Cellulite
Cellulite Causes
Cellulite develops when fat cells accumulate, pushing up and putting pressure against the skin surface, while fibrous connective cords that connect the skin to the underlying muscle are pulling down in the opposite direction. The opposing pressure on skin results in an uneven surface or dimpled texture.
Cellulite Definition
Cellulite is unsightly fat visible on the skin. Cellulite is dimpled in appearance and can be typically seen on the hips, thighs, and buttocks of women.
Cellulite Diagnosis
There is no diagnostic test necessary to determine cellulite. Cellulites can be easily identified by looking at the affected skin or area.
Cellulite Symptoms and Signs
Cellulite appears as dimpled or bumpy skin resembling an orange peel or cottage cheese texture. Severity of symptoms ranges from mild cases wherein cellulite is only visible when the skin is pinched, to severe cases in which the skin appears obviously rumpled and bumpy with expansive peaks and valleys. Cellulite is commonly observed in the buttocks, hips, and thighs, but may also occur in the lower abdomen, breasts, or upper arms. Most adult women have cellulite at some point in their lives.
Cellulite Treatment
There are a wide variety of cellulite treatments to date, ranging from massages to topical creams, but these methods have little documented success. Losing weight through regular physical exercise and a healthy diet is probably the only proven beneficial cellulite treatment. Although weight loss cannot completely eliminate cellulite, it can make them less noticeable. Recently, modern techniques such as laser therapy and radiofrequency systems are gaining ground as effective therapies for cellulite.