Bootylicious: Treat cellulite and stretch marks

Cellulite doesn’t discriminate. Tall or petite, curvy or thin, almost all women have lumpy, dimpled skin on their thighs and backsides. But, while you can’t eliminate it completely, there are ways to minimize its
appearance.

Dream machines

Lipomassage by Endermologie (endermologie.com)
How does it work? Massage helps flush fat cells out of your body. How long does it take? Twenty twiceweekly 45-minute sessions, followed by a monthly treatment. Plus/minus It’s painless for most, but the appearance of cellulite can actually worsen before it starts to work. Cost Approximately $100 a session.

Ultrashape (ultrashape.com)
How does it work? Ultrasound helps destroy fat cells. How long does it take? Three 45- to 60-minute monthly sessions. Plus/minus Rapid, painless and permanent, but not recommended for those with a lot of weight to lose. Cost $400 to $1,000.

Thermage (thermage.com)
How does it work? Radio frequencies tighten skin by heating it. How long does it take? One or two sessions. Plus/minus Lasts up to six months, but it’s expensive and can be painful. Side effects include redness, swelling, depigmentation, hyperpigmentation and scarring. Cost Approximately $1,500.

Smooth operators

According to Dr. Marc Dupéré, a Toronto-based plastic surgeon, “No surgical procedure can completely eliminate all cellulite.” There are, however, some that can help.

Subcision

An operation that makes incisions in the connective tissue. Cellulite dimples become more compressed and take on a smoother appearance. In certain cases, an injection of hyaluronic acid is used to make the surface of the skin appear uniform.

Gluteal Implants

When combined with gluteoplasty (butt-lifting surgery), implants can reduce the appearance of unevenness while tightening the skin of your derrière.

Cell division

Anti-cellulite creams contain caffeine and other methyxanthines, like aminophylline and theophyilline, that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by eliminating excess water in the skin. Retinoid-based creams can also help by increasing the skin’s thickness. However, these agents can only be effective if they penetrate the skin. Applying creams in a circular massaging motion can also temporarily reduce the dimpled appearance of the skin by flushing away excess fluid.