- Jeffrey Viscomi | M.D.
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Is Sun Good For Cellulite? 4 Cellulite Myths
Things You Should Know About That Frustrating Cellulite
Think of cellulite dimples as rubber bands below the skin, pulling it down and allowing the surrounding skin to bulge, creating a lumpy surface. Those bands are called fibrous septae, and they tug the skin, most commonly along the hips, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.
While men can have cellulite, it’s not that common. On the other hand, between 80% and 90% of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite. The more we age, the less elasticity our skin has, which, along with gaining weight, can make cellulite more noticeable.
Thankfully, cellulite is not harmful to our bodies or health in any way, but it’s not something that everyone loves about themselves. Some prefer to hide it or try to eliminate it. If you’re trying to figure out what to do with your cellulite, knowing what’s fact and fiction is important. Unfortunately, falsehoods and magic potions run rampant in the misunderstood world of cellulite. Here are a few:
Myth: You Can’t Get Cellulite if You’re Healthy
While cellulite favors women over men, it doesn’t give preferential treatment to any other type of person beyond that. Curvy or thin. Millennial or baby boomer. Brunette or blonde. You name it – cellulite doesn’t care.
Even the fittest among us can still be affected by it, including professional ballerina Kylie Shea, who is among the celebrities speaking out in powerful posts about struggles with cellulite.
Myth: Losing Weight and Working Out Makes Cellulite Disappear
While we always encourage a healthy diet and fitness regimen, it won’t cure you of your pesky cellulite. That’s because cellulite isn’t about fat alone– it’s actually the connective tissue beneath the skin that causes the dimpling effect. Trying to target certain areas of your body with exercise will likely have minimal impact on the cellulite that resides there. You may create a more toned muscle (and that’s good), but you won’t be addressing the connective tissue causing the cellulite in the first place.
That’s not to say that maintaining an active lifestyle won’t help the appearance of cellulite. High carbohydrate diets or sedentary habits may promote cellulite formation, so it’s in your best interest to work out – whether that’s at the gym, doing activities outdoors, practicing yoga, etc.
Myth: A Suntan Can Diminish Cellulite
As with most things that involve sun exposure – it will only worsen the situation. UV rays damage and weaken your skin’s collagen and elastin network, making cellulite even more noticeable. Not to mention the vast array of additional reasons you want to avoid prolonged sun exposure without proper protection, including wrinkles, discoloration, and an increased chance of skin cancer, it’s best to stick with a self-tanner if you are attempting to camouflage cellulite without making it worse.
Myth: Firming Creams and Lotions Reduce Cellulite
We wish it were true! However, no scientific evidence supports claims that topical products can reduce cellulite. The same goes for many other treatments that reduce cellulite, such as wraps, supplements, special diets, massages, and injections.
The only FDA-approved, long-lasting treatment for cellulite is Cellfina. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that cuts those troublesome connective tissues under the skin that are to blame for a lumpy and bumpy appearance.
Meet Your Cellulite Hero: Cellfina™
Remember those fibrous bands that pull the skin downward? Cellfina breaks fibrous bands, smoothing the surface and leaving your skin cellulite-free for up to four years. In some cases, results last five years.
How Cellfina Smooths Cellulite Long-Term
Cellfina is a minimally invasive procedure. The process takes about an hour, and initial results begin to show within a few days of treatment. Using subcision, your provider will first use a suction device on marked cellulite areas to raise the skin and inject saline and numbing solution. Then, a fine blade the size of a needle vibrates to release the fibrous bands that are pulling the skin down.
The subcision method can lead to significant improvement in cellulite after just one treatment, with limited downtime. Most patients can expect light bruising, soreness, and swelling for about 24 hours before returning to normal activities. Before you know it, your cellulite melts away and stays away for quite some time. In the future, you can schedule another treatment to maintain cellulite reduction long-term.
Cellulite Treatment Near Me: Cellfina in Strongsville, OH
Cellulite might not hurt your health, but it can hurt your confidence. You deserve to feel comfortable and happy in your skin, and at Dōcerē, our team can help. We are here to create a custom treatment plan that works with your schedule and budget, answering your questions and addressing concerns so you can confidently reach your goals.
If you want to learn more about Cellfina to address cellulite (or a spray tan for some strategic coverage), call us at (440) 238-3331 or reach out online for cellulite reduction in Strongsville.
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Important Safety Information
CoolSculpting® is FDA-cleared to treat visible fat bulges in 9 areas of the body. Some common side effects include temporary numbness, discomfort, and swelling.
Dr. Jeffrey Viscomi
Dr. Viscomi received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton. He then went on to graduate from Wright State University School of Medicine in the top 10% of his class. Following residency at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Viscomi began his Family Practice in Strongsville and quickly became a nationally recognized leader in primary care for his unique practice model. Dr. Viscomi is a member of the Aesthetics Practice Association and has completed extensive training in the use of laser in aesthetic procedures.