Cellulite is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point in their lives. It occurs due to the build-up of fat cells under the skin, which causes dimpling and puckering of the skin. It is usually more prominent in women than men, but both genders can suffer from this condition. And cellulite treatment can help improve your skin’s appearance by reducing the fat deposits under your skin.
A Form of Fat
Cellulite, or the dimpled appearance of your skin, is a form of fat that pushes against the connective tissue under the skin. It can be hereditary or caused by lifestyle factors like diet and exercise. It’s also not just a cosmetic problem, as it can be caused by medical conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism.
It is more common in women than it is in men due to hormonal factors such as estrogen production during puberty and pregnancy, which leads to higher levels of fat storage, along with other contributing factors like diet and genetics.
The Medical Term for Cellulite
Panniculus means “apron” and refers to the fat layer hanging from the lower abdomen, thighs and backside. As such, the medical term for cellulite is edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy or radiculopathy.
Major Causes
To get rid of cellulite, you need to treat the underlying causes. It can be more complex than it sounds, as many factors come into play. Genetics is one of them since if your parents had it, you are likely to have it too. However, this doesn’t mean that the genetic effects are not reversible, but they’re harder to deal with than other factors. Other causes include hormonal imbalance, i.e., high levels of estrogen in women, obesity, lack of exercise and stress levels that are too high for too long.
A person who consumes a lot of salt and alcohol may also face an increased risk of developing cellulite because these things contribute negatively to their overall health condition and make it harder for them to lose weight.
Stages of Cellulite Grades
There are three stages of cellulite grades (1, 2, 3), and these grades depend on their severity.
Grade 1: This is the mildest form, and it can be treated with a cellulite treatment plan and disappear in six months to one year.
Grade 2: This is more severe than grade 1, and it will take two to three years for it to disappear with a treatment plan.
Grade 3: This is the most severe type of cellulite that requires surgery, as there are no other ways to remove it safely or effectively at this point.
Genetics Plays a Significant Role
Genetics plays a significant role in the appearance of cellulite and people’s susceptibility to it. Genetic predisposition is like having a genetic trait or lineage that makes you more prone to developing this condition than others. Genetic factors may also cause specific types of this condition, such as those around the buttocks area or thighs.
Treatments
The treatments can help improve the appearance of your skin by reducing the fat deposits under your skin. The treatment causes a chemical reaction that breaks down fat cells and releases them into the lymphatic system.
In addition to improving its appearance, the treatments may also provide relief from associated symptoms such as:
- Diminished self-esteem
- Pain or discomfort
- Anxiety
If you’re struggling with cellulite, there are many treatment options to choose from. Meanwhile, it’s important to remember that it is not a disease and can be treated without surgery. However, it is best to consult a professional who can determine what course of treatment is the best for you.
