Does Massage Help With Cellulite Reduction?

Cellulite develops when fat cells under the skin become larger, pushing up against the skin. At the same time, connective cords attaching the skin to muscle tissue pull down.

Why this happens is unclear, although both hormones and genetics may play a role, as may poor diet and lack of exercise. Cellulite is also more common with age, as the skin becomes less elastic.

Does Massage Help With Cellulite?

Part of the theory of cellulite massage is it increases circulation and encourages waste removal, leading to a reduction in the appearance of cellulite. Some sources believe the gentle strokes of lymphatic drainage can help reduce cellulite, while other sources advocate the use of deep, vigorous massage.

The effectiveness of cellulite massage is controversial, although general consensus is massage may reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin tone, at least temporarily, but the benefits are limited. Any claim that massage reduces fat deposits is dubious, at best.

Lymphatic Massage for Cellulite

The lymphatic system, part of the immune system, helps remove excess fluids and waste products from the body. Poor circulation in this system can contribute to the accumulation of waste products and fluids, which can cause swelling that worsens the appearance of cellulite.

Lymphatic drainage massage uses gentle strokes designed to move excess fluids out of the body's tissues in the direction of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin, and knees where the fluids can be processed and eliminated naturally.

Another potential type of massage to reduce cellulite by moving excess fluids and waste products out of tissue is cupping. Evidence is limited, but a small 2015 study found that dry moving cupping massage used ten times on each thigh for five weeks decreased the grade of cellulite.

Lipomassage

Lipomassage from Endermologie is a roller massage for cellulite. This technique kneads skin between rollers using a hand-held machine. Endermologie claims Lipomassage can get rid of exercise-and-diet-resistant fat permanently, and you will start seeing results after six 35-minute sessions. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, any slight improvement you may see after Lipomassage is likely temporary.

What About Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil?

You can buy anti-cellulite massage oils that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin firmness. Some products, like Pure Body Naturals, contain essential oils. Others, like M3 Naturals, also contain other ingredients, such as collagen and stem cells. You can also make a cellulite massage oil with essential oils to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

The Medical Perspective

Here's what the Mayo Clinic has to say about non-massage cellulite treatment.

Weight loss using a healthy diet and regular exercise probably has the most benefits. However, not everyone with cellulite needs to lose weight, and even with weight loss, the cellulite doesn't completely go away; it just becomes less noticeable.

Muscle-toning physical activity may improve the appearance of dimpled skin.

Evidence has shown using a 0.3 percent retinol cream two times a day for a minimum of six months improves the appearance of cellulite.

The following treatments require at least several sessions before you see a noticeable improvement, though that improvement is likely temporary:

• Lasers and radiofrequency systems are a promising medical therapy. One ablative (wounding) approach places a thin fiber under the skin. The fiber uses laser heat to destroy fibrous bands that bind the fat. This technique reduces the appearance of cellulite for six months to a year.
• Radiofrequency devices use heat for nonablative treatment. You usually need nonablative treatments more often than ablative treatments.
• In acoustic wave therapy, a technician moves a transducer over the dimpled skin after applying a gel. This shockwave therapy uses a series of acoustic pulses to send pressure waves to the lower layers of skin tissue. Theoretically, this technique reduces the appearance of cellulite by firming skin.

Some doctors offer surgical options that use special tools to separate the fibrous bands under the skin with the goal of smoothing the skin. Potential complications include pain and bleeding under the skin. Results may last two to three years.

You are likely to see the most benefit by combining several different cellulite treatments.

Dermatologist Video: Why You Have Cellulite & How to Get Rid of It

For a different perspective, see The Cellulite Myth: It's Not Fat, It's Fascia.

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Photo Credit: tata_aka_T from Tokyo [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons