Aminophylline for Reducing Cellulite

What’s with all the recent commotion regarding aminophylline and cellulite? You might have overheard the term during a news segment or at a beauty, and for good reason: aminophylline is developing a reputation as a cellulite-fighting ingredient. In the following report, we take a look at what aminophylline actually is and whether or not it’s a breakthrough in the process of treating cellulite. We’ll also take a look at its potential side effects and suggest alternative treatments.

How Does Aminophylline Work to Fight Cellulite?

Aminophylline was originally developed as a prescription treatment for asthma sufferers. The compound relaxes the muscles in the patient’s chest, increasing the amount of air that flows into and out of the patient’s lungs. Aminophylline can be prescribed as either a pill or liquid, and is actually one of the most commonly prescribed asthma medications.
Interestingly enough, topical treatments of aminophylline do not require a prescription, and someone had the idea to use a topical form of aminophylline as a treatment for cellulite. The general claim is that when applied topically, aminophylline simply dissolves fatty deposits underneath the skin. However, that claim is not totally correct. When aminophylline is applied topically, it actually dehydrates the skin in and around the area where it is applied. The body then absorbs extra water in the skin. In the end, the dried skin is pulled taut over fat deposits, which masks the presence of cellulite.

This process is similar to that of diuretics in weight loss programs: you’re removing stores of water from your body, not fat. Since aminophylline is only masking the presence of cellulite, patients must use it consistently to keep water from returning to the regions of skin above and around the cellulite. Once a person stops applying aminophylline regularly, their skin will rehydrate and cellulite will return. In this way, aminophylline only provides a way to temporarily mask the signs of cellulite.

Is Aminophylline Effective in Cellulite Reduction?

At the moment, the only proof of aminophylline’s effectiveness comes from personal testimonials. There are no published studies showing that aminophylline is successful in actually reducing or treating cellulite. The few published studies concerning aminophylline were funded as promotions for the product itself.

One study, published in Obesity Research, claims that regular applications of aminophylline proved successful as a possible treatment for cellulite in clinical trials. However, this study was co-written and funded by a firm that was marketing aminophylline creams at the time of the study, so the validity of these claims is questionable.

The publication Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows more doubt regarding the capability of aminophylline as a treatment for Cellulite. This study did a test on various types of cellulite treatments, one of which was aminophylline. This study involved three different cellulite treatments, including clinical trials of aminophylline, on three different groups of women. One group was given an ‘average’ off-the-shelf cellulite treatment cream, a second group was given a placebo cream, and a third group of women received aminophylline cream. The result of the study showed no noticeable difference between the treatments among the three groups of women.

Aminophylline’s Side Effects

Applying aminophylline topically can result in some serious side effects. Increased instances of anxiety and heart palpitations have been reported as a result of topical treatment. There is also the risk of full respiratory failure for patients who already take aminophylline as prescribed.

What Else Can I Do to Reduce Cellulite?

The most dependable cellulite creams are those with ingredients that have proven effective in toning and firming problematic areas. Daily applications can reduce appearance of cellulite. For more information about the top cellulite creams, click here.