Cellulite: it’s a word most people love to hate. While most people know what cellulite looks like, not everyone is aware of how it is caused or treated. Cellulite, or the dimpled appearance of the skin found on the hips, thighs, and buttocks, is apparent on 80% of women. Cellulite is a lot less frequent in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle and connective tissues are dispersed in men and women’s skin.
Fibrous connective cords that unite the skin to the underlying muscle cause cellulite. The cords anchor the skin to deeper structures with the fat lying in between. As the fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords are pulling down. This creates the dimply appearance of cellulite.
Mild cases of cellulite can only be seen when the skin is pinched, while more severe cases make the skin resemble rumpled and bumpy with areas of peaks and valleys. Cellulite can be found around the thighs and buttocks as well as the breasts, lower abdomen and upper arms.
While weight gain is not a direct cause of cellulite, heavier persons may have a more pronounced appearance of cellulite. Contrary to common misconceptions, thinner people are prone to cellulite as well.
Outside of surgery, there are different things one can do to reduce the appearance of cellulite:
- Maintain a normal weight…a higher BMI can increase the appearance of cellulite
- Quit smoking cigarettes
- Avoid medications that may increase estrogen
- Reduce your intake of high-fat foods, salt, alcohol, coffee and highly processed foods
- Eat plenty of fiber
- Drink an adequate amount of water daily to cleanse your body of toxins
- Maintain a healthy exercise regimen
For New Jersey residents that are still not satisfied with the appearance of their cellulite, there are numerous non-invasive cosmetic treatments available:
- Thermage: The use of deep penetrating radiofrequency energy to enhance the appearance of cellulite and contour of the region. Thermage requires only one treatment with no down time.
- DermaWave: This treatment uses a process called Aquaphoresis. Electrical energy is used to combat the factors that lead to cellulite and to drive topical Mesotherapy solutions beneath the skin.
- VelaShape: The first and only non-surgical FDA cleared procedure; VelaShape utilizes infrared energy and radiofrequency energy in conjunction with a mechanical roller and suction device to treat cellulite.
For more information on the causes of cellulite and some treatment options, click here.
