Michael Jackson is apparently planning to revamp his image with even more plastic surgery in preparation for his big comeback this summer. The popstar, who is due to start a run of 50 shows at London’s O2 Arena in July, has apparently been in consultation with a number of top surgeons and cosmetologists to work out his latest new look.

It’s not as if Michael Jackson hasn’t had enough surgery already, but it’s not hugely surprising to hear that he’s planning to go under the knife again. It’s one of the things he’s become most famous for after all. It would seem, though, that for the immediate future at least he will remain in the minority. The worrying trend towards a nip/tuck culture where people can just pop in for a nose job or breast enlargement procedure and no one bats an eyelid, appears to be coming to an end.

It could just be that the recession means people don’t have the money to spare for expensive procedures, or it could be that people are starting to listen to the ever increasing list of horror stories related to cosmetic surgery. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that the number of cosmetic operations performed in the last three months of last year had dropped by at least 25 per cent.

This may be bad news for cosmetic surgeons but it’s surely great news for the rest of the beauty industry. Without the option to just get your body issues ‘fixed’ by going under the knife, people who want to retain their youthful looks are having to look elsewhere for an alternative. And the only other answer is to make sure you always take proper care of yourself and look after your body and your skin.

Specialist cosmetic companies like NV Perricone and Elemis produce a huge selection of creams and moisturisers specifically designed to target problem areas and deal with common problems. These ‘cosmeceuticals’ combine cosmetic with pharmaceutical benefits. If you prefer something a bit more home-grown Aesop use botanical ingredients in their huge range of skincare products. Treating your skin properly and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise will mean that you can always look your best, without running the risk of ending up like Jacko.

Cellulite may not be a medical problem, but it is so concerning to millions of women, that it may as well be. Because of this concern, we cellulite sufferers are lucky that so much effort has gone into finding effective treatments. Of course, those efforts have thrown up a lot of misinformation and bogus treatments as well.

The fact is, there is no cure for cellulite, and researchers really don’t know the cause of it. A number of theories have been proposed, including toxins, water retention, changes to the fat cells, and changes to the connective tissues in the affected area. Heredity is believed to play a large part, as is poor choices with regards food and exercise. The general consensus is that cellulite is caused by a combination of these issues.

Treatments range from the more expensive salon treatments like body wrapping, endermologie, and mesotherapy, to home treatments like cellulite creams, massage devices, and suction cups. There are also herbs and supplements that can assist. Can these cellulite treatments really work?

Salon Treatments

Salon treatments include mesotherapy and endermologie, as well as countless creams, wraps and massage. The endermologie and mesotherapy treatments are the only two that can have a lasting , although still temporary, effect on cellulite. However, they do cost more. Whilst it may seem a contradiction that something can have both lasting yet temporary effects, it’s all relative. Compared to other forms of cellulite treatment, the effects of these two can seem to last a long time. After the initial course of treatments, you may only need follow-up treatments every month or every few months. This is compared to the almost continuous use needed for creams and wraps.

A course of treatments for endermologie and mesotherapy is required, and they can also be a bit painful. It can take two to three weeks before any change in your cellulite is seen.

Home Treatments

Home treatments usually encompass the many contouring creams on the market, and a number of body wraps and massagers that are available for home use. The creams exert the most temporary of temporary effects, and the massagers tend to be the most effective of the home treatments. The body wraps vary. Herbal and mineral rich, these wraps are good for detoxing your skin, and may help you lose an inch or two from drawing out excess water from your skin.

You’ll need to invest either time or money, or both, to see any improvement in your cellulite. For many women, salon treatments are not a viable option, given their expense. Fortunately, you can buy some great home cellulite creams and wraps that are just as effective as their salon sisters. And creams like avon cellulite cream can also help you lose a couple of inches. But endermologie and mesotherapy are better than those. Even the temporary cellulite creams and body wraps can have a dramatic effect, smoothing skin and reducing dimples, making them worthwhile for those whose appearance is a concern for them.