Cellulite

August 13, 2024

3 min read

Cellulite, also known as orange-peeled skin because of its texture, is a common, harmless condition that causes lumpy and dimpled skin in the thighs, abdomen, hips, and buttocks.

The skin condition is caused by the accumulation of fat that pushes against the connective tissue beneath the skin, causing the skin to appear dimpled, fleshy, and puckered.

Cellulite can be aesthetically unappealing and associated with profound negative psychosocial effects.

Grades of Cellulite

Cellulite can be ranked using three grades in the cellulite severity scale.

Grade I (mild): The skin has an orange-peel appearance with one to four superficial depressions, with a slightly draped and sagging look.
Grade II ( moderate): The skin has a cottage cheese-like appearance with five to nine medium-depth depressions with a moderately-draped look.
Grade III (severe): The skin has a mattress-like appearance with ten or more deep depressions with a severely draped look.

Cellulite Symptoms

Cellulite appears with an orange peel or cottage cheese-like texture with a dimpled or lumpy skin surface. Mild cellulite is visible when you pinch the area with cellulite, like the thighs. Severe cellulite can make the skin look bumpy and rumpled with areas of peaks and valleys.

Cellulite is usually seen in the thighs or buttocks, although it is also common in the breasts, upper arms, and lower abdomen.

Cellulite Causes

Although the exact cause of cellulite formation is unknown, it can occur because of the irregular tightening of the fibrous tissue that connects the skin to the underlying muscles.

This tightening can pull down the skin, pushing the normal fat layer under the skin upward, giving the skin a puckered appearance.

Cellulite is more common in women than in men. One reason can be that, while in men, the fibrous band connecting the skin to the muscle layer crisscross together, in women, they run at the same distance parallel to each other.

The parallel bands show cellulite more prominently than the crisscross bands.

Another reason is that a higher level of the hormone estrogen in women can cause them to develop more cellulite during adolescence or pregnancy.

Other factors that can influence the development of cellulite are:

Genetics: Cellulite often runs in families.
Weight: Although common in people with obesity, lean people may also notice the appearance of cellulite.
Age: With age, the skin loses elasticity, making cellulite more visible;
Diet: A healthy diet rich in carbohydrates, fats, and salts can increase the risk of having cellulite.
Lifestyle factors: Smokers and obese people may have a higher risk of getting cellulite.

Cellulite Management and Treatment

A combination of diet, exercise, and treatments can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The American Academy of Dermatology has approved several treatments that break down the bands of connective tissues under the skin, reducing cellulite appearance.

Laser treatment: It involves inserting small laser probes under the skin that break down the connective tissue, promoting collagen production and reducing cellulite.
Acoustic wave therapy: It uses a handheld device that emits sound waves.
Subcision: A needle is used under the skin to break down the fibrous tissues.
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release: It uses a device with small blades to cut the connective tissue, reducing cellulitis.
Carboxytherapy: Carbon dioxide is inserted under the skin, reducing cellulite. Side effects include bruising and discomfort.
Endermologie: A vacuum-like device lifts the skin, providing deep massage.
Ionithermy cellulite reduction treatment: The affected area is covered by mud and clay, covered in plastic before applying electrical current.
Radiotherapy: It reduces cellulite by heating it, offering short-term benefits.
Laser-assisted liposuction: Liposuction can reduce deep fat, not necessarily cellulite;
Ultrasonic liposculpting: It targets and destroys fat.
Mesotherapy: A needle injects medicine into the cellulite.
Spa treatments: They can temporarily reduce cellulite.
Creams and lotions: Creams with .03% retinol and caffeine can temporarily reduce cellulite.
Compression garments: They can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Exercises: Aerobics and strength training can replace fat with muscles, reducing cellulite.