What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is used to describe superficial areas of trapped fat, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange peel” skin. It appears in 80% of post-adolescent women. Common areas where cellulite is found are the thighs, buttocks, and the abdomen. Cellulite is not related to obesity as it occurs in overweight, normal, and thin women.
How do we get Cellulite?
Cellulite occurs in the fat layer just beneath the skin. In that area, fat lobes exist with collagen. These strands of collagen connect the skin to its underlying muscle.
The "cottage cheese" appearance of the skin is caused by 2 main factors:
- The swelling of fat cells distend the skin creating the appearance of "orange peel."
- The contraction of the vertical strands of tissue due to hormonal fluctuations or decreased circulation.
|
With decreased circulation the brain literally forgets that it has these stores of energy and therefore the fat is not used.
Can Cellulite be removed by Liposuction?
This technique of extracting fat by vacuuming it from under the skin is not effective for cellulite. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of the skin by sucking out the cushion of fat that resides just under the skin. The result is additional dimpling of the skin. Additionally, liposuction is a invasive surgery with many risks associated with the procedure.
What treatments are available for cellulite?
There have been many herbal remedies, creams and potions as well as expensive body wraps that have been recommended for reducing the appearance of cellulite. These have been ineffectual.
Endermologie has been the latest treatment until very recently. Endermologie requires the use of a body suit prior to treatment and many need as many as 15 - 18 treatments before seeing any results. Thereafter a monthly or bi - monthly treatment is needed for maintenance.
More recently in Canada we have seen an increase in the use of mesotherapy or Lipodissolve. This technique has been in use in South America and Europe for about 10 years. Lipodissolve may be used in conjunction with the latest technique in cellulite reduction, Velashape, to enhance results.
|
|
|
