BACKGROUNDThe gynoidlypodystrophy, known as cellulitis or cellulite, refers to a condition
that gives the skin an undulating and uneven appearance, affecting 80-90% of women
after puberty.OBJECTIVESto investigate the efficacy and safety of manual lymphatic drainage for cellulite
management.METHODSthis was an open, prospective, intervention study including 20 women aged from 20
to 40 years. Fourteen sessions of manual lymphatic drainage were performed once a
week on lower limbs and buttocks.RESULTSFifteen women completed the study. A significant improvement on quality of life
was observed (p=0.018). A significant reduction (p=0.023), estimated at 0.3±0.8
cm, in hip circumference was found, but no difference was found in thighs
circumference (p>0.05). A significant reduction elastic recuperation of skin on
buttocks, which means skin elasticity worsening, was observed. All measures
obtained by ultrasound images showed no changes (p>0.05).CONCLUSIONmanual lymphatic drainage was safe but not effective as an isolated approach for
cellulite management. Further randomized, controlled or comparative studies about
manual lymphatic drainage for cellulite control, as unique or combined therapeutic
modality, are necessary.
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