Cellulite Treatments
Cellulite is the term for the lumpy, dimpled skin found mostly on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. Over 90% of women develop cellulite and it isn’t due to not working out enough or having too much fat. Unless you treat the cause, nothing will smooth out those dimples.
What is cellulite?
There are three main factors that comb
ine to produce cellulite in affected areas.
- There are fewer fibrous bands of collagen (septae) that attach the skin to deeper tissue in areas of cellulite, compared to normal skin. These bands compartmentalize the fat cells contained between them, and when there's tension on them such as when standing or contracting the underlying muscle, the bands are pulled inwards and the fat between them bulges out.
- Fat cells in areas of cellulite enlarge and are pushed upwards when there’s tension on the septae, producing bulges seen with cellulite.
- Skin thins and loses its elasticity with age and provides less support to hold in the underlying fat.
Other modifying factors include hormone effects, decreased lymphatic circulation, race, and lifestyle. Although cellulite occurs in all races, it tends to occur most often in white women. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits or high-carbohydrate diets are also thought to promote the development of cellulite.
Is it cellulite or loose skin?
Skin laxity that develops with aging can cause a “cottage cheese” or “mattress top” irregularity of the skin that is sometimes mistaken for cellulite but the treatments to improve it differ from the treatments for cellulite.
To determine if the dimpling is cellulite or sagging skin, squeezing the area will deepen the dimples if they’re from cellulite. Slightly pulling upward will make dimples disappear if they’re from loose skin and not cellulite.
Cellulite can range from mild to severe with the photos below illustrating examples of each of the grades.
Cellulite treatments available at Skinspirations
Treatments that release fibrous bands, thicken the skin, or shrink fatty bulges can help improve the appearance of cellulite.
Let our body contouring experts at Skinspirations help you decide what the best treatment option is for you by calling 727.571.1923, or emailing us at info@skinspirations.com for your complimentary consultation.
