Cellulite Massage

Cellulite is a very common problem that many women experience during their lifetime regardless of their age, ethnicity, or physical fitness level. Cellulite appears as a dimpled or cratered appearance on the skin and usually occurs on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. This “puckering” effect is caused by normal fat pushing against normal connective tissue bands under the surface of the skin. Differences in the amount or the quality of the fat or connective tissues dictate whether such puckering effect is pronounced.  While not at all harmful to one’s health, the appearance of cellulite may instill a negative body image.

There are many ineffective cellulite products or treatments which falsely tout their power to eliminate cellulite. One of the common questions we get from patients revolves around the efficacy of cellulite massages. Some quick online searches reveal many women discussing how a simple massage has smoothed out their cellulite. But is it really possible to massage cellulite away?

DO CELLULITE MASSAGES WORK?

There’s great appeal to eliminating cellulite via a massage. How nice would it be to simply lay back and have a masseuse rub the dimpling away? In reality, cellulite massages will only provide a minimal short-term improvement. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, current massage techniques do not adequately address the structural component of cellulite. This makes it difficult to provide anything more than a mild or temporary result.