One of the current benchmarks for beauty is having smooth, supple skin all over your body – not just your face. It’s a self-evident truth that the visible signs of aging can be seen all over the body and can manifest in several ways, such as with cellulite on the thighs. So, how do you reverse the clock and reclaim your body confidence? At ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL, we know the answer to reducing cellulite can be as simple as using microneedling treatments on the body.
Can Microneedling Help With Cellulite?
Yes! Microneedling really can reduce the appearance of cellulite on the body. Many patients are surprised to learn that the treatment they use to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and scarring on the face can also be used on the body to smooth the appearance and feel of cellulite present on the bottom half of the body. If your goal is to reduce, blur, or smooth the appearance of cellulite without surgery, then this is the non-surgical non-invasive treatment you’ve been looking for.
What You Can Expect From Microneedling Treatments for Cellulite
It turns out, this treatment is much more diverse and effective than anyone would first believe. So, what can you expect from treatment? The treatment steps are the same for treating cellulite as it is for treating other appearance-related concerns, and will include steps such as:
Consultation
Your consultation will consist of a preliminary examination of your targeted treatment area, particularly your thighs and buttocks. We will ask certain questions, such as your expectation for treatment, your treatment goals, and how long you have noticed your cellulite. We will also gather some information about previous treatments you have tried, including whether you have used microneedling treatments in the past.
Pre-Care Instructions
Because this is a non-invasive treatment, there are only a few things you will need to do to prepare for your appointment. Pre-care instructions ensure that your treatment is safe and effective, so they should be followed for at least 24 to 48 hours before your treatment. Some pre-care instructions will include:
- Temporarily discontinue use of Retinol
- Avoid prolonged or direct sun exposure
- Do not wax treatment area
- Do not use lotion or perfume
Please arrive at your appointment wearing loose, comfortable clothing made from light fabric, such as cotton skirts or sweatpants. We may provide you with additional instructions to follow before your appointment.
Step One: Topical Numbing Cream
This treatment involves a series of controlled injury to the surface of the skin as dozens of tiny needle points prick the skin to incite the body’s natural regenerative response. For that reason, we typically give patients the option of using a topical numbing cream before treatment begins to ensure patient comfort. The numbing cream will be applied to the skin at least 10 to 20 minutes before your treatment begins.
Step Two: Treatment
Your treatment appointment will take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete depending on how many areas are being treated. A certified technician will perform your treatment by moving the treatment device over the desired area of treatment, ensuring that each area receives adequate attention to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Post-Care Instructions
As a non-invasive treatment, there is very little you will need to do during your recovery period. In fact, the vast majority of patients are free to immediately return to their daily activities, including going back to work or running errands. Your post-care instructions should be followed for at least 24 to 72 hours and may include:
- Temporarily discontinue use of Retinol
- Avoid prolonged or direct sun exposure
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medications
- Only wash with tepid water and mild soap
- Use SPF 30 or higher
- Avoid excessive heat or sweating
- Do not use saunas or hot tubs
What Results Can You Reasonably Expect?
Your results will be evident within 10 to 14 days following your treatment appointment. After your first appointment, your results will include a tightening and smoothing of the skin on your areas of treatment.
How Long Do Results Last?
Generally speaking, the results for this treatment typically lasts for about 4 to 6 weeks after your recovery period has ended, which means most patients schedule treatment appointments once every 3 months to maintain the results of treatment. Your results may last longer if you are younger or if your body responds more quickly to the treatment.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
Because this is a non-invasive treatment, the results will not be permanent. However, you will only ever need one treatment at a time to correct the appearance of cellulite, unlike other treatments that may require you to complete “rounds” of treatment to achieve desired results.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling for Cellulite
1. What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is characterized by the dimpling of the skin on areas of the body that contain higher amounts of fat deposits, particularly on the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Scientifically speaking, cellulite occurs when the tissues that support fat deposits on the body begin to break down as a natural result of aging, which is why cellulite becomes more of a concern in mature or post-menopausal women.
This is because the skin-supporting tissues within the skin, particularly collagen, also decrease as a result of aging – and open the door for cellulite to develop as a result.
2. What Causes Cellulite?
With the way the media prefers to portray women, it’s easy to mistakenly believe that somehow your cellulite is your fault. But the truth is that judging your body in comparison to airbrushed celebrities isn’t fair and that cellulite is a natural byproduct of aging.
