Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled, lumpy appearance. It is most noticeable on the buttocks and thighs, and usually occurs after puberty.
Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy in the medical field and as orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon in colloquial language.
In addition to the hormonal reasons that may favor its appearance, cellulite results from both a build-up of fat in the adipose tissue (the hypodermic fat cells) and water retention around them (in the dermis and hypodermis). As the adipocytes get bigger the ‘envelopes’ containing them change shape and pull on their anchor points on the skin. This is what causes cellulite’s ‘orange peel’ effect.
This process is self-perpetuating because blood circulation is then slowed down causing stagnation of metabolic waste. These unsightly patches of cellulite can also be painful if the pressure inside these pockets of fat increases.
what is cellulite – Boston Cosmetic Specialists.mp4(1) from Dr. Ishoo on Vimeo.
The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:
The most common cellulite grading system is referred to as the Nurenberg scale, named after the German physician who invented it in 1972 using three grades:
Although cellulite can affect both sexes, it is much more common in females, mainly because they are more likely to have particular types of fat and connective tissue. Less than five per cent of men suffer. They tend to have large, loose, unconnected fat cells that don’t have a lot of blood supply, and don’t develop the fibrous tissues.
Because the fat structures of men and women do not react to fat increase in the same way.
For women, the hypodermis is partitioned vertically by the septa (mesh or net-like fibrous connective tissue forming a network of compartments). The female hypodermis consists of small ‘recesses’ separated by parallel walls (septa). Due to fat and water which accumulate in these recesses, the walls are compressed, damaging the microcirculation and the natural form of the cell. Because these walls are attached to the dermis they pull at the skin surface while our fat cells push towards the dermis. The result is a skin surface that takes on a bumpy, dimpled ‘orange-peel’ appearance. Over time, as the condition worsens, fat and water become wholly enclosed in a prison of hardened septa composed of fibrous connective tissue.The subcutaneous fat cells are pushed upwards, and the septa are pushed downwards. As a result, the fat cells are squeezed into small bulges that translate into the lumps and ‘orange peel’ look of the skin.
Men’s fibrous septa is structured in oblique compartments. When the layer of fat increases there is no deformation.
Few people realize that unsightly patches of cellulite are not improved by either physical exercise or even the strictest weight-control diets. There are several therapies that have been suggested to remove cellulite, but none have been supported in the scientific or medical literature.
Therapeutic methods that are physical or mechanical include:
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A second class of cellulite removal strategies consists of drugs that are supposed to act on fatty tissues. There is a wide range of pharmacological agents which are used for getting rid of cellulite, including:
People with cellulite have tried to apply these agents topically, orally, or by injection, but none have been proved effective.
Some people with cellulite wear special clothing called compression garments to reduce the appearance of cellulite. These garments try to compress arteries and increase blood and lymph flow to reduce visual cellulite.
Cellulite reduction techniques such as liposuction and dieting actually do not remove cellulite. However, eating a healthful, balanced diet and exercising may be the best way to reduce the fat content in cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Eating healthy, low fat foods such as fruits, vegetables, and fiber can help one to avoid cellulite. Similarly exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress are recommended to prevent cellulite. In addition wearing thongs, boyshorts, or looser fitting undergarments can prevent cellulite that might form due to tight elastic.