Cellulite In Teens: Causes And Treatment Options To Get Rid Of It

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Cellulite in teens is not a medical concern and requires no medical treatments. Although it is harmless, a lumpy or dimpled or orange-peel appearance of the skin can be an aesthetic concern for many people. You may notice this skin changes commonly on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and thighs. Nearly 80 to 90 percent of postpubertal women can have cellulite, which is comparatively rare in boys (1) (2).

You may try some home remedies, lifestyle changes, and aesthetic measures to improve the appearance of the skin. You may consult a board-certified dermatologist for personalized advice. Read on to know more about the causes, home remedies, and other treatments and their effectiveness for cellulitis in teens.

Causes Of Cellulite In Teens

The exact cause of cellulite is unknown. Cellulite is neither a disease nor a sign or symptom of internal medical issues. However, many tend to believe myths suggesting cellulite is caused by laziness, certain toxins, etc.

The following factors are believed to contribute to cellulite (2).

• Fluid accumulation in the skin from lymphatics and microcirculation
• Distortion of skin fat due to a fibrous tissue
• Out-pouching of subcutaneous fat or adipose tissue

The following factors may also have a role in developing cellulite (2).

• Estrogen hormone levels may have a role in cellulite development since it is rare in men and prepubescent and menopausal women
• Family history shows genetic links
• Certain racial factors

Cellulitis may occur in a physically active and fit person. Obesity in teens is not linked with cellulitis and it may not necessarily appear only in overweight or obese persons with high body mass index (BMI). Therefore, exercise and diet are less likely to be linked to the condition.

When To See A Doctor

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Although cellulite does not cause physical harm, some teens may be concerned about its appearance, affecting their self-image and self-esteem. If your teen is struggling with these issues, you may consult a dermatologist or primary care physician before attempting any cosmetic procedures. It will help you find safe and appropriate treatment for your teen’s needs and concerns.

Treatment For Cellulite In Teens

There is a wide range of cosmetic treatments to improve skin appearance. It is important to note that although some may have temporary results, most of these treatments are not a cure and can lead to side effects. Combination treatment methods usually have more positive outcomes.

You may choose any of the following treatment modalities, after consulting a certified dermatologist. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective treatment options for cellulitis include (3):

1. Weight loss

Weight loss may help make the cellulite less noticeable in some people. However, loose skin due to weight loss may make it more visible in a few cases. Seek expert help for an adequate weight loss plan for your teen.

2. Exercise

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Physical activity helps replace the fat tissue with muscles and thus may make cellulite less noticeable.

Recalling her personal experience in combating cellulite during her teenage years, Megan Elizabeth, a blogger and beauty therapist, shares, “I was in my late teens when I started noticing cellulite appear on the back of my thighs. It wasn’t that noticeable and didn’t bother me as much as stretch marks did. My mum always said it was hereditary, but honestly, I have seen very few women who don’t have cellulite. Over the years, I have found that regular exercise and a good diet really help with maintaining minimal cellulite (i).”

3. Acoustic wave therapy

Acoustic wave therapy uses sound waves from a transducer (handheld device) over the skin to help reduce body fat cells and improve skin tone (4). The procedure may have to be conducted with a diet and exercise regime. Several sessions may be required for treatment.

Research finds

Studies indicate that acoustic wave therapy is safe, and you may see the results after five treatment sessions. Your cellulite will improve for up to three months after the treatment (11).

4. Laser treatment

Minimally invasive laser treatment is a laser ablation method that uses thin laser fibers inserted under the skin. The laser destroys the fibrous tissue bands that bind the fat cells and thickens the skin, making cellulite less visible. The results of this method could last for six months to a year.

5. Subcision

Subcision is a surgical procedure to break down the fibrous bands beneath the skin (dermis) using needles. It reduces the appearance of cellulite. This treatment could yield results that last two years or longer.

Point to consider

Although subcision is considered an effective procedure, it has side effects such as edema, pain, discomfort, and bruising (1).

6. Vacuum-assisted tissue release

Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release is also a procedure of breaking down the tight bands of connective tissue beneath the skin with small blades

. The results may last three years or longer in some cases.

The below-listed treatment methods may also help reduce cellulite, but may require several sessions and may not give long-lasting results (3).

7. Carboxytherapy

Carboxytherapy is a medical procedure of inserting carbon dioxide under the skin. Although it could provide good results, side effects such as discomfort and temporary bruising are associated with this procedure.

8. Anti-cellulite creams and lotions

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Creams and lotions may reduce cellulite in some people, especially products containing 0.3% of retinol that thickens the skin. Caffeine-based creams could be useful in some cases due to its dehydrating effects. Many tend to notice changes after six months of daily application of creams. However, long-term, regular use is mostly required to achieve improvement.

