Cellulite refers to the puckered appearance of skin when fatty tissue pushes through the fibrous bands, called septae, that connect skin to muscle, causing your skin to dimple or pucker. Physicians refer to cellulite as edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP).
(Cellulite is unrelated to the condition known as cellulitis, which is a spreading bacterial infection or inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath.)
Cellulite tends to run in families, more common in women than men and more common as we get older.
what types of cellulite are there?
Grade 1 or mild: with anorange-peel look with a slightly draped or sagging appearance on the skin.
Grade 2 or moderate: with a cottage cheese look moderately draped skin texture.
Grade 3 or severe: with a mattress look with a severely draped skin texture.
what causes cellulite?
the real cause of cellulite is still under debate but the main belief is that It As fat cells become bigger, they push up against skin surface, while the fibrous connective cords(cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle) pull down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling. plus our hormones(endocrine system) play a major role in the development of cellulite, and genetics defines skin structure, skin texture and body type. Other factors, such as weight and muscular defenition also affect cellulite process, although fit people can also have it.
poor circulation has a direct link with cellulite as well, since reduction of inflammation and repair of body tissue needs circulation system to work properly. one of the reasons that scientists believe exercise can help people suffering from cellulite is because of capillarization.
capillarization is The generation and development of a network of capillaries(small veins and arteries or blood vessel in general) in different regions of body and it is increased by aerobic exercise. Increased capillarisation can improve circulation. this is why massage can help reduce cellulite, it improves blood and lymphatic circulation.
while training, blood pressure increases as the demand for oxygen and nutrition to be delivered to the working muscles rises. In order to meet the demand to be delivered, an increase in capillaries occurs. Exercise also firms and tones muscles and tighten up your skin which aids in reduction of the appearance of cellulite.
thinning of epidermis or outer layer of skin can worsen cellulite as well. sun exposure and genetics all play a role in thinning skin. Certain medications, such as long-term use of oral or topical corticosteroids, also can weaken the skin and blood vessels in the skin.
repeated dehydration can also worsen cellulite. water helps encourage circulation and lymphatic flow and also does numerous other jobs inside our body.
low thyroid or slow metabolism can also worsen cellulite. the reason is still under investigation but it is believed that it is connected again to circulation factors mentioned.
around 8 out of 10 women will probably experience cellulite. it is believed that the reason women have this rate compared to men, is because of female hormones(particularly estrogen), although there is a debate on that case. In men, the bands that hold connective tissue in place are arranged in zigzag pattern, according to a July 2012 review in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology. If you do a pinch test on the thigh of a woman and a man, the female will develop peaks and valleys characteristic of a mattress, according to the review, while the male will only have folds and furrows. some professionals believe women are more tend to have cellulite because of this connective tissue type difference.
anyway we still cannot overlook the hormonal effects(especially gonadal hormones), since it has also been proven that men who have low testosterone are more prone to have cellulite than men with normal range. pregnancy is also another factor that increases cellulite which may also be related to raise in female hormones.
as we age, we tend to have higher body fat deposition and also lose elasticity of our skin, which promotes the development of cellulite. the other reason cellulite appears to rise when we get older is loss of collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles.
how to treat cellulite?
although a concrete and easy solution to cellulite is not yet found(we even do not completely know the reason for its creation in the first place yet!), there are some things that have shown to be beneficial.
products containing ingredients such as caffeine and retinol, may improve the appearance of skin. Caffeine is believed to break down fat, while retinol thickens the top layer of skin. although cellulite requires extensive fat, collagen, and connective tissue remodeling which is not possible with only some foods.
Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive procedure which freezes and kills fat cells. Once they are eliminated, your body automatically removes them. This treatment is usually used for body shaping, but fat removal can also improve your cellulite. It can take three treatments and three to four months to see results.
Subcision is a procedure that involves insertion of a needle beneath the skin to break up bands of fibrous connective tissue that separate the clusters of fat cells. Health care professionals perform subcision with a device known as Cellfina. Results of the technique can last up to two years or more.
some doctors also have conducted a laser therapy for their clients by using a device called Cellulaze. the doctor inserts laser fiber under skin to heat and melt fat cells and slice the fibrous bands that pull down on the skin. It can also help thicken the skin. But swelling, bruising, and hyperpigmentation may occur after treatment. Cellulaze has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite for one year.
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release is another new procedure that can help break up the tough bands of fibrous tissue that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. The doctor uses a device containing small blades to cut the tough tissue bands. Subsequently, the fat tissue moves upward to fill out and reduce the look of dimpled skin.
Dermatologist are also using injectable fillers like diluted Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite) or diluted Sculptra (poly-l-lactic acid) to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of cellulite. this can have the same effects as shockwave therapy.
Acoustic wave therapy (AWT) also known as shockwave therapy or Lipotripsy is a treatment that studies have shown reduces the appearance of cellulite. This technique applies acoustic waves to the affected areas. Typically, multiple treatments and maintenance treatments are necessary.
Some doctors inject chemicals into the fat layer below the skin to encourage breakdown and make cellulite less noticeable. This procedure is often called mesotherapy. The chemicals used include phosphatidylcholine, aminophylline, hormones, herbal extracts, vitamins, and minerals. There’s little proof these treatments help. Most doctors don’t recommend the procedure because there’s a risk of infection, swelling, rashes, and lumpy skin.
Ultrasonic liposculpting uses sounds waves to try to reduce cellulite. There is no definitive evidence to prove that this technique is effective.
Several of dietary supplements have been marketed and contain a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking.