Cellulite is simply a fatty deposit under the skin. The irregularities in the connective tissue in these deposits pushing against the skin cause the skin to take on a lumpy or dimpled appearance that, arguably, is not aesthetically pleasing. There are several factors that may contribute to an individual developing cellulite, and to what extent or degree.
They are:
- Age
- Heredity
- Amount and Distribution of Body Fat
- Gender
- Skin Density
There are many treatments available today to diminish or eliminate cellulite, ranging from the relatively non-invasive such as creams and subcision to the more invasive of liposuction. There are a glut of cream products on the market today, so it pays to do some research before deciding on a cream, though the preferred ones are those that use natural, organic ingredients. In any case, these creams do not treat the underlying cause of cellulite, fatty subcutaneous deposits, but aspire only to improve the unsightly appearance of cellulite. While more invasive than creams, subcision is a procedure wherein a needle is injected into the cellulite deposit in order to break up the fibrotic strands that connect the deposit underneath to the skin itself. As with the creams, subcision is more about diminishing the dimpling than treating the underlying issues of cellulite.
Perhaps the most widely-known treatment for cellulite is liposuction, a procedure whereby excess fat is removed from under the skin by suction.
To make the fat easier to suction, the three primary methods used are:
- Tumescent – a saline solution is injected making the fat easier to suction and resulting in less blood and pain
- Ultrasound – the use of sound waves causes the fat cell walls to rupture and liquefy the fat to make it easier to suction
- Laser – fat is liquefied via a burst of energy from the laser, making it easier to suction
While under ideal conditions, liposuction is an outpatient procedure not requiring an overnight stay, patients typically report significant soreness, even pain, and a full recovery may take up to a few weeks.
Great strides have been made in the field of cosmetic surgery. With so many options available in the treatment of cellulite, it makes senses to do due diligence and research what is offered. The information is out there, but a critical eye should be employed before a final decision is made.
