Most women, even the fit ones, have cellulite – fat that causes “dimples” in the skin. Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes an orange peel appearance on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. Many women try, with variable success, to improve the appearance of their skin through weight loss, physical exercises, massage and creams marketed as anti-cellulite. Medically proven treatment options are also available, although the results are not immediate and do not last long.
Treatments that are not recommended
What you need to know:
- 80 – 90% of women will probably have cellulite throughout their lives.
- Cellulite usually affects the buttocks and thighs, but it can also appear in other areas.
- Due to its suggestive appearance, cellulite is popularly called skin with the appearance of orange peel, cottage cheese or quilted mattress.
- There are many treatments available, but the effect is mostly temporary.
- A low-fat diet, quitting smoking and an active lifestyle can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Symptoms
Cellulite looks like dimpled or bumpy skin. It is sometimes described as having the appearance of cottage cheese, quilted mattress or orange peel. You have a mild form of cellulite when the characteristic appearance of the skin appears only when you pinch the skin in an area where you have cellulite, such as the thighs. Cellulite that is more severe makes the skin at rest appear wrinkled and bumpy with areas of bumps and bumps.
Dermatologists classify cellulite in 4 degrees:
- Grade I: Cellulite is not visible, but the early changes are already beginning to appear.
- Grade II: Cellulite is not visible when the skin is at rest, but becomes evident when the skin is tight or when you tense the muscles.
- Grade III: Cellulite is visible when the skin is at rest.
- Grade IV: Cellulite is pronounced visible when the skin is at rest.
Cellulite is common on the thighs and buttocks, but it can also appear on the breasts, lower abdomen and upper arms.
When to go to the doctor
Treatment is not necessary. If you are worried about the appearance of your skin, talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about treatment options.
Causes
The exact cause of cellulite is unknown. The appearance of cellulite of the skin is due to the arrangement in the hypodermis (deep layer of the skin) of fat cells (adipocytes) and connective tissue fibers.
Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it is much more common in women, due to the different distributions of fat, connective tissue and muscles. 80-90% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. < 2% of men have cellulite.
In most cases, cellulite is present in women because their skin “architecture” is different from that of men. In women, the fat and connective tissue in the deep layer of the skin are arranged vertically. When the adipocytes (fat cells) accumulate or enlarge, they become crowded in the spaces delimited by the fine fibrous membranes oriented perpendicular to the surface of the skin and will push the skin upwards, resulting in the formation of nodules or domes. In places where there are bridges of fibrous tissue, the skin is pulled down, forming depressions (bumps) around the domes, giving the characteristic appearance described as “orange peel” or “quilted mattress”. On the other hand, in men, the connective tissue is in the form of much thicker membranes, which intertwine, having an oblique direction, being deeply anchored by muscles.
Other risk factors for cellulite are:
- Hormones probably play an important role in the development of cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones and prolactin play a role in the production of cellulite. It is believed that as estrogen decreases near menopause, blood flow to the connective tissue in the skin also decreases. Reduced circulation means less oxygen in the area, resulting in lower collagen production. Fat cells also increase as estrogen levels decrease
- These factors combine to make fat deposits more visible. As the enlarged fat cells are pushed through the stiffer connective tissue fibers, which have lost their elasticity, the familiar orange peel effect results
- Also, aging causes the skin to become less elastic, thinner and more likely to sag. This increases the risk of cellulite
- Genes determine the structure and texture of the skin and the body type of a woman. Genetic factors are involved in a person’s metabolic rate, the distribution of fat under the skin and circulation in the skin
- Cellulite also tends to appear in members of the same family
- Cellulite appears more frequently after the age of 25, but it can appear immediately after puberty, in teenage girls, when fat is distributed on the thighs, buttocks and hips – common areas for cellulite. Cellulite is also much more common with age when the skin loses its elasticity
- Cellulite is more common in overweight and obese people when the orange peel appearance becomes more obvious, but thin and fit people can also have cellulite
- Cellulite is not caused by “toxins”, although a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. Exercise and diet can help reduce the unpleasant appearance of cellulite. People who eat too much fat, carbohydrates and salt and too little fiber have an increased risk. Also, cellulite is more common in smokers, in those who do not exercise and in those who sit in one position for long periods
Treatment
Which woman would not want to get rid of cellulite? The desire to get rid of – or at least reduce – cellulite has led to many treatment options. But with so many treatments, it can be hard to know what works and what doesn’t. To find out, dermatologists conducted studies. They show that, fortunately, some treatments can make cellulite less visible – at least for a certain period.
The recommendations of the American Academy of Dermatology regarding the treatment of cellulite are:
Treatments that offer scientifically proven good results
Cellulite acoustic wave therapy:
Studies show that it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. The device generates acoustic waves with increased energy, which causes the partial rupture of the fibrous bridges that cause the appearance of the orange peel appearance, characteristic of cellulite. In addition, the metabolism of fat cells (adipocytes) is activated, reducing their size. The fat accumulated in adipocytes is naturally eliminated in the lymphatic system. Several treatment sessions are needed to see an improvement.
