Anyone who want to be free from unsightly dimples... ...on their thighs and buttocks in summer needs to declare war on cellulite now. But which cellulite treatment really brings the desired results? GLAMOUR.DE has done some research for you. Almost all women will get it at some time in their lives - some sooner, some later. But once it's there, everyone agrees: cellulite must go. And preferably as quickly as possible. Because very few take the cool attitude of Germany's favourite singer Ina Müller, who self-confidently sings "I would rather have cellulite than have no profile!".

And so many take recourse to prophylactic creams alone to treat their cellulite. "Totally absurd", dermatologist Dr. med. Walter Trettel from the Kosmed-Klinik in Hamburg is convinced. Because the question of whether cellulite will spread across our thighs or not is solely down to genetics. And anyone whose genetic material includes cellulite can use as many creams as they like - the dimples will still come. "Over the counter cellulite creams can be used as an excellent complement to other therapies", explains Dr. med. Trettel, "but with stubborn cellulite only special chemists' preparations containing androgens, or male hormones, help when applied externally".

The main culprit in the cellulite process is oestrogen. The female hormone ensures that women preferably store their fat deposits in their thigh and hip area. Not a bad idea in principle, as this means that we always carry enough fat cells around with us, even in the event of a famine. This means that we don't just protect ourselves, but - in the case of a pregnancy - also our unborn. But when wearing a bikini no one is reflecting on the fact that the nasty dents are actually a very clever invention by the body and that a few centuries ago women were grateful for them.

So what should we do, as our thighs become increasingly dimpled? Dr. med. Walter Trettel advises a dual program: "First of all, the surplus fat in the cells should be reduced – either through plenty of sport or injection lipolysis, the so-called fat reduction injection. In step two, the connective tissue is reconstructed". In this way existing cellulite can be reduced and the development of new dimples can be prevented.

But which other options are there for treating cellulite? We present the latest methods on the following pages.

Treatment methods against cellulite

Acoustic wave treatment
Here acoustic waves are generated in an acoustic head and transferred to the affected areas of the body. The cell membranes become temporarily permeable and the formation of fat-splitting enzymes is activated. Consequence: The metabolism activities in the subcutaneous fatty tissue are increased, and the breakdown of fat molecules is accelerated. In addition the skin gains a smooth appearance, because the collagen-forming fibroblasts and fat protrusions in the lower dermis are set vibrating and are dislodged from the upper layer of skin in the next step.

Advantages: The entire procedure is absolutely pain-free.
Disadvantages: At present there are only a few doctors who offer this method.
Price per treatment: One session costs around 150 euros.
Number of treatments: To guarantee optimal results, around six to ten sessions are required, at weekly intervals. One treatment takes around 30 minutes.

Mesotherapy
The word "meso" denotes the middle layer of skin, which is the focus of attention in this type of treatment: With the aid of microinjections, specially selected active ingredients (for example fat-dissolving phosphatidylcholine or vitamins and trace elements) are injected into the affected areas. The active ingredients then reach the fat cell and destroy it. The destroyed cells are then removed by the lymph vessels.

Advantages: Once fat cells have been destroyed they cannot reform, but are permanently removed.
Disadvantages: As extremely thin needles are used for injection into the skin, slight pain and subsequent hematomas can develop locally.
Price per treatment: 100 to 350 euros depending on the area treated
Number of treatments: Around four to six treatments of approximately 30 minutes are required at fortnightly intervals.
Important: Avoid using aspirin or blood-thinning agents two weeks prior to the treatment.

iLipo Laser treatment
In this new method the dermatologist uses a special laser which penetrates the cell mitochondria and triggers a photo-chemical reaction, in which the stored energy reserves are broken down. The fatty acids in the cells are then transported across the membrane into the area between the cells, from where they are finally absorbed by the lymph system and supplied to the body as freely available energy. This energy is then targetedly used up in the following exercise program.
Advantages: This method is pain-free and has no side effects. Even people who are ill or pregnant can be treated
Disadvantages: The fat cells are retained and can grow back to their previous size, for example in the case of lack of mobility and/or a fatty diet.
Price per treatment: Around 50 to 200 euros depending on the area treated
Number of treatments: Optimal results are achieved if the treatment is repeated around twice a week in a period of four to six weeks.

Endermologie therapy
This therapy, also known as "suction wave massage", is a suction/pressure massage technique in which a special device is used to apply a vacuum-like suction to the skin down to its
deepest layer, the subcutis, whilst at the same time massaging it with a steerable roller.
Blood flow and lymphatic drainage are increased, allowing toxins to be removed from the cells more quickly.
After around ten treatments existing collagen and connective tissue fibres are restructured. The skin becomes smooth
and firm again.

Advantages: The method is pain-free and can be used by everyone.
Disadvantages: The first results are only visible after repeated sessions.
Price per treatment: Around 50 to 100 euros depending on the area treated
Number of treatments: Ideally 15 to 20 sessions are necessary to guarantee long-lasting results

(Source: Translation of Janin Hasteden`s online report on GLAMOUR.DE)