Venues offering Cellulite Treatment

Cellulite treatment (cellulite massage) covers treatment programmes aimed at the uneven skin surface known as the orange-peel look. It usually combines deep mechanical massage, vacuum or roller devices, wrapping and topical products. Cellulite treatment can help improve the appearance temporarily; it does not get rid of cellulite itself.

What is cellulite and why does it form?

Cellulite is a structural appearance created when the fat tissue under the skin is pushed upwards between the bands of connective tissue that hold it in place. It is seen in the great majority of women; it is not a disease and is not directly proportional to weight, and it can also appear in slim people. Genetics, hormonal factors and the structure of the connective tissue are decisive; in men it is much rarer because their connective tissue is arranged differently. It is most often noticed on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, and the thinning of the skin with age can make it more visible.

How is a session carried out?

Cellulite treatment is done lying on a table, with only the areas being worked on left uncovered; the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and upper arms are the areas most often treated. Although the sequence varies by venue, a typical session consists of these steps:

1. Assessment of the area; some venues take a starting measurement or photograph.
2. A short scrub or a preparatory massage that warms the skin.
3. Deep mechanical massage by hand (kneading, compressing, lifting), or work with a device with a vacuum or roller head.
4. In some programmes, wrapping or resting with a body mask.
5. Finishing with a care product.

A single session mostly lasts 45-60 minutes; programmes with wrapping or a mask added take longer.

Programme structure and frequency

Rather than a single session, a course of 8-12 sessions, 1-2 times a week, is common for cellulite treatment. Once the course is complete, less frequent maintenance sessions can be scheduled to keep up the effect. Without regular exercise, a balanced diet and drinking enough water, the effect of the sessions remains limited; cutting down on long periods of sitting still should also be considered part of the programme.

Realistic expectations

Realistic expectations are the most important point in cellulite treatment. No treatment gets rid of cellulite permanently. Treatments can improve the appearance by temporarily increasing circulation and lymph flow, reducing fluid retention and temporarily firming the skin. The effect depends on keeping up the sessions and fades when you stop. Be cautious about programmes sold with the promise 'gets rid of it permanently' and about claims of results after a single session.

Who should not have it

The deep mechanical massage and vacuum treatments used in cellulite treatment involve noticeable pressure and can cause bruising; the pressure is adjusted by talking it through with the therapist. In the following cases the treatment is not given or a doctor's approval is required:

• Advanced varicose veins or a history of deep vein thrombosis
• A bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners
• Pregnancy
• An active skin problem, open wound or recent surgery in the treatment area

If you have been diagnosed with lymphoedema, you need lymphatic drainage carried out on a doctor's referral instead of these programmes.

How it differs from similar treatments

Cellulite treatment is often confused with treatments that have similar names or form part of the programme:

Some centres also add device treatments such as cavitation or radiofrequency to cellulite treatment; in that case the programme calls for a different assessment from treatment done by hand.

What affects the price, and what to ask when booking

The price of cellulite treatment varies according to whether it is booked as a single session or as a course, whether devices are used, the length of the session, whether wrapping and products are added, and the type of venue; with course packages the cost per session usually falls. For details, see the guide to what determines spa prices. The venues on the site offering cellulite treatment are spread across hotel spas, day spas and wellness centres in Istanbul and Ankara; at these venues the treatment sits alongside a wide massage menu. Before booking, it helps to clarify the following:

• Is the programme massage by hand, a device or both; if a device is used, which one?
• How many sessions make up the course, how far apart are they, and how long is the package valid?
• Can unused sessions be refunded or transferred?
• Is a doctor's approval required in situations such as taking blood thinners, varicose veins or pregnancy?