Cellulite reduction by Varipads® compression technology is superior to compression alone, improves quality of life, and reduces local lymph in tissues – results of a ‘split-side’ comparison trial.

Aims: Cellulite affects most adult women and has a cosmetic and psychological impact. Previous work has shown compression garments with Varipads® significantly improves the appearance of cellulite. However, that trial did not distinguish between the effect solely due to compression and that due to Varipads®. The aim of this trial was to identify any additional benefit due to Varipads® over and above compression alone.Methods: 62 biological women (mean 48 years – range 19–67) with cellulite were recruited. We specifically recruited in the following sizes: 10 small (UK Dress 8-10), 20 medium (UK Dress 12-14), 20 large (UK Dress 16-18), and 10 extra-large (UK Dress 20 – 22). Compression garments covered from waist to mid-thigh, with Varipads® on the left and plain compression on the right. Garments were worn for 8 hours in each 24, daily, for 6 months. Primary endpoint – subjects reporting a difference between the sides and asking for a garment with Varipads® bilaterally. Secondary endpoints were changes in quality of life (QoL) (Celluqol®) and transdermal water content (TDWC) (Lymphscanner®).Results: 42 (68%) subjects completed the 6-months trial. 32 of 42 (76%) saw a difference between the sides within the 6 months of the trial. Of these 23 (72%) saw the difference within 3 months, and 9 (28%) between 3 and 6 months. Overall, there was a significant improvement of QoL and reduction in TDWC. Subjectively, the most common comment was that the skin on the Varipads® side felt smoother and more toned.Conclusion: The addition of Varipads® to a compression garment that covers the buttocks and upper thighs, improves the appearance of cellulite in 76% of subjects compared to compression alone. Furthermore, compression with Varipads® both significantly improves QoL and reduces TDWC. This suggests that compression with Varipads® reduces the appearance of cellulite by stimulating local lymphatic return from the superficial tissues.