Is Microneedling Cellulite Effective?

Though cellulite is not always age-related, it is more common in older women and normally starts between 25 and 35 years of age. Cellulite affects over 90% of women and 10% of men worldwide. While several cosmetic procedures claim effective results, cellulite can be very challenging to treat. We discuss below how microneedling cellulite can play a major role in diminishing the appearance and creating smoother and firmer skin.

Can Microneedling Help With Cellulite?

Microneedling can help produce tighter skin over time to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it is not the most ideal treatment for this issue. A standalone microneedling treatment is generally ineffective at penetrating the deeper skin tissues where the cellulite resides.

The overall depth of the targeted issue will vary between individuals, generally around 4mm deep in the thigh areas. While many medical spas claim that they effectively treat cellulite with microneedling, patients should expect results to vary.

How Can Microneedling Work For Cellulite?

Microneedling is most effective for cellulite when combined with other treatments such as radiofrequency or liposuction.

Cellulite contains uneven compartments of fat within the skin tissue. Many professionals believe that the best way to reduce cellulite is to remove the fat and tighten the skin.

A study using a fractional RF device on 28 female patients with cellulite found a 100% response rate in rebuilding collagen and elastin. It showed 30-40% improvements after a six-month period with just one 30-minute treatment.

How To Treat Microneedling With RF For Cellulite

For patients interested in nonsurgical cellulite treatments, RF microneedling is a modern technology that offers promising results.

Microneedling with RF stimulates your body’s natural repairing processes to strengthen and thicken your skin. During the procedure, radio frequency energy is delivered into the skin tissues to induction collagen and elastin production, essential proteins responsible for tightening the skin. 

While there are a number of different RF treatments available, it’s recommended to look through treatment before and after photos to get an idea of what results to expect.

How Many RF Microneedling Treatments Do You Need For Cellulite

Depending on the severity and depth of the skin concern, most patients require about 4-6 treatments at minimum to see effective results to their cellulite appearance. The longevity of the results depends on many factors including age, health, and how your body responds to the treatment. 

Some patients are able to see a slight improvement in their skin texture a few days after the procedure. However, you’ll have to wait weeks or multiple months for more noticeable results in smoother and firmer skin.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is the protrusion of subcutaneous fat (fat under the skin) against the connective tissue that manifests as dimples or bumpy skin with an orange peel or cottage cheese texture. 

Some believed causes of cellulite include the following:

• diet
• exercise habits
• metabolism
• hormonal factors
• stress levels
• genetic factors
• inflammatory alterations
• obesity

Hormone fluctuations have a dominant role in the development of cellulite. Estrogen, thyroid, noradrenaline, and prolactin are believed to have a role in the formation. 

Whatever the underlying cause, cellulite develops when the fatty layer beneath the dermis pushes upward and connective cords pull down, creating a puckering appearance or uneven skin surface. 

Alternative Treatments

Celfina

Celfina is an FDA-approved microneedling technology used to target cellulite. The procedure uses a device with a microneedle to break up connective bands and tissue beneath the skin. It is mostly used to treat cellulite dimples and the treatment takes between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are non-invasive treatments that increase blood flow and break down fibrous tissue. Ultrasounds are generally recommended in combination with radiofrequency for better effectiveness at targeting and eliminating fat.

Home Treatments

Exercise and stretching can be useful ways to help reduce body fat. A well-balanced diet, skin care routine, and water consumption are believed to be helpful ways to reduce the number of toxins in the body. Dry brushing is a technique that can stimulate blood flow and cell growth which can be helpful to reduce cellulite.

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