Cellulite

 

The terms  adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy all refer to cellulite.  What is really a cellulite?

Cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that is usually found on the hips, buttocks and thighs. 

The lumpiness of cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin, leading to the characteristic changes in appearance of the skin.

Cellulite is more common in women than men but men can also be affected. Cellulite occurs in people of all races.. Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy. 

Most people dislike the appearance of cellulite and prefer to have a smooth flawless skin as they possibly can. They spend numerous visits to dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons just to correct this skin problem.  Here are some of the treatment options for cellulite.

1.  Methylxanthines - these chemicals used in skin creams have the ability to break down fat stores, however it does not cause a significant reduction of cellulite because of the long period of time  and the need for higher concentration of the chemical in skin creams.

2. Laser or light therapy   
The FDA has approved two light-therapy devices that combine suction or massage with light therapy for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. TriActive is a treatment that combines a low-level laser treatment with suction and manipulation of the skin, while VelaSmooth is a treatment combining laser and massage therapy. Like Endermologie, both treatments require multiple treatment sessions and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. Laser/massage treatments are even more costly than massage treatments; the complete program generally costs thousands of dollars.

  3.  Massage treatments: Several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. These machines use rolling cylinders to gather areas of skin and massage them inside a chamber. One example of massage treatments is Endermologie, which was developed in France and has been used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered device that suctions, pulls, and squeezes affected areas. Treatments are expensive and typically last for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are typically required before results are noticeable. Endermologie has been approved by the U.S. FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. While a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite may occur, the technique appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Regular maintenance treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will return.

4.  Mesotherapy -  involves injecting drugs or other substances directly into affected tissue.  This is considered a controversial treatment option by some physicians.

5.  Cellulite diet, body wraps -  not reliable

Liposuction is NOT recommended for cellulite removal.  It 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.

So what are the best options for treating cellulite?  Eating a healthy diet and keeping muscles toned by regular exercise seem like reasonable approaches to keeping the body as taut and smooth as it can be. Patients should be very cautious before trying out surgical procedures, dietary supplements, or elaborate techniques of unproven value. While the FDA has approved massage and combined laser/massage therapies, it is important to remember that these costly and time-consuming treatments are approved only for the temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite and require ongoing treatments to maintain any effect.

Note:  Photo from forum.doctissimo.fr.