Cellulite: What It Is, Why It Develops, Ways to Reduce It and Their Limits
Cellulite is a dimpled, uneven appearance of the skin resembling orange peel, seen especially on the buttocks, thighs, abdomen and backs of the arms. It forms when the fat tissue under the skin bulges towards the surface between the thin bands of connective tissue that tie the skin to the underlying tissues. It is not a disease and does not pose a health risk. Because of the structure of connective tissue and the way fat is distributed, it is much more common in women than in men; it can also appear in slim people. This article explains the causes of cellulite, the methods used to reduce its appearance and their limits.
Why Does Cellulite Develop?
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal factors
- Thinning of the skin and loss of elasticity with age
- Weight gain and rapid weight changes
- An inactive lifestyle and an unbalanced diet
- Smoking
Several factors play a role together in the development of cellulite, and its exact cause is not known. Doctors may grade how visible cellulite is, from a mild form seen only when the skin is pinched to an advanced form that is visible even when standing.
Lifestyle Measures
Cellulite cannot be fully prevented; however, maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles with