Microneedling For Cellulite (Does It Really Work?)
Cellulite is a common textural skin concern that almost everyone deals with. While cellulite can decrease confidence levels, it’s often a genetic cause that may be challenging to treat, and it’s okay if not everyone is ready to embrace their natural skin.
Cellulite can occur for a number of reasons, including loss of skin elasticity. Nowadays, multiple clinical treatments may help reduce the appearance of cellulite or create a more even complexion, but results can vary by person.
Microneedling is one of the latest clinical treatments that can help turn back the clock. Its primary purpose will poke the skin with tiny needles to promote collagen production and increase skin elasticity, which can be lacking in areas where cellulite is present.
Does microneedling work for cellulite? Microneedling can offer quicker or more effective results than at-home derma rollers. However, it can take time to see a transformation within your skin if you decide to treat cellulite with microneedling.
Microneedling has its pros and cons, and it may not be the best option for everyone looking to remedy cellulite. It can potentially improve the textural appearance of your skin after multiple sessions.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a common textural skin concern that can appear around the legs or hips. It can make the skin look lumpy, bumpy, and uneven. However, it can sometimes surface when you sit or stand a particular way.
Healthline states, “Cellulite occurs when the skin overlying certain areas of fat is pulled downward to the deeper tissues by the connective tissue bands caused by a buildup of fat underneath the skin.”
Cellulite can affect all individuals regardless of gender or body type, but it is more present among women.
Is Cellulite Harmful?
While a buildup of fat under the skin may sound harmful, but cellulite poses no risk to your overall health.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Treatment isn’t necessary. But if you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin, talk with your primary care doctor or a specialist in skin diseases or plastic surgery about treatment options.”
Most individuals like to treat cellulite for aesthetic purposes and to increase body confidence, but you don’t need to stress if you see cellulite around your body.
Popular Treatments For Cellulite
It’s common to start treating cellulite with household remedies like dry brushing or applying topical products.
While this can temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, it doesn’t do anything to change the fat buildup underneath that triggers cellulite.
So, it’s more efficient to conduct in-office treatments such as microdermabrasion, laser therapy, or even microneedling. It’s possible these treatments can produce more long-term results without having to go under the knife.
Microneedling is an exciting choice for treating cellulite because its primary purpose is to boost elastin.
For a few home remedies that may help you with your cellulite, take a look at this video from Glamrs on YouTube.
Causes Of Cellulite
While it may be unknown what exactly causes cellulite, multiple factors can affect its appearance. You may notice that poor diet choices are leading to more pronounced textural concerns or that there’s an underlying health issue or hormonal imbalance.
Cellulite can affect each person differently, and not everyone will benefit from the same treatments, so it’s crucial to discuss it with a medical provider. Also, cellulite can be challenging to treat because genetics can play an impactful role.
Genetics/Hormones
The appearance of cellulite can be determined by genetics or hormones. Cellulite can also appear on various areas of the body, including the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, and thighs.
Treatments can lower cellulite’s visibility, but they may never truly eliminate it, especially since one of the contributors is genetics. However, cellulite can be more common in women.
Mayo Clinic states, “Most women develop cellulite after puberty. This is because women’s fat is typically distributed in the thighs, hips, and buttocks – common areas for cellulite.”
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
However, small daily habits can also affect your skin’s appearance. For example, poor diet choices, changes in weight, or inactivity can lead to more visible skin textural concerns like cellulite. Aging can also contribute to cellulite.
Simple changes like maintaining hydration, eating a balanced diet, or avoiding drinking/smoking can improve the appearance of your skin. You may also incorporate products promoting elasticity like peptides or retinoids and using a daily moisturizer/lotion.
These habits can also help maintain results from in-office treatments like microneedling, which can also help boost collagen production.
What Is Microneedling?
Microneedling is a well-known cosmetic treatment that promotes elastin and collagen production to improve the skin’s texture. It can also reduce the appearance of various imperfections like scars, discoloration, signs of aging, and more.
Microneedling will prick the skin to create micro-injuries to promote new tissue and collagen to improve your skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of textural concerns like cellulite.
Healthline states, “the pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue…by encouraging the skin to make new tissue, additional collagen may help make the skin firmer.”
Pros Of Microneedling
Microneedling can provide various benefits to the skin, especially where cellulite is present. Cellulite can often occur due to loss of skin elasticity, but microneedling may be able to regenerate tissue to create a more even and smooth complexion.
In addition, microneedling is said to improve skin elasticity and reduce other textural issues so it can reveal a firmer result. These advantages may be able to remedy cellulite.
Improve Skin Elasticity
Cellulite can be worsened by the loss of elasticity or aging skin. Thankfully, microneedling can provide a solution by boosting elastin. The tiny needles used in microneedling will create micro-injuries to help generate new collagen-rich tissue.
Stretch marks can also be found in the same areas as cellulite. Healthline states, “one study found that microneedling was effective for stretch marks on the thighs and abdominal area when combined with fillers.”
This can give hope that a similar effect can be produced when using Microneedling to treat cellulite but always consult with a medical provider first.
Reduce Discoloration
Signs of aging or loss of skin elasticity can promote other skin concerns besides cellulite. For example, the skin can be prone to discoloration, and you may notice an increase in hyperpigmentation or dark spots, especially if you don’t wear SPF.
However, microneedling may help reduce these imperfections. The new tissue growth may be able to push new cells to the surface to create an even complexion. This will minimize or eliminate the appearance of sunspots, discoloration, and more.
Reduce Scarring
Scarring can look prevalent on the skin. Also, scarring can appear due to injuries in the past, acne, or some type of trauma. Scars can have multiple characteristics like discolored, rough, or raised, but microneedling can help lessen their presence.
