• General Information

3.- Pharmacological agents

Phosphatidylcholine injections:

May be effective in the treatment of localised lipodystrophy, in particular one of the components of the formula, deoxycholate, a detergent that causes non-specific destruction of the cell membranes.

This treatment is not approved in Spain but has become very popular in Latin American countries. In any case, it is not recommended in the treatment of superficial subdermal fat which is the aim of cellulite treatment.

Pharmacological agents:

Xanthine, lactic acid, retinoids and active ingredients derived from the plants applied as topical treatments are continuously being studied. Apparently, one of the most active topical substances is aminophylline, a xanthine phosphodiesterase inhibitor that stimulates beta-2 receptor activity and is also used as a diuretic and for asthma as a bronchodilator.

Based on the fact that cellulite manifests as a consequence of the weakening of the conjunctive septa, allowing the fat tissue to protrude over the dermo-hypodermic membrane, the use of retinoids for topical cellulite treatment has been suggested. It has been proven that the application of this substance generates a thicker and better structured dermis in the long term. This method could improve the appearance of the cellulite by generating a dermis able to contain the fat in the hypodermic plane, but the treatment has not been consolidated yet due to lack of results.

Other substances such as almond oil, lecithins, ginko biloba, calendula, ruscus, gotu cola and grapple plant are included in the formulas of topical cellulite treatment products. The inclusion of caffeine in these products is quite common and it should be mentioned that in some cases the patients report insomnia and excitation.