Cellulite laser treatment:
Different types of laser treatments are used to treat cellulite. Minimally invasive laser treatment using Cellulaze technology involves making a small incision of 2-3 mm in the skin through which a tiny laser fiber is inserted under the skin. When the laser is triggered, the laser energy destroys the hard bands of fibrous tissue under the skin. In addition, it can thicken the skin, contributing to a smoother appearance of the skin. Also, subcutaneous fat is melted (subdermal lipolysis), making the fat layer uniform. Excess fat can be removed by liposuction. The laser also stimulates skin rejuvenation (toning). Results can last 6 months or 1 year, in the case of the Cellulaze technique, or even longer.
The technology is called Cellfina and is based on a procedure called subcision.
Circumcision can also treat scars and wrinkles.
During the procedure, the dermatologist inserts a device in the form of a needle under the skin to destroy the hard subcutaneous fibrous bands that cause cellulite. Thus, the fat cells have more space to spread, which reduces bumps.
Some studies report female satisfaction of up to 99%.
Results can last 2 years or more.
Precise tissue release with vacuum:
The procedure involves the insertion of small blades under the skin to cut the fibrous bands, which allows the adipocytes to move up and fill the areas with gaps. A small study demonstrated results that lasted up to three years. Additional studies are needed to know how long the results can last.
Procedures that could have a good result
Carboxytherapy:
During this medical procedure, carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is infused under the skin. CO2 differs from carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Possible side effects of carboxytherapy are discomfort during the procedure and temporary bruising. Early studies show that cellulite is reduced.
Creams and lotions:
Studies have shown that some creams and lotions can have an effect on cellulite. To avoid a skin rash from an anti-cellulite cream or lotion, test it on a small area. If you don’t have a skin reaction in 48 hours, you can use the product on a larger area. Creams containing caffeine can dehydrate fat cells, making cellulite less obvious. To maintain the results, you will have to apply the product every day. Creams containing 0.3% retinol may also have some effect on cellulite. Retinol causes the skin to thicken, which can reduce the amount of cellulite you see. Before knowing if retinol has an effect in your case, you will have to apply the product for at least 6 months.
Endermology:
It is a Spa treatment that uses a device that performs a massage under pressure – vacuum – the device performs “go/come” movements on the surface of the body, while sucking a portion of skin between two motorized rollers. Studies have conflicting results. Some studies have shown that there is no difference, while others like cellulite are visibly reduced, but the results were temporary. Treatment must be continued to maintain results. Otherwise, cellulite tends to return within 1 month of stopping treatment.
Ionithermia:
It is a Spa treatment that uses a thermal algae mask in combination with an electrotherapeutic procedure. The treated area is wrapped in plastic during the treatment. Since there are no independent published studies, it is difficult to know if this procedure works. Some women say that their skin feels more toned, but they still notice cellulite. Others do not notice any difference. If there are results, they will only last about 12-18 hours.
Radiofrequency:
It consists in the application of radiofrequency waves that have a heating effect that destroys fat cells. In the United States, the FDA has approved for the treatment of cellulite only a device that combines radiofrequency with laser therapy, suction and massage. Recent studies suggest that in some women, cellulite diminishes. However, the result is short-lived and several treatments are needed to see this minor change. After treatment, bruising is common. They fade with time. Too early to draw a conclusion
Laser-assisted liposuction:
Liposuction is an invasive medical procedure that works well when removing small amounts of fat. It is not recommended in the case of cellulite because it can cause the bumps to become more obvious. However, adding a laser treatment to liposuction can help eliminate cellulite. Additional studies are needed to determine if laser-assisted liposuction is effective.
Liposculpture with ultrasound:
It is a non-invasive procedure that destroys fat. There is no evidence that ultrasound alone can reduce cellulite. However, when combined with another cellulite treatment, ultrasound can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure for the treatment of cellulite.
Treatments that are not recommended:
Cryolipolysis – is the procedure of freezing the undercut adipose tissue. Although it can be very effective in destroying small pockets of unwanted fat, there are currently no studies showing that it can treat cellulite.
Mesotherapy – involves making microinjections in the area with cellulite through which a series of substances are introduced (caffeine, hormones, enzymes and plant extracts). Because each doctor uses a unique blend of ingredients, there is no way to know which ingredients—if any—are effective. Few studies show that mesotherapy works. Side effects are common and include redness and sensitive swelling under the skin, infection, allergic reaction and skin changes.
Dietary supplements – although some dietary supplements containing ingredients such as caffeine, grape seed extract, or ginkgo biloba claim to reduce cellulite, there is no scientific evidence for this.
A specialist dermatologist can help you decide what is right for you!
Before starting any type of cosmetic treatment (which is not medically necessary), it is always good to consult a dermatologist who has experience in the treatment of cellulite. The results in your case depend on the skill and experience of the person performing the treatment.
Healthy lifestyle
Taking care of your health can also help to improve the appearance of cellulite:
- Losing weight and toning muscles can help improve the appearance of skin with cellulite.
- Physical activity. Physical activities such as yoga, Pilates, swimming, walking, cycling, climbing stairs and dancing tone muscles and help circulation and lymphatic drainage.
- Detox diet. This diet involves reducing the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, refined foods, carbohydrates and saturated fats and avoiding smoking, diet pills, sleeping pills, laxatives and diuretics to lose weight. It encourages adequate hydration and a diet based on fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain foods, and foods rich in fiber and essential nutrients and fatty acids. Alone, this diet will not cure cellulite, but it might help.
Sources of information:
