Cellulite
Cellulite is a skin condition that results from engorged fat cells trapped in a network of collagen located deep within the skin. The product of these engorged fat cells is unsightly lumpy dimpled skin that resembles the look of orange peels or cottage cheese. It appears most often on the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Over 80% of women over the age of 20 are affected by this skin condition.
Cellulite has 4 stages ranking from mild to severe. Stage 1 the damage is not yet visible, however the subdermal fat cells are starting to clump together and begin to migrate up toward the surface of the skin. Stage 2 the orange peel appearance starts to become apparent, as the fat cells are migrating upward more readily. Stage 3 rough bumpy feeling skin is apparent and the fat cells begin to form in hard nodules. And stage 4 lumps and dimples are always visible and retention of fluid in the area can be severe. The causes of why this is formed can be hormonal, vascular, inflammatory and/or genetic. While previously thought to be a ‘fat persons’ condition, cellulite can, and does, effect even the most disciplined and trained athletes. While eating a sensible and healthy diet does reduce some of the appearance of the dimpled skin, the condition cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone.
Treatments are now available to help in the reduction of the orange peel or cottage cheese appearance on the hips thighs, buttocks and abdomen. Topical treatments such as creams, lotions and exfolliants are used to moisturize and remove top layers of skin to rehydrate and reduced the appearance of the lumps and bumps. Along with topical remedies, internal treatments in the form of vitamin type supplements are also encouraged to neutralize free radicals and heal cells from the inside.
The Affirm, SmoothShapes and VelaShape/VelaSmooth lasers are available with the same goal, to reduce the appearance of the bumpy dimpled skin. This type of treatment uses combinations of radiofrequency, infrared and laser light energy to heat up the fat cells causing them to liquefy. Suction and deep tissue massage are also used to manipulate the skin, guiding the liquefied fat out of the body through the lymph system. For most people 4-8 treatments are needed initially with touch ups done 1-2 times per year.
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