Of course, you don’t have to be happy with cellulite or accept its presence on your body in great quantities, but you should know that the general causes of cellulite are largely out of your control. Some of these common causes include:
Gender
Women are more likely to develop cellulite than men. Some theories suggest that this is because women tend to have larger quantities of fat deposits than men, while others suggest that hormonal changes caused by aging are more likely to affect fat deposits on women than men. Either way, cellulite is more commonly found on women of all ages than on men.
Weight and Body Fat Percentage
Those who have a higher body mass are more likely to have cellulite, which is why weight loss is sometimes recommended to control the development of cellulite. However, the body mass index is an imperfect measurement that does not account for the ratio of muscle mass in the body. This is why body fat percentage is a better indicator of cellulite development.
Genetics
Your genetics will also determine how likely you are to develop cellulite. This is because genetics determine how the fat deposits in your body will behave and how hormonal changes associated with aging will impact the break down of skin-supporting proteins, such as collagen and elastin.
Pregnancy
Cellulite is also sometimes caused by pregnancy, typically as a result of hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy also causes weight gain and fat storage in new areas of the body, which can contribute to the development of cellulite.
3. Does Cellulite Mean You’re Overweight?
No. Cellulite is not always associated with being overweight. In fact, many slim people have cellulite as a result of other determining factors or as a simple byproduct of the natural aging process.
4. Can You Prevent Cellulite?
Yes and no. The development of cellulite may be inevitable, but there are some things you can do to help prevent the worsening of cellulite. For example, you may be able to slow the development of cellulite by seeking cosmetic treatments and products. Maintaining your body weight and exercising regularly may also help.
5. Does Cellulite Go Away on Its Own?
No, cellulite does not go away on its own. While some methods such as exercise may slow the development of cellulite, it’s usually not enough to completely banish cellulite from the body. Cellulite will stay on the body and will continue to degrade without intervention.
6. Why Does Microneedling Work for Cellulite?
This is a treatment that is capable of amazing rejuvenation results largely because it stimulates the body’s natural rejuvenating abilities. This treatment works by creating micro-injuries in the skin surface, which penetrate the sub-dermal layers of skin and incite the production of regenerative properties, including an increase in collagen and elastin.
For cellulite, this treatment works because it is able to penetrate the thicker layers of skin on the thighs and buttocks, which enables the needling device to reach the layers of fat beneath the surface of the skin. This deeper penetration allows for a more effective overall treatment.
7. What Other Issues Can This Treatment Address?
This treatment is also commonly used to correct other appearance concerns, such as skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, stretch marks, and other superficial skin concerns, such as uneven skin tone and pigment. This treatment is an all-in-one option to address appearance-related concerns on both the face and the body.
8. How Can the Treatment Be More Effective?
There are a few things that can be added to this treatment to make it more effective. For example, this treatment has an additional two versions that are commonly used in med spas – both radiofrequency or PRP combined with this treatment can enhance the results of the treatment.
Radiofrequency combines thermal energy with the micro-injuries caused by this treatment to more deeply stimulate the body’s natural regenerative process. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, also helps by injecting the surface of the skin with naturally-derived plasma rich in the body’s natural healing properties.
9. How Can You Maintain Results?
Maintaining the results for this treatment can be done in a few different ways, such as the use of topical Retinol-based creams. Retinol is a concentrated form of Vitamin A that is known for its anti-aging properties, particularly the smoothing and tightening of the skin surface. Retinol products and other topical creams are commonly used to treat cellulite.
There are also certain lifestyle changes you can make to maintain results. For example, regular exercise can help tighten tissues on the body and limit the development of additional fatty deposits. Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber and drinking an adequate amount of water are also easy ways to maintain the results of the treatment.
10. How Do You Know This Treatment Is Right for You?
Because this is a non-invasive treatment, the majority of patients not satisfied with the appearance of cellulite on their bodies make good candidates for this treatment. You might be right for this treatment if you would prefer a non-surgical solution and if you want to smooth, reduce, and eliminate cellulite on the body.
Smooth the Appearance of Cellulite With Microneedling Treatments
Anti-aging treatments aren’t just for the face – they can be for the body, too. It’s time to tackle the most visible sign of aging on the body and smooth the appearance of cellulite for good. If you think this treatment is right for you, please contact ALC Med Spa in Gurnee, IL to schedule your first appointment today.
