Do you have that dreaded orange peel look on your skin? If so, you may have cellulite. Cellulite is a condition that affects many people and is characterized by the appearance of dimples or bumps on the skin, and it can be quite unsightly. While there is no one definitive cause of cellulite, there are several factors that can contribute to its development. In this blog post, we will discuss what cellulite is, what causes it, and how you can get rid of it!
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition that affects the appearance of the skin. It is caused by connective tissue bands pulling down the skin through fat cells underneath the surface of the skin, which leads to an uneven and lumpy appearance. Cellulite is most commonly found on areas of the body with larger amounts of fat, such as:
- abdomen
- breasts
- buttocks
- hips
- thighs
The severity of cellulite is rated on a 0-3 scale, with 0 being no cellulite and 3 being cellulite that is visible while sitting and standing. It is important to note that although cellulite can affect men and women, about 80-90% of women have some degree of cellulite.
What Causes Cellulite?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of cellulite. Let’s take a look at some of them:
Gender
Women tend to be more prone than men due to differences in hormones and structural differences between genders. In women, fat cells stand vertically and are more likely to be affected by connective tissue bands. In men, on the other hand, the fat cells lay horizontally on top of one another and are less likely to be affected by connective tissue bands.
Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are also believed to play a role in the formation of cellulite. While this is still being researched, the idea is that estrogen and progesterone enlarge fat cells and increase their ability to produce collagen. The end result is cellulite formation.
Age
Cellulite becomes more common as we get older due to a decrease in collagen production and an increase in fat storage. Thin skin and reduced elasticity also contribute to making cellulite more visible.
Poor Circulation
When circulation is poor, the body has difficulty delivering oxygen and nutrients to the skin. As a result, skin proteins start to break down, which can lead to the formation of cellulite.
Inflammation
Any kind of inflammation in the body may contribute to the development of cellulite. Some current research has found immune cells linked to inflammation in cellulite-affected tissue. This implies that cellulite may form as part of a connective tissue disorder caused by inflammation, however more research is still needed.
How Can I Get Rid of Cellulite?
There are several methods that you can use to minimize or get rid of cellulite, however the effectiveness of certain methods can vary. Here are some ideas on how to get rid of cellulite:
Home Remedies
There are a number of home remedies that have been purported to help reduce the appearance of cellulite, including massage, dry brushing, and using coffee scrubs. It is also commonly recommended to decrease one’s fat intake and exercise regularly.
Creams
There are a number of creams and lotions on the market that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite. These creams contain ingredients that can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite, however they usually cannot produce long-term results.
truSculpt® iD
truSculpt® iD is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat up the fat cells under the skin, causing them to shrink and smooth out the appearance of cellulite. In addition to minimizing the appearance of cellulite, truSculpt® iD can also improve skin tone and texture.
During the 15 minute treatment, multiple handpieces are applied to the abdomen and flanks. These handpieces gradually and gently heat the skin and underlying fat cells. Many people describe it as feeling like a hot stone massage. Results can be achieved after only one treatment, however it takes about 12 weeks before the maximum results are achieved.
Viora Reaction™
This is a non-invasive body contouring treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat up the bands of tissue that contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Heating these tissues makes them more elastic, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. Viora Reaction™ can be used to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the abdomen, arms, buttocks, hips, and thighs.
During the treatment, a handheld device is used to heat the treatment area. The procedure is painless and many people find it relaxing. In addition to heating the connective tissues, Viora Reaction™ also breaks down fat cells, and encourages lymphatic drainage to maximum treatment results. Although some results may be noticed after treatment, it generally takes several months before the full effect of the treatment is noticed. This is because the treatment allows for collagen remodeling, which takes time. Most patients undergo six treatments spaced about 2-4 weeks apart.
In Conclusion
Cellulite is a common problem that affects many people. While there are a number of methods that can be used to reduce its appearance, the effectiveness of each method varies. Some of the most popular methods include home remedies, creams, and non-invasive treatments like truSculpt® iD and Viora Reaction™. Each of these methods has varying levels of success, so it is important to find the one that works best for you. If you are looking for an effective way to get rid of cellulite, consult with a doctor about which treatment may be right for you.
