Fluid vs. Fat vs. Cellulite - Why The Treatments Are Different

Let's start by understanding what cellulite is:

Most of you probably know this already, but I'm going to say it anyway. Cellulite is a localized skin condition characterized by a dimpled appearance, resembling an "orange peel," caused by the combination of expanding gat cells and connective tissue (fascia) beneath the skin's surface.

There are also different grades or stages of cellulite, and they usually range from 0-3 with 2 and 3 being the most visible. Stage 3 cellulite may not be made perfect with body contouring, but significant improvements can be possible with the right therapist and a client that is willing to do their part in between sessions.

 

Now let's take a minute to talk about fluid.

Edema or water retention involves the abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues, causing swelling and puffiness. Edema can occur in various parts of the body and is often associated with factors such as diet, poor circulation, hormonal fluctuations, side effects of some medications, or an underlying medical condition such as heart failure, kidney disease, and DVT(deep vein thrombosis). If you think you are experiencing fluid retention due to a medical condition, please see your doctor before scheduling any services. Unlike cellulite, fluid retention has nothing to do with the presence of fat deposits and has more to do with a backup of some kind somewhere in the body that is not allowing the fluid to move as it normally would. 

 

Treatment for fluid buildup is much different than that for cellulite. I do not reccomend body contouring sessions for someone who is dealing with a fluid problem. Please see what I usually recommend for fluid issues below. 

 

And now let's talk about fat.

Fat is an adipose tissue that is stored in your body and used as a source of energy. Unlike fluid, fat is much harder to get rid of and can also have a significant impact on your health if it's not managed properly. You can read more about the different kinds of fat under the tab "Subcutaneous Fat vs. Visceral Fat". The easiest way to tell the difference between fluid and fat is that fluid usually comes on quickly, while fat will build up slowly. While excess fluid is temporary and usually located in the abdomen, hands, and feet, fat is stored throughout the body and will not fluctuate as easily. Fat and fluid also feel different when you touch them, and an experienced therapist will be able to tell the difference just by feeling the area.  

 

Because the causes and structure of these three are all very different, they are all treated differently!

 

Cellulite can be treated with body contouring techniques. In addition to wood therapy, and lymphatic drainage, I will also use ultrasonic cavitation, radio frequency, and vacuum therapy. Not all will be used in every session, but this is why we work put a plan together based on how often you can come in and how long we have to wait between certain treatments. 

 

If you have fluid, that must be treated first with lymphatic drainage. This means we will do a few sessions of lymphatic drainage, and you will have homework to do so that we can make sure your body is ready for cavitation and radio frequency if they are needed. Once we get the fluid under control, then we can begin to work on fat and/or cellulite. Addressing fluid by way of cavitation can actually make things look worse. 

 

Fat can be treated similar to cellulite, but each individual is different, and so therefore each session plan is going to be different as well.​