A quick trip to the beauty counter is all it takes to find hundreds of cellulite reduction treatments that promise to get rid of dimpled skin and leave you looking tighter and more toned. The Celluli-Patch was released by Biotherm in 2007, and Cellu-Svelte, a popular product in Europe that also entered the U.S. market in 2008; both promise to smooth out and tone skin by delivering a powerful concoction of caffeine, gingko and seaweed to the skin’s surface.   

Some patches are applied overnight for two to three weeks so they can slowly release the ingredients into the bloodstream, while others can be worn during the day to ‘destroy cellulite and melt fat.’ Many medspas and day spas also offer cellulite body wraps designed to increase circulation and ‘break down’ cellulite to give you a sleeker, more attractive figure.

Are these anti-cellulite products simply too good to be true, or do they hold merit as a cellulite-reducing solution? Here’s a closer look at how these cellulite reduction treatments work:  

Key Ingredients in Cellulite Patch Treatments  

Different types of cellulite patch treatments contain several ingredients commonly found in body wraps and other skin treatments that boost circulation.  The effects of these ingredients can usually be felt immediately; coffee extracts, seaweed and some minerals can draw blood to the skin’s surface and create a ‘tingling’ sensation that is a result of a rapid increase in circulation. This is the same effect as taking B-vitamin supplements and Niacin, and can help improve the skin’s texture for a short period of time.  

Other ingredients commonly found in cellulite patch treatments include:  

• Algae – an ingredient that boost circulation
• Seaweed – an ingredient that can help ‘heat up’ the skin and leave it looking supple and smooth
• Kelp – another circulation-boosting ingredient Aloe vera – a nourishing ingredient that can smooth out and heal damaged skin
• Dandelion – a natural detoxifier
• Chamomile – a calming and detoxifying agent
• Lavender – another skin-soothing ingredient  

Can a Cellulite Patch Really Work?  

In the same way that body wraps deliver essential oils and herbs only to the top layer of skin, a cellulite patch helps to stimulate just the skin’s surface.  Cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists confirm that topical ointments and creams that cannot reach the skin’s deepest layers cannot effectively ‘melt’ fat cells.   

Dr. Kellett, a dermatologist and owner of a dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery clinic in Toronto explains that:  “The absorption of all these agents is so minimal - it's hard for them to get to the fat. What they can do, and what anything you use can do is 'diminish the appearance of' cellulite [as opposed to actually diminishing cellulite]. They can do that by plumping up the skin temporarily. But are they actually getting rid of cellulite? That's the question. Do they drain fat cells? That's not proven. Are you doing anything to deep down to redistribute fat - not likely." (Source: Cbc.ca)  

Proven Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite  

If you’re not interested in trying over the counter beauty products to get rid of cellulite, cosmetic procedures such as mesotherapy, UltraShape and Synergie for Cellulite offer some alternatives.  

Mesotherapy injections contain several natural herbs and ingredients that can help break down fat cells and tissues without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. These treatments have been used in Europe for hundreds of years, and are gaining popularity in the U.S.  

UltraShape is a relatively new cellulite reduction treatment that makes use of ultrasound technology to break down fat cells. UltraShape is a non-invasive solution that targets key areas of stubborn fat on the body, and can be an effective body contouring treatment.  

Synergie for Cellulite is a vigorous massage treatment designed to heat up the tissues and slowly shuttle away fatty deposits deep within the skin’s layers. Synergie for Cellulite is another non-invasive treatment, but provides temporary results.   

Learn more about cellulite reduction treatments in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out which body contouring treatment is right for you.