What is Cellulite?

The visual symptom of cellulite is evidenced by the dimples or grooves that appear on the skin, typically on the thighs, hips and buttocks subcutaneous layer of the skin pushes into the dermis. Cellulite begins when the fat cells, located in the subcutaneous layer, pushes into the dermis and the connective tissue pulls the skin down into uneven irregularities that generates dimples on the skin’s surface.

Cellulite is more of a problem for women than men because of the high levels of estrogen hormone that women produce. Approximately 80-95% of women have some amount of cellulite, whether it is mild or severe. Cellulite is not a life threatening disorder or a condition that requires immediate medical care. However, it is a condition where individuals seek treatment because cellulite impacts the person’s psychological and social well being. If an individual suffers from a medical condition that influences the self-esteem or emotional health for prolonged lengths of time, the individual’s physical health may suffer.

cellulite

Causes of Cellulite

Presently, the exact cause of cellulite is unknown. However, studies have speculated that specific factors cause cellulite such as:

Hormones, for instance the production of estrogen
Weight gain
Genetics
The retracting and hardening of the connective tissue
Stress
Inactivity or lack of exercise
Vascular changes and inflammation or swelling of the tissue

On the other hand, health care professionals have identified the pathophysiological development of cellulite. Cellulite occurs when the fibrous connective tissue’s septae in the dermis of the skin connects to the subcutaneous tissue layer. The subcutaneous layer connects to the muscle and other underlying organs. Within the subcutaneous layer, the adipose tissue and the connective tissue exist. When fat cells build up, the fat pushes against the dermis and the connective tissue septae in the dermis pulls the skin downward or retracts. The septae divides fat cells in the subcutaneous layer into columns. This process creates the uneven, dimpled appearance on the surface of the skin.

Treatment modalities

Cellulite treatment options vary and include the following:

Decrease contributing cellulite factors such as sedentary lifestyle and lack of a healthy diet
Physical and mechanical devices such as radiofrequency devices
Pharmological agents
Laser and surgical approaches such as liposuction.

Even though there are multiple treatment options for cellulite, the effectiveness for cellulite treatment, such as creams, herbal cures or mineral-based formulas, is unproven. On the other hand, research studies identify the devices that use pressure waves and radiofrequency treatments as proven treatments for cellulite. In the world of medical devices, emerging cellulite techniques, such as pressure wave therapy, have a tenured track record for other medical conditions such as pain treatment for individuals with shoulder pain (rotator cuff tendopathy), tennis elbow (epicondylopathy), illotibial band (friction syndrome), jumpers knee (patella tendopathy), shin splints (archilles tendinopathy), heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and trigger point medicine (treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunctions).

Top non-invasive cellulite treatment devices in the market can be categorized into four classes according to the type of energy they deliver to the skin.

Radial Shock Waves - radial shock waves use pressure waves that are applied to the affected area of the body for treatment. Radial Shock Waves includes treatment devices such as Cosmetic Wave Therapy® (CWT), Acoustic Wave Therapy® (AWT) and Cellactor SC1®.
Radiofrequency - radiofrequency uses RF waves that generates a thermal response or heat to the affected area. Radiofrequency includes treatment devices such as Thermage®.
Infrared and RF Combined with Vacuum - infrared and RF treatment combines electromagnetic energy, infrared light and radiofrequency along with a massager. Infrared and RF combined with vacuum includes treatment devices such as Velasmooth®, Velashape®.
Vacuum Massager - the vacuum massager therapy uses motorized rollers that are located on the each side of a vacuum chamber device, which produces pressure. As the device is moved over the skin, the device suctions the skin with the use of the vacuum, lifts the skin tissue, and massages the fat cells. Vacuum massaging includes treatment devices such as Endermologie®.

Educational Links, Articles and Journals on causes and treatments of cellulite

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