Cellulite arises from tiny pockets of fat that protrude between layers of connective tissue beneath the skin's surface.
Cellulite is a common condition that affects up to 95 percent of women and develops most often on the lower body.
Cellulite may be referred to as orange peel or cottage cheese skin.
Cellulite causes
Cellulite is generally caused by fat irregularities in the superficial skin and/or fat in the deep tissues. Cellulite typically starts forming in women in their 30s, potentially due to hormonal changes.
The definitive cause of cellulite is a point of contention among doctors; the condition may be attributed to causes related to circulatory, genetic, hormonal, inflammatory, or structural factors. Thin skin, whether it is due to genetics or aging, is generally thought to be a causal factor.
Cellulite is far more predominant in women than in men. Many agree that structural differences in the skin and hormonal factors are to blame for this disparity.
Many people misidentify uneven contours around the thigh and buttock areas as cellulite when in fact it is just fat. Fat in the superficial tissues causing irregularities on the surface is normal to have in the teen years and beyond, and it may be treatable.
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Cellulite treatment
While FDA-approved cellulite treatment devices are heavily marketed and easy to find in almost any medical spa, most only provide a temporary cellulite solution, if any at all.
Some cellulite patients have found temporary relief with Endermologie, which some doctors attribute to the swelling it causes. Certain cellulite creams may also cause temporary swelling to minimally reduce the appearance of cellulite.
There are many treatments available that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite, most of which incorporate massage, laser energy or radiofrequency energy. The goal of many of these treatments is to increase circulation, based on the idea that vascular alterations make you cellulite-prone.
Most doctors agree that Liposuction is not an effective cellulite treatment. Even though Liposuction is an effective plastic surgery procedure for eliminating unwanted fat, it typically does not reduce cellulite. In fact, liposuction may make the appearance of cellulite worse. However, combining liposuction (to reduce overall body fat) with fat injections (to fill in dimples) may somewhat improve the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite
Endermologie - Treatment with a handheld device that massages the skin
Velasmooth or Velashape - Combination treatment that uses radiofrequency, infrared light, and massage
Triactive - Low-energy laser used in combination with mechanical massage
Smoothshapes - Combination of two laser wavelengths, roller massage and vacuum
Synergie - Cellulite treatment that uses vacuum and mechanical massage
Accent Laser - Laser treatment for cellulite and skin tightening
Thermage Cellulite Tip - Thermage radiofrequency treatment purported to penetrate deeper than standard Thermage skin tightening treatment
Cellulite creams
Can cellulite creams really help you get rid of cellulite? Most doctors think it's doubtful Few products offer clinical proof, or testing data that is accepted by the scientific community, that a cream can burn away cellulite (or fat, for that matter).
One product alternative that often works is to hide the cellulite is spray tanning or sunless tanning creams, which make cellulite dimples less obvious on the skin.
Preventing cellulite
One thing you can do to prevent cellulite is just stay fit. Those who have cellulite are 'genetically programmed' to have it when they reach a certain weight, while others are 'genetically gifted' and never end up with cellulite regardless of their weight.
The best way to prevent and reduce cellulite is by reducing your body fat percentage through a sustained and effective exercise program with lots of cardio, and by restricting intake of fatty and carbohydrate-rich foods.
Related Links
- Cellulite Q&A
- Blog posts about cellulite
- What's the best anti-cellulite treatment?
- Can you get rid of cellulite with exercise?