What is CELLULITE?
Cellulite is a rather common and harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled appearance on the skin. It is sometimes described as having a cottage cheese or orange-peel texture. Cellulite occurs when the skin overlying certain areas of fat is tethered downward to the deeper tissues by tough connective tissue also called fibrous bands. This creates an uneven surface. With mild cellulite you can only see it if you pinch the area of the skin affected. Cellulite that is more severe makes the skin appear rumpled and bumpy with areas of peaks and valleys.
Cellulite is commonly found on:
- hips
- highs
- abdomen
- buttocks
- breasts
Cellulite affects women more than men due to the different fat, muscle, and connective tissue distribution. It’s thought to affect of women in varying degrees. Cellulite is not harmful and treatment isn’t necessary but if you are concerned about the appearance of your skin, talk to us for a free consultation.
What causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat underneath the skin. Some women are more predisposed to it than others. The amount of cellulite you have and how noticeable it is can be based on your genes, body fat percentage, and age. The thickness of your skin also affects the appearance of cellulite. People of all body types and weights can get cellulite.
Risk factors for Cellulite
Cellulite is more common in women than men. In fact, most women develop some cellulite after puberty. This is because women’s fat is typically distributed in the thighs, hips and buttocks. Cellulite can become more visible as you age and your skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity. This exposes the rippled connective tissues underneath.
Cellulite is affected by:
- hormones
- poor diet
- an unhealthy lifestyle
- accumulated toxins
- genetics
- weight gain
- inactivity
- pregnancy
Treatment of Cellulite
Thermo-lipolysis using infrared laser and radiofrequency
The V shape is one of many body contouring and fat destruction devices on the market. It effectively combines Infrared Laser, Radiofrequency, Ultrasound cavitation, Vacuum suction and a massage roller function. These medical therapies together cause permanent fat cell destruction and removal from the body by a process of thermo-lipolysis. This is by far the most effective noninvasive and long-lasting treatments for cellulite.
Cryolipolysis or coolsculpting
Cryolipolysis, or CoolSculpting, is a noninvasive body contouring procedure that reduces cellulite by freezing thereby destroying the fat cells beneath the skin. Several treatments are needed to dissolve an inch of fat. It may take three to four months to see a noticeable reduction in cellulite. Unlike thermo- lipolysis, Coolsculpting treatments take several hours.
Ultrasound Cavitation
Ultrasound Cavitation is a noninvasive body contouring procedure that uses low frequency sound waves to target and eliminate fat in the abdomen and thighs. It is usually recommended to combine ultrasound with another cellulite treatment such and infrared laser and radiofrequency. Results may take a couple of weeks to be visible but will last a long time.
Cellfina
Cellfina is an FDA approved nonsurgical minimally invasive procedure that was developed in 2015. It involves the use of a needle to break up the tough fibrous bands that tether the skin to the muscle. This procedure has had a high level of patient satisfaction. The cost of the procedure can be a limiting factor for many. Results can be seen in as a few days and results may last upto three years.
Shockwave or Acoustic wave therapy
Shockwave therapy (SWT) as a treatment for cellulite was first discovered when doctors treating women for musculoskeletal issues notes a reduction in the appearance of the cellulite of the overlying skin. SWT reduces cellulite by vibrating the connective tissue in areas of the body and loosening the fibrous bands that hold the skin to the underlying muscle. SWT also stimulates the tissues and increases new collagen production, thereby improving the appearance, texture, and elasticity of the skin. Several treatments are needed in order to see results.
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release
This procedure breaks up the tough bands under the skin with a device containing small blades. The bands are cut, which allows the tissue to move upward to fill in the dimpled skin. Results may last up to three years.
Carboxytherapy
Carboxytherapy is a treatment for cellulite, stretch marks and dark under eye circles that was first developed in France in the 1930’s. The treatment involves the infusion of carbon dioxide under the skin. This is thought to increase blood flow to the area, which may help reduce the appearance of cellulite. You may experience discomfort and temporary bruising.
Cellulite creams
Cellulite creams add moisture and tighten the skin making it look smoother and firmer. This reduces the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite creams do not destroy the fat cells under the skin. Their effects are therefore not long-lasting. You will need to be apply the creams daily to maintain the results. Caffeine is a common ingredient in many topical cellulite creams. Caffeine increases blood flow to the area and also works as a diuretic and changes the water content of the fat, thereby reducing the appearance of the cellulite. Products containing 0.3 % retinol when used for at least 6 months may reduce the appearance of cellulite by thickening the epidermis. Research surrounding cellulite creams has yielded mixed results. Cellulite creams showed significant improvements when combined with personal dietary recommendations.