The American Academy of Dermatology says that a treatment called Cellulaze works well for long-term cellulite reduction, though they note that more research is needed. A small incision is made in the skin and a laser fiber is inserted. This laser works two ways: it zaps the bands that are causing the cellulite and works to make the skin thicker. Patients see results that last for years, but it comes with a hefty price tag.
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Subcision
Another process that has been FDA-cleared is called Cellfina. In this procedure, a doctor puts a needle under your skin to cut the fibrous tissues that cause cellulite. It's been shown to last more than two years, and is designed to treat individual trouble spots, dimple by dimple. Unfortunately, as with laser treatments, it's quite pricey: It'll run you around $4,000.
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Shockwave Therapy
Using the same technology that doctors use to break up kidney stones, doctors administer the shockwaves twice a week for six weeks. Patients generally see results and the price tag is much lower than the other treatments we've discussed. That said, more research needs to be done and doctors aren't yet sure how long the results last.
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Good Old Fashioned Exercise
It turns out, the cheapest way is to get rid of cellulite is to work out. Yes, cellulite is genetic and happens to all of us, but if you replace your fat with muscle, well, you've got a recipe for smooth success. Just be sure to it the right way: A healthy diet combined with weights and cardio will help to decrease your cellulite naturally.
