Cellulite Treatments

Endermologie®, a registered trademark of LPG Systems®, was introduced as a subdermal treatment for reducing cellulite over a decade ago. Endermologie® was originally developed in France in the 1980’s as a treatment for adherent scars, although many patients observed reduction of body dimensions and improvement in skin texture. Since then, Endermologie® has been used as a treatment for cellulite reduction and skin toning.

Endermologie® is a patented technique involving a mechanized device with two motorized rollers and regulated suction. This non-surgical and non-invasive device creates a symmetrical skin fold, which allows for deep tissue mobilization to occur and results in reduction of cellulite and loss of inches.

Endermologie® was the first medical treatment to be FDA approved for cellulite reduction and loss of body circumference. Its safety and efficacy have been the subject of several clinical trials and on going research is promising.

Cellulite creams and gel form the bulk of cellulite treatments:


Xanthines, such as aminophylline and theophylline, are common ingredients in many cellulite creams and are shown in vitro to stimulate fat metabolism. However, most recent studies involving actual subjects have not demonstrated these creams to be useful in the fight against cellulite


Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives approved by the FDA as an effective treatment for wrinkles. In concentrations of 0.01 to 0.1%, it reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles and roughness of facial skin by improving the thickness of the epidermis and circulation to the surface of the skin. Retinoids are now being considered as a possible treatment for cellulite, but as of yet no large-scale studies have been published showing their value in this area


Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) such as lactic acid and glycolic acid, are found in plants and certain foods including citrus fruits, apples, grapes, tomatoes, apricots, and sour milk. In lower concentrations of 3 to 7%, AHA’s act as exfoliators, accelerating the sloughing of the superficial layer of dead cells, increasing the cell turnover rate, and essentially thinning the outer most layer of the skin. In higher concentrations of 8 to 12%, AHA’s have been found to reduce fine wrinkles. No studies have been published on AHA’s as an effective treatment for cellulite.

Body wrapping involves a process of enveloping parts of the body with linens permeated with a variety of substances such as herbal extracts, algae, seaweed, and mud. The skin is brushed or massaged evenly with any one of these products and then covered in linens. The bodyshaping effect is the result of the combined action of perspiration and compression, which leads to a reduction of body dimensions. This effect is mainly due to the loss of fluids and is only temporary. Body wraps are generally beneficial for relaxation, as well as softening the skin, but they do not reduce cellulite.


Massage increases circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduces muscular spasms and breaks down adhesions. Lymphatic drainage is a specific massage, which removes accumulated fluid but has little effect on cellulite. In theory, manual skin kneading combined with lymphatic drainage may result in smoothing of soft tissues and elimination of excess fluid but this has never been proven. The main problems with manual massage are the different techniques and levels of pressure employed by therapists, which are virtually impossible to standardize. Only a mechanized device, such as Endermologie, with regulated parameters could achieve reliable results.

Liposuction is the most commonly performed aesthetic surgical procedure for body contouring. This invasive technique involves the removal of fat from the reserve fat layers. Liposuction is not typically performed in the subcutaneous fat layer where cellulite originates, mainly because of the secondary effects that can occur with treating this layer such as profuse bleeding, swelling and scarring. As a result, liposuction is not the treatment of choice for cellulite. In cases where liposuction involves the removal of large quantities of reserve fat, it can sometimes worsen the appearance of cellulite  To reduce these structural irregularities and maximize body contouring, Endermologie^® is often used in combination with liposuction.

Herbal preparations were introduced in 1990’s as over-the-counter products for the treatment of cellulite. Key ingredients in cellulite pills include a blend of herbal extracts as well as non-herbal substances, such as borage (seed oil), bladderwrack extract, grapeseed extract, fish oil, soya lecithin, sweet clover extract, and gingko biloba extract. The ingredients in these products are believed to exert a variety of effects, such as improve local circulation, reduce fluid build up, stimulate fat metabolism, reduce localized fat, and protect tissues. These products are not subject to FDA review, and their ingredients and effects have not yet been scientifically settled.

A clinical study of a popular brand sold as a remedy for cellulite was published November 1999 and reported no significant changes with cellulite, body weight, and body circumference.