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.
What Results Can You Realistically Expect?
It helps to keep expectations grounded. Microneedling, and especially radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, can make dimpling look softer and the skin firmer by stimulating collagen, but it does not cure cellulite. Results tend to be gradual and modest, they build over a course of several sessions, and they are not permanent, so periodic maintenance treatments are usually needed to hold the improvement.
Because cellulite is caused by fibrous bands pulling the skin down over pockets of fat, treatments that also release or heat those deeper bands, like RF microneedling or subcision, tend to outperform surface needling alone. If firmer, smoother skin is your goal, microneedling is best seen as one part of a plan rather than a standalone fix. You can compare it with our guide to realistic before and after results and browse every body and skin concern in our skin concerns hub.
FAQ
Can I Use a Microneedling Device On My Thighs?
Microneedling can be performed on the thighs, abdomen, and other large areas of the body to treat cellulite, scarring, or stretch marks.
Can You Use A Derma Roller For Cellulite At Home?
Dermarolling is not considered an effective treatment for cellulite
Related guides: Microneedling for stretch marks · RF microneedling · Before and after results · All skin concerns
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