It is recommended to take a skin allergy reaction test by applying cream or lotion to a small skin area before full-fledged application. It is also essential to check all the ingredients of the cream to avoid adverse effects. For instance, products with the compound aminophylline can cause breathing problems in asthmatic patients who use inhalers.

9. Endermologie

Endermologie is a deep massage with a device that could lift the skin like a vacuum tool. This form of massage is available in many spas and esthetic centers. Each session of Endermologie massage lasts for 45 minutes.

This treatment has little potential to cause harm. However, the results vary with some people noticing no difference in their cellulite. The results of the procedure are temporary and last only a month. The procedure may involve long-term treatment.

10. Ionithermie

Ionithermie is a spa-based cellulite reduction treatment with electrodes. Ionithermie involves applying algae or clay, or a mix of both over the cellulite and wrapping the area with plastic before attaching electrodes.

Even though it is a low-frequency electric current, some may feel discomfort and pain during the procedure. Some people had no changes after the process, whereas others noticed positive results lasting 12 to 18 hours.

11. Radiofrequency treatment

Radiofrequency treatment is a non-ablative (no wounds) treatment using a device to deliver radiofrequency to the skin

. Your teen may require several treatment sessions to reduce cellulite and improve the skin’s cosmetic appearance. Skin bruises may occur in a few cases and usually fade away in a few days.

Fat removal treatment methods may not be valid for cellulite removal. Although some people may have less noticeable cellulite after fat removal treatment, a few may have increased dimpled skin.

A few fat removal treatment methods are (3):

• Invasive laser-assisted liposuction is useful to remove fat but may make cellulite more noticeable.

• Ultrasonic liposculpting or ultrasound liposuction is a non-invasive fat removal treatment. There is no evidence that ultrasound alone can improve cellulite, but may have positive outcomes if combined with other treatment.

What Is Not Recommended For Treating Cellulite?

You may encounter a lot of commercial hype about products and therapies to treat cellulite. It is better to consult a dermatologist than rely on advertisements to choose a treatment based on skin texture, type, and individual requirements.

Even though some esthetic centers offer the following therapies, they are not recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for cellulite removal (3).

1. Cryolipolysis

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Cryolipolysis (Cool Sculpting) or cryogenic lipolysis is a method of freezing fat below the skin using a vacuum device and cool pads. It helps eliminate pockets of unwanted fat but may not be effective in eliminating cellulite.

2. Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a cosmetic procedure where various substances, such as caffeine, hormones, herbal extracts, or enzymes, are injected into the affected area to stimulate the production of elastin and collagen. The injections are typically administered directly into the cellulite using a fine needle.

Although there are claims that the procedure gives a positive result, it is not recommended due to side effects, such as swelling, erythema (redness), lump formation, and allergic reactions. Injection site infections and skin changes may also occur in mesotherapy.

3. Supplements

Dietary supplements such as grape seed extract, caffeine, or ginkgo lack scientific evidence for their effectiveness.

Cellulite treatments are not medically necessary. These cosmetic procedures are often associated with side effects and may require several sessions for temporary results. Many procedures may result in skin damage or may cause side effects that require medical treatment.

There is a lack of scientific evidence for some anecdotal concepts, and so skin care tips for teens such as vigorous skin massages and the consumption of certain foods to improve lymphatic flow or remove toxins to eliminate cellulite are recommended.

Point to consider

Non-surgical procedures are not as effective as surgical treatments, but take less time. Most treatments are done in 90 minutes or less (12).

How To Prevent Cellulite In Teens?

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Prevention of cellulite may not be possible since the causes are unknown. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity may help prevent cellulite in some people. A healthy diet and adequate hydration may also help in prevention (5).

Foods That Help Fight Cellulite

There are several food times that can be consumed to help reduce cellulite and also prevent its increase. Some of these include (6):

1. Flaxseed: Addition of flaxseed to one’s meals helps in boosting the growth of collagen and also prevents the formation of extra cellulite in the body.
2. Water: Consuming a minimum of eight glasses of water throughout the day helps in flushing out the toxins from the body and the fat layers present beneath the skin.
3. Kelp (seaweed): Consumption of kelp is known to help in burning body fat. Certain studies have also suggested that kelp can help facilitate about five to 10 loss in body weight which in turn helps in reduction of cellulite.
4. Gotu kola extract: The extract of this herb has been thoroughly researched and proven to help in the reduction of cellulite.

Infographic: How To Treat Cellulite In Teens?

People of all ages, even teenagers, can develop cellulite, characterized by lumpy skin on the thighs and other body regions. Caused due to genetic, hormonal factors, and dietary causes, cellulite can be annoying and unsightly for many teens. So, look through the infographic below to learn effective ways to treat cellulite in teenagers.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Effective Treatments To Cure Cellulite In Teens

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

Learn about the causes of cellulite and how to treat them! Discover the best ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite and get smooth-looking and healthy skin.

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