You take care of your diet, exercise regularly and take good care of your skin with a consistent skincare regimen. Still, even the healthiest lifestyle can be prone to the development of cellulite which cannot disappear on its own. Over 90% of women endure anxiety and low self-esteem from these unsightly fatty deposits around the thighs, stomach, lower back and arms, but there are ways to improve the skin and body so that cellulite becomes less noticeable.

Cellulite massage treatments offer one option for those who do not want to undergo drastic surgery to sculpt and tone up their figure; cellulite massage can be as simple as an intensive body massage, or involve heated massage therapy such as endermologie. Continuously massaging an area with intensive pressure can help tone and smooth out the skin, reduce water retention and therefore reduce the appearance of cellulite.

How Massage for Cellulite Works

Vigorous massage is essential for healthy circulation, improving muscle and joint coordination, and keeping the nervous system performing at its optimal level. Cellulite is often the result of water retention and fluid buildup that is caused by internal imbalances and poor circulation; regular massage ssessions can reduce the risk of cellulite development, and improve the skin’s appearance in the process.

Massage treatments that make use of oils and creams that increase circulation to the skin may be particularly effective at combating cellulite. Herbs and ingredients such as caffeine, seaweed extract and peppermint oil work as detoxifying agents that help draw out impurities from the skin and also boost circulation. This can tone up and strengthen the tissues so that cellulite becomes less noticeable. Some spas and alternative health centers also offer acupressure and acupuncture as a cellulite and weight loss treatment. Since acupressure and acupuncture procedures help to increase circulation, the result can be a firming and toning of the skin tissues that then reduce the appearance of cellulite. Just like massage treatments, these types of health treatments do not eliminate the fat cells causing cellulite completely.

Boris Prilutsky, MA, founder of the Professional Practical Therapy (IPPT) in Los Angeles explains how cellulite massage works in this brief video:

Other Cellulite Reduction Options

If you’re interested in getting rid of cellulite permanently, liposuction may be the best solution for recontouring and reshaping your figure. Conventional liposuction surgery may not even be necessary for smaller fatty deposits; many people can benefit from ‘micro liposuction’ procedures that target smaller areas of the body and can also help shape and sculpt the treatment area for a natural-looking appearance.

Popular surgical and non-surgical options for cellulite include:

Mesotherapy injections – certain herbs and compounds found in the mesotherapy injection can break down fat cells without damaging surrounding skin tissues. 

Laser liposuction – laser liposuction treatments are designed to break down fatty tissue using targeted, heated, laser energy waves.

Ultrasound liposuction – currently available overseas, treatments such as UltraShape can melt away fat cells without any incisions needed.  The treatment makes use of ultrasound waves to break down fatty tissue naturally, and the cells are then eliminated through the body.

Learn more about cellulite treatments and non-invasive body contouring in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area for treatment options.