The same tiny needle pricks can bring younger skin to the surface and slowly eliminate the look or texture of scarring. Collagen and elastin production should be able to create firmer and more even skin.
Risks Of Microneedling
While microneedling seems like a good service for those dealing with cellulite, it still has its risks. It’s crucial to note that one microneedling service won’t immediately eliminate cellulite and that it can take time and patience to see results.
However, each microneedling session can be potentially damaging to the skin. It’s essential to understand that all beauty treatments have their cons, risks, or side effects. These can be limited by working with an experienced doctor or clinic.
Some common risks of microneedling are bruising, infection, and bleeding. Also, remember that microneedling will prick the skin with needles to improve skin texture.
Bruising
Microneedling will create punctures or minor injuries on the skin. Unfortunately, this is required to regenerate tissue and boost collagen production. Bruising is a more serious side effect and can occur if the puncture has immensely irritated the skin.
You may also notice bruising if you are more prone to it, and it can affect sensitive skin types. If you see signs of bruising following your microneedling, it’s best to contact your provider.
Infection
It’s crucial to work with a well-experienced doctor or clinic if you plan to get microneedling done. Microneedling involves the use of tiny needles that need to be sterilized to provide a safe and successful treatment so you can enjoy your results.
Needles can quickly transfer bacteria and cause a severe infection. It’s essential to visit a clinic that sterilizes its needles or works with a more disposable product to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Infections can further harm the skin or hinder results.
Always have an in-depth consultation with your provider.
Bleeding
Multiple needle pricks may not sound like the most relaxing experience. In addition, microneedling can also lead to bleeding, which is another risk of this treatment. It’s normal for the skin to look red following your service for a few days.
However, if you notice bleeding, it’s crucial to immediately contact your medical provider to ensure you and your skin are safe despite undergoing this side effect. Bleeding may not be comfortable and hinder your healing journey.
How Does Microneedling Work For Cellulite?
Microneedling can potentially reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite produces an uneven complexion, and the skin can often look lumpy or bumpy. In addition, cellulite can appear due to weight changes, genetics, or loss of skin elasticity.
Microneedling may be able to treat cellulite by boosting collagen production. It’s crucial to note that microneedling won’t be the end-all-be-all treatment for cellulite and that it can be tough to eliminate completely since genetics play a factor.
However, microneedling can improve the skin’s appearance where cellulite is present.
What Areas Can Be Treated By Microneedling?
Microneedling is often used to treat skin concerns present on the face. However, microneedling can treat various body parts like the legs, abdomen, and back. We’ve mentioned earlier how microneedling can treat stretch marks along the thighs.
Another widespread use for microneedling is treating certain forms of alopecia and stimulating hair growth at the follicles. It’s crucial to consult with your provider on which areas you would like to treat your cellulite with microneedling.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Do You Need For Cellulite?
Unfortunately, microneedling isn’t a quick-fix treatment. Also, you may not cure cellulite within one treatment. Microneedling requires multiple sessions over a long period to promote visible and long-lasting results.
You must also maintain your results with various aftercare that your doctor provides. It can take, on average, six microneedling sessions to notice a drastic difference in your skin.
Also, please remember that every individual heals and reacts to treatments differently and that results vary by person.
How Long Does Microneedling Last?
A few microneedling sessions won’t be able to eliminate cellulite forever. Cellulite can always reappear due to fluctuations in weight or hormones or is heavily impacted by genetics. However, microneedling can produce long-term results.
According to Healthline, “a doctor may recommend four to six treatment sessions. The skin may continue to have increased collagen production for 3 to 6 months after a microneedling treatment.”
Following any aftercare or maintenance guidelines post-microneedling services will also be helpful. While results may not last forever, they produce more effective and longer-lasting results than at-home derma roller.
Can You Pair Microneedling With Other Treatments?
Microneedling procedures may be able to complement another cosmetic service.
For example, one study found that “the combined use of dermaroller with PRP is apparently more beneficial for facial rejuvenation.” Another example listed earlier said that microneedling is effective at treating stretch marks when combined with fillers.
You may be able to consult with your medical provider if you’re looking for a more personalized cellulite treatment. They can recommend what services can be paired with microneedling.
When Will You See Microneedling Results?
Another common question is when you will see your microneedling results? Again, it can vary by person, the area being treated, and the severity of the cellulite.
However, you may start to see results a few weeks following a microneedling session. It can also take multiple sessions to notice a drastic difference. Microneedling has little downtime so that you can resume your normal activities.
You may need to stay clear of the sun or implement other habits to maintain microneedling results.
Will Microneedling Get Rid Of Cellulite Forever?
It’s unlikely that microneedling will eliminate cellulite. While the causes are somewhat unknown, genetics can impact cellulite. In addition, our bodies are bound to undergo multiple changes in a lifetime, and cellulite can come and go.
Microneedling treatments may help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but you may need to upkeep your results with multiple sessions and changes within your lifestyle. Cellulite isn’t harmful and doesn’t need to be treated at all.
Alternatives To Microneedling
Microneedling isn’t the only service that can potentially treat cellulite. Earlier, we mentioned how services like laser therapy or microdermabrasion might also help improve the texture of your skin.
You can also consult your medical provider about the best options. Also, not everyone will be the ideal candidate for a microneedling treatment.
The Takeaway
So, does microneedling really work for cellulite?
It’s possible that microneedling can reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve your overall skin texture. Microneedling will prick the skin with needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production for youthful skin.
Cellulite can appear due to genetics, weight changes, hormone imbalances, and loss of skin elasticity. So, microneedling can show some results by boosting collagen. However, it can take time and consistency to see any drastic results.
So, would you try to treat cellulite with microneedling?
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