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Cellulite is a dimple-like texture of the skin that often appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. Clumps of fat in these areas push against the skin, causing the dimpled appearance most people commonly call “cottage cheese.” Although a small amount of men have cellulite, this unwanted problem is prevalent in women (at least 90 percent are affected by it).
Causes of Cellulite
The skin is scattered with fibrous cords that connect from the top of the skin to the muscle underneath, and these cords pull the skin down in various places. Lumpy fat deposits push against the skin in between these cords and create the clumpy, bulging effect of cellulite. The dermis layer gives skin its thickness, and if this layer is thin, clumps of fat can become more apparent through it. The way that fat and muscle are distributed in women differs from their distribution in men, causing cellulite to be more common in women. Genetic predispositions, hormonal changes, and weight gain can all contribute to the appearance of cellulite.
Treatments
There are multiple approaches to improving the appearance cellulite, but there is no guaranteed, permanent treatment. Many may look to liposuction as a possible cure, but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has concluded that it does not eliminate cellulite. It can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite because it may create more depressions in the skin. Here are possible treatment options that have helped alleviate cellulite concerns:
Lose Body Fat
Exercise and diet can reduce the amount of body fat you have, which may variably help decrease the appearance of cellulite. Although losing weight isn’t guaranteed to eliminate cellulite, many women who diet and exercise to lose weight notice at least a minor decrease in the appearance of their cellulite. Regardless of your body mass index, or BMI (the measure of body fat based on your weight and height), cellulite can still affect you, and gaining weight can significantly increase the presence of cellulite in problem areas.
Compression Garments
The compression effects of binders and wraps, such as Spanx® and ACE™ bandages, may temporarily diminish the appearance of cellulite, but these are not effective treatments for guaranteed or permanent reduction of cellulite. Skineez™ Skincarewear is impregnated with vitamin E, caffeine, retinol, and shea butter, and is recommended to be worn at least a month for five days a week at eight hours a day. It advertises smoother skin and smaller thigh circumference, but the advantages of vitamins and caffeine are not proven to have an effect on cellulite.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Thermage®: This radiofrequency treatment is a non-invasive procedure designed to help tighten and contour the skin, and can help temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite in a single procedure. Thermage stimulates the body’s natural renewal of collagen and does not require surgery or injections.
Cellulaze™:This is the first FDA-approved, minimally-invasive treatment designed specifically for treating cellulite, with results after a single treatment. Cellulaze requires local anesthesia and is accomplished by inserting a laser under the patient’s skin through small incisions. This laser heats up to melt clumps of fat and then breaks up the fibrous cords that connect the top of the skin to the muscles underneath. New collagen growth for better skin elasticity and thickness is achieved as the laser heats the skin.
If you would like to visit Dr. Calabria for a consultation regarding your cellulite concerns, please call (310) 777-0069.
