The prevailing cellulite theory? When the upper layer of skin isn’t firm enough, fat pushes through and causes the dimpled effect, says New York City dermatologist Bruce Katz, MD. What’s more, poor circulation in the skin may exacerbate the problem. But there is hope for smoother legs: Techniques that stimulate circulation and collagen production produce the best results. Here, what’s new.
Topical creams
Various ingredients—including caffeine, retinoids, alpha-lipoic acid, and antioxidant vitamins—claim to firm skin, smooth out bumps, and improve circulation. Products with caffeine and retinoids seem to produce the best results. “Caffeine most likely alters the water content of the skin and helps lessen the bulging effects, but the results are temporary and stop when you stop using the cream,” Dr. Katz explains. Try Zia Natural Skincare Ultimate Body Firming Treatment ($17.95) or Bliss FatGirlSleep ($38).
TriActiv laser
This noninvasive device combines laser energy (to increase circulation) with suction and massage (to stimulate collagen growth). An initial series of 10 to 15 sessions can significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite, Dr. Katz says. It’s not a permanent solution, though, so monthly maintenance treatments are recommended. Each treatment typically costs about $125 to $150; it’s available at dermatologists’ offices and day spas.
Thermage CL
Radio-frequency energy heats the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, which, in turn, stimulates new collagen growth and helps improve the elasticity of skin. You should see progressive improvement from a single treatment over six months to a year. It requires no anesthesia; the most typical side effect is temporary redness. You’ll pay about $3,000 for the single treatment; it’s available at medical spas and laser centers.
SmartLipo
With SmartLipo, which uses local anesthesia, a laser is inserted into the skin via a small tube to melt fat and thereby eliminate cellulite. This treatment can actually result in a permanent solution, Katz notes, since it not only removes excess fat but also tightens skin by stimulating new collagen growth. One session, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, is needed; it should be performed by a derm or plastic surgeon.
By Samantha Holm
(PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES)
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Comments (4)
I think Smart Lipo’s laser must also take out veins, surrounding tissue, nerves, and anything else in it’s wake. How does it distinguish between fat and those things that need to stay? I think VASER’s high def solution is a more sound way to go, (no pun intended!) It uses ultra-sound waves which are tuned to dissolve only the fat, then sucks it out through a miniscule hole that’s barely larger than a needle, well a crochet needle, but you get the picture. I have been studying both processes, and VASER also uses heat to conform skin, so if I was to choose one over the other I’d lean to VASER.
Please, what can be done to a big, fatty, leg whereas the body is not fat?
okay
Shouldn’t the solution be to tone and tighten the skin? The more muscle you have the tighter, more toned and firm looking you are. Work out? Cardio? All of these help with circulation as well.