Preventing cellulite from developing: Ways to keep cellulite off.

I disagree with the professional panel on this question.  Sure, there are definitely ways to prevent the accumulation of cellulite on your body and minimize the appearance of cellulite.

Cellulite can occur because of a variety of causes, including genetics, hormones, and skin resiliency.  Although genetics and hormonal effects cannot be changed, the issue of skin resiliency and the depth of fibrous septa can be altered.  This can lead to identifiable and quantifiable changes in the appearance of cellulite.

One solution may be in the way of prevention.  Studies from France have conclusively proven that stimulation of the fat alpha and beta receptors with deep tissue stimulation via an Endermologie type unit will improve cellulite.  This should be done preventatively vs. after its already formed. .

Cellulite has two primary causes:  fat irregularities in the superficial skin and fat in the deep tissues.

Fat in the deep tissues can be globular, since fat has irregular septations that can be broken with liposculpture techniques.  Many patients interpret fat around the thigh and buttock areas as being cellulite, when in fact it is just fat.  So some hope there.  Exercise and a healthy diet reduce fat, as does liposuction/liposculpture.

Fat in the superficial tissues causing irregularities on the surface is normal to have in the teen years and beyond, and non currently treatable.  Some patients have found temporary relief with Endermologie, probably because of the temporary swelling it causes.  Some creams may also cause temporary swelling and may minimally reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Weight loss and diet also reduce the superficial cellulite.

Lasers, superficial liposuction, radiofrequency treatments have been disappointing because of the damage they may cause to the subdermal plexus, the blood vessels below the skin that nourish the skin.  Destroying the subdermal plexus causes the skin to die or change color permanently.  It can also cause very significant irregularities that are permanent and sometimes deforming.

One thing patients can do is to keep fit.  People who have cellulite are genetically programmed to have it at a certain weight.  Some patients who are genetically "gifted" and do not exhibit cellulite despite being heavy and not exercising.  However, these patients often have the "apple" configuration with fat depositions in the abdomen, an unhealthier condition compared to their cellulite-suffering cohort.  By reducing the body fat percentage through a sustained and effective exercise program with lots of cardio, and by restricting intake of fatty and carbohydrate rich foods, patients may reduce in a meaningful way their cellulite.  This is in fact better than any treatment any doctor can offer (and cheaper and healthier as well).

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