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Procedures at M Khan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery


Frequently asked questions about treatment of Cellulite

Numerous therapies for the treatment of cellulite are available, but empirical evidence for the efficacy of these strategies is limited. At present, there is no single best non-invasive treatment for cellulite.

Does Exercise and Diet REALLY have a role in the “cure” for Cellulite?

That’s a very good question!
There is a myth about the correlation between aggressive exercises and several diet plans that can help reduce or even melt the cellulite. Studies have shown that aggressive dieting and exercise regimens can help reduce cellulite to a certain extent in younger, rather heavier women. Women who are in their child bearing age groups and who are otherwise 10-20 lbs within their ideal body weight can actually experience worsening in the appearance and extent of Cellulite. Dr Misbah Khan says that muscle toning exercises and a diet rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fats is a healthy lifestyle and diet regimen that can reduce the thigh girth overall. However, even the best diet plans fail to cure Cellulite, unfortunately.

Do Topical Creams With Caffeine Help Reduce Cellulite?

Caffeine-based products are present in many cellulite creams. These biological agents can enhance the body’s ability to breakdown stored fat, a process called lipolysis. However, when applied topically to the skin, an initial challenge of any cream is that it must be able to penetrate the skin and fat and then produce its affect. Another challenge with these creams is the fact that very small amount gets absorbed in the skin which makes it very difficult for the cream ingredients to produce their effects. As a result, these topical creams have not proven to help significantly reduce the appearance of cellulite fat.

What about Creams with Retinoids?

The retinoid-based creams have been shown to increase the thickness of the skin when applied for years. At this time, no large-scale studies and no published data available to demonstrate their efficacy in the long run.

Do any of the Herbal Treatments Work?

The basis of most of the herbal treatments is to enhance the blood circulation in the cellulite prone skin. Research studies have shown a slight decrease in thigh girth with herbal treatments but a return to normal when the application ceased. However, this reduction in thigh girth is not significant.

Does Massage Help Minimize Cellulite?

Massage and body manipulation techniques are employed to enhance the removal of fluid in the deeper layers of skin. These techniques do not remove the cellulite, but may have a temporary effect in reducing the amount of ‘dimpling’ appearance. Massage based treatments that are available at Dr Misbah Khan’s office are VelaShape and Venus Freeze. Several sessions of these treatments when performed over time can help reduce the skin dimpling on a temporary basis.

What about Skin Kneading Methods Such as Endermologie?

Endermologie is a skin kneading technique developed about 10-15 years ago in France. This type of device has two rollers attached to an electrically powered device. Users wear nylon stockings to decrease the amount of friction. Treatments range from 35 to 45 minutes of rolling the skin of the hips, thighs, legs, buttocks and stomach. The little published research with this device does not show any legitimate efficacy in the treatment of cellulite.