimulators can
remove wrinkles, perform face lifts, reduce breast size, reduce a 'beer belly,' and remove cellulite.
Iontophoresis devices are prescription devices that use direct electric current to introduce ions of soluble
salts (i.e., medications) into body tissues for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. The FDA considers
promotion of muscle stimulators or iontophoresis devices for any type of body shaping or contouring to be
fraudulent."
Body Wrapping
Many salons and spas offer a cellulite/weight- loss service where the body is tightly wrapped or dressed in
special garments with or without a "specialty" cream or lotion applied first. Promising to take inches off
your body, the cost for these treatments range from $65 to $500 depending on the salon and if the
clientele is elite enough to warrant the steep price. Scientific-sounding information makes this process
seem legitimate, but in the long run all it is doing is temporarily compressing your skin (you could
probably do this yourself with plastic wrap), which will then return to its original shape in a matter of
time, how much time depends on your skin's response. Impressive results often are delivered after
measuring several parts of the body and adding up small incremental changes, which in total, end up
sounding far more impressive than it really is.
Infomercials, Internet sites, and some multilevel marketing companies sell at-home systems claiming to
eliminate toxins and squeeze water-logged fatty tissue dry. You can't squeeze toxins out of a cell. While
you may be able to squeeze water out of a cell that same pressure would concurrently injure other cells,
which isn't good for your skin. Plus, the water content would return to whatever level is natural for the
body fairly soon due to homeostasis. All in all, there is no research whatsoever showing that body
wrapping does anything positive and it will not get rid of fat or cellulite.
Skin Patches
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it "…has continued its attack on bogus weight-loss
claims by suing a diet patch manufacturer and a retailer that marketed the patch directly to Spanish-
speaking consumers. In two separate federal court actions, the FTC charged that the patch manufacturer,
Transdermal Products International Marketing Corporation, and the retailer, SG Institute of Health &
Education, Inc., falsely claimed that the skin patch causes substantial weight loss. The FTC complaints in
both cases also challenged false claims that the patch or its main ingredient, sea kelp, has been approved
by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FTC further alleged that Transdermal Products provided
retailers with deceptive marketing materials that could be used to mislead consumers."
The defendants in both cases allegedly used one or more of the seven bogus weight-loss claims that are
part of the FTC's 'Red Flag' education campaign announced in December 2003." The ongoing Red Flag
campaign provides guidance to assist media outlets and others in spotting false claims in weight-loss ads.
According to the FTC, one of the most common false weight-loss claims is that diet patches, topical creams
and gels, body wraps, and other products worn on the body or rubbed into the skin can cause substantial
weight-loss.
Liposuction
Liposuction has been used to reshape and reduce the appearance of accumulated fat layers and cellulite.
However, the primary function of this procedure is to remove fat in localized areas, not cellulite. In cases
where liposuction involves the removal of large quantities of stored fat, it can sometimes worsen the
appearance of cellulite by creating unsupported and slackened skin, which will allow any remaining fat
(and some always remains) to show through.
Sources: Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, October 2004, page 49; Dermatologic Surgery, July 2005, pages
866-872; Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, December 2004, pages 181-185; Journal of Applied
Physiology, April 2002, pages 1611–1618; and Skin Research and Technology, May 2, 2002, pages 118-124;
Journal of Cosmetic Science, November 2005, pages 379-393; Journal of Cosmetic Science, March-April
2005, pages 105-120; Clinical Dermatology, July-August 2004, pages 303-309; http://
www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/cellulite.html ; British Journal of Plastic Surgery, April
2004, pages 222-227; Journal of Endotoxin Research, April 2005, pages 69-84 and Journal of Biochemistry;
Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy, December 2005, pages 147-154; Morbidity and Mortality Weekly
Report, November 2005, pages 1127-1130; http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf3/k030876.pdf; Securities and
Exchange Commission Information, http://www.secinfo.com/dsvRx.z4y6.htm; Journal of Cosmetic and
Laser Therapy, June 2005, pages 81-85.
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