Cellulite is a common condition that causes the skin to look lumpy, dimpled, and uneven. It is benign and may appear on the thighs, hips, buttocks and/or abdomen.
Cellulite can affect both men and women; however, it is notably more common in females. This is due to the difference between the sexes in the distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue. In fact, as many as 80-90% of women may experience cellulite in their lifetime as they age.
There is no known "cause" of cellulite, but rather, it is a result of a combination of factors, including the anatomy of the connective tissue fibers, amount of fat in the tissues, hormones, genetics, weight, and muscle tone.
A number of modalities have been used in an attempt to treat or manage cellulite. Medicated creams and anti-cellulite creams have had little to no effect.
Laser, radiofrequency, and cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting) have yielded mild to moderate results. Subcision (manual or with Cellfina device) may improve the skin dimpling, but will not have any effect on the other aspects of cellulite. Liposuction may address the excess fat component of cellulite but may not have any effect on the skin texture.
A whole-foods-based diet that is also low in fat, and sugar, relatively low caloric intake, smoking cessation, weight loss, and an active lifestyle may help reduce the incidence or the appearance of cellulite.
The FDA has recently approved a medication that may be beneficial in the armamentarium against cellulite. This medication is proposed to disrupt the connective tissue fibers that tether the skin, thus potentially releasing dimples in cellulite.
The bottom line is that a multi-factorial approach, combining holistic lifestyle changes as well as clinical therapies may be the best program for achieving and maintaining smooth, soft, strong, and lean limbs.
