What Causes Cellulite?

I tell my patients that there are essentially two types of cellulite that we see most frequently. "Cottage cheese" cellulite To simplify them, there seems to be one type that is like cottage cheese. Where you see cells of fat under very thin skin, so it looks like tissue paper over cottage cheese. Still this is a defect in the thickness of the skin or collagen of the dermis. This is not the most common type of cellulite, and is more a function of having very thin skin (where... more

In actuality, we really don't know what causes cellulite. One theory suggests cellulite arises from swelling within localized fatty areas. This can be accentuated by increases in lymphatic pressure or venous blood pressure. For some, excess fat, loose skin, or a combination of the two additionally contribute to the problem. Stress, trauma, diet, medications, and pregnancy have also been listed as possible contributing factors. In my mind, the two main causes of cellulite are 1)... more

The number one reason we develop cellulite is our genetics. For example, if your mother has it, more than likely at some point you will start to notice "dimples" if you haven't already. Right now, the only FDA-approved treatment for cellulite is Endermologie. You can enhance your Endermologie results in between treatments by exercising, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding a diet high in salt, sugar, and processed foods.

Cellulite is the cottage cheese appearance to fatty areas, especially thighs and buttocks. It is more common in women, and is thought to be affected by female hormones. Cellulite is small herniations of superficial fatty tissue, and as the fibrous septa of the skin weaken, then the herniation, i.e., bulging of fat lobules, increases. Most treatments that are effective for cellulite deliver heat to the skin septa and induce collagen formation or thickening of these septa; this helps keep... more