Get the Skinny on Cellulite! How To Get Rid of Cellulite. What Really Works and What is a Waste of Your Money! Does Kim Kardashian’s Nivea Product Work?

Now that we’re in the thick of summer, chickies finally are showing off that bikini body they have been working towards since New Year’s Day to achieve. But even though they may have logged hundreds of hours in the gym and consistently eaten a healthy diet, it may be impossible to achieve that sought after beach-ready bottom because of one pesky problem – cellulite.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 90% of women have cellulite, and unless you are one of those lucky few dimple-free ladies, you are probably constantly trying to find ways to hide, mask and eliminate those unsightly lumps and bumps from your thighs, stomach and/or arms.

But with so many options from cream moisturizers, gels and mechanical massagers, how are women supposed to know which products live up to their hype? Celebrity plastic surgeon, Dr. Anthony Youn, notes that ”although there are certain factors besides age and genes that contribute to cellulite such as alcohol intake and diet, there is no magical cure for cellulite. However, there are a few options which best help to disguise the stubborn problem.”

Smartypanties has seen dozens of products out there, Nivea has been stepping up and partnering up with Kim Kardashian to get rid of cellulite–but does it work?

Now, Dr. Youn weighs in on the most popular cellulite treatments to see if they really do cut the fat:

Treatment: Topical creams, gels and serums
What they claim: Topical treatments claim to firm up skin and break down fat through the use of ingredients such as retinoids, Vitamin A, caffeine and or even black tea
Does it work? According to Dr. Youn, topical treatments are only effective if used on a consistent basis, and even so only mask or camouflage the problem. There is currently no dream cream cellulite treatment available, but coupled with exercise and a healthy diet these creams (especially options which include self-tanners) can be used for a quick, temporary fix.

Treatment: Body Wraps
What they claim: At home or in-spa treatments which use a combination of minerals and herbs applied to the skin with the use of compression wraps, stimulate fat cells and remove waste and toxins from pores, ultimately eliminating swelling the dimpled area for a smoother appearance
Does it work? In terms of getting rid of cellulite, Body Wraps and other slimming spa treatmentsare not effective. “Although a slight reduction in the appearance of cellulite may occur, ultimately body wrap treatments should be utilized as a form of relaxation” states Dr. Youn.

Treatment: Cellulite-Reduction Pills
What they claim: Most contain some formula of grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba fatty acids and/or yellow sweet clover which work together to diminish fatty build-ups and restore skin’s elasticity
Does it work? Dr. Youn says that “orally ingested pills are distributed throughout the entire body and not only to one localized area such as the buttocks or thighs. Additionally, the ingredients used in these pills have resulted in serious side-effects such as headaches, nausea, increased risk of bleeding or even liver disease. Like most weight-loss pills, a pill to cure cellulite is simply too good to be true.”

Treatment: Mechanical massagers
What it claims:  Utilizes rollers and /or gentle suctioning to deep massage a certain area in order to increase circulation, restore collagen function and expel water buildup resulting in a smoother, more contoured body. Options range from at-home devices such as simple hand tools with roller balls or powerful heat, massage and suction machines found at the doctor’s office
Does it work? According to Dr. Youn, “cellulite cannot be eliminated simply by massaging. This treatment only redistributes fat stores into a different area of the body, but does not permanently eliminate them”

Treatment: Lasers
What it claims: Through the use of a painless laser, fatty layers under the skin are melted and collagen production is boosted for a less dimply appearance
Does it work? “Currently this type of treatment is the most effective available to get rid of cellulite because once fat is melted it is broken down by the lymph nodes, however the treatment cost is high (approximately $200 per treatment) and at least eight treatments are needed in order to see results, therefore it is not the best option for everyone,” notes Dr. Youn

Treatment: Liposuction
What it claims: Invasive procedure that removes excess fat from a particular area of the body
Does it work? “Liposuction is still the best surgical option to get rid of fat. However, Liposuction does not affect the inflexible connective tissue near the top of the skin which ultimately causes cellulite, therefore there is still a chance for the appearance of dimpled skin,” says Dr. Youn

About Dr. Anthony Youn
Dr. Anthony Youn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who focuses on cosmetic surgery, practicing in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Dr. Youn has authored or co-authored several papers and scientific manuscripts on plastic surgery, including such procedures as the Volumetric Facelift and Facial Reshaping. Dr. Youn earned his doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. He then completed his general surgery and plastic surgery training at the Grand Rapids MERC Plastic Surgery Residency Program. Dr. Youn then made the decision to move to Los Angeles, California to complete an aesthetic plastic surgery fellowship with a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon.

Dr. Youn is also a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Plastic Surgery Products Magazine. He has been featured on E! Television’s Dr. 90210, The Montel Williams Show, America’s Newsroom on the Fox News Channel, the O’Reilly Factor, and the E! Special Celebrity Plastic Surgery. For more information, please visit www.beverlyhillsbeauty.com.

So in sum, Smartypanties in our Non-professional medical opinion, we would not waste your money on pills and creams. Stick to exercise and diet and maybe one day laser or lipo as directed by a physician.

*As always, Smartypanties has no medical background and never holds herself out to be a medical professional. Seek medical advice before seeking treatment or purchasing products to ensure they’re right for you!