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Dermatology experts reveal that 80-98% of women have some cellulite on different body parts. They are more likely to have it due to their different thin female connective tissues with thick fat layers.
What is Cellulite?
Is it bothering you? Cellulite can appear as lumpy or uneven skin on your thighs, buttocks, or hips. This occurs when a connective tissue band is pulled down from the overlying fat to the deeper tissues. It results in an uneven surface. So, where is cellulite found?
It commonly exists in the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, and breasts. It happens to women more than men due to different muscle, fat, and connective tissue distribution. It affects approximately 80 to 90 percent of women in varying degrees. No worries, it’s not harmful. Let’s learn about the causes of cellulite so you can avoid them.
What Causes Cellulite?
Many factors cause cellulite, such as the buildup of fat underneath the skin. Many studies revealed that there are women who are inclined to cellulite more than others. Its amount and how noticeable it is, are based on different factors, such as genes, age, and body fat percentage. Your skin’s thickness also affects the cellulite appearance, in addition to body type and weight.
There are numerous pockets of underlying fat within the collagen fibers between the skin and muscles. As you age and your skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity, the cellulite becomes more visible. As I mentioned earlier, there are multiple causes of cellulite, such as hormones, poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, accumulated toxins, genetics, weight gain, inactivity, and pregnancy.
How to Reduce Cellulite:
Even if you have cellulite, there are many medical procedures that your doctor or dermatologist can use to reduce it. Cellulite treatment is much easier nowadays with the multiple choices and innovations in the medical field. Your physician can help you determine which treatment is the most suitable for you. Let’s start learning about the treatment types.
Cryolipolysis: It is also known as CoolSculpting. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps in cellulite removal by freezing the fat cells beneath the skin. This ruptures the fat cells and their contents that are absorbed by the body. Several treatments are necessary to remove only an inch of fat. This process may take 3 to 4 months to get a noticeable cellulite reduction.
Ultrasound: If you don’t like to undergo surgery, this method of reducing cellulite suits you. Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves. It targets and eliminates fat in the thighs and the abdomen and takes about 2 to 3 months to see noticeable results. Many doctors recommend combining ultrasound with another cellulite treatment.
Cellfina: It’s also a nonsurgical procedure that will help with cellulite removal. It’s done by using a needle to break up the tough bands underneath the skin to remove cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. It takes about 3 days to notice the results, which last up to 3 years.
Acoustic wave therapy: It was developed to reduce cellulite. It is applied by vibrating the connective tissue in areas of the body that are inclined to cellulite. It helps to increase and stimulate collagen production, improving the appearance, texture, and elasticity of the skin.
Laser and radiofrequency treatments: Cellulite is treated with combinations of radiofrequency energy, infrared light, and diode laser energy through tissue massages. The doctor may also use heating and suctioning. Another type of treatment is cellulase, which breaks up the tough bands underneath the skin and makes cellulite noticeable. It may also thicken the skin. The improvements and results are seen after a series of treatments that may last for 6 months or even longer.
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release: It breaks up the tough bands under the skin. The treatment is performed with a device that contains blades. After the bands are cut, the tissue moves upward to fill in the dimpled skin, and the results last up to 3 years.
Carboxytherapy: The technician inserts carbon dioxide just beneath the skin during this treatment. It's effective in increasing blood flow to the area, reducing the appearance of cellulite. There may be some discomfort and temporary bruising, and the results may appear after 7 to 10 treatments.
Medications and Creams:
There are some creams and medications that have been proposed due to their effectiveness on fatty tissues. For example, caffeine dehydrates cells and makes them less visible. It’s better to do this every day to get the best results. Medications are also available such as retinol, which delays the appearance of cellulite by thickening the skin. It may take up to 6 months to see the results. Before doing this procedure, it is important to try a patch test first to avoid any potential side effects, such as a racing heart. Some researchers recommend using medications that can improve cell metabolism and circulation, but these have not been proven to be effective these days.
Alternative Solutions:
There are various alternative and supplemental therapies to get rid of cellulite such as caffeine, grape seed extract, or Ginkgo Biloba. They can be applied topically, orally, and through injection, though none of them is effective. Some people tend to wear compression garments to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite cannot be removed by diet or liposuction since the connective tissue is not affected. There are other ways to reduce cellulite, such as eating healthily, exercising, or having a balanced diet. Even so, any promise to get rid of cellulite should be approached with caution.
Conclusion:
Skin conditions like cellulite are common and affect everyone. Puberty, however, is far more likely to lead to cellulite in women. The appearance of cellulite on your body may not appeal to you despite how common it is. Speak with your healthcare provider about how to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Together, you can decide which treatment is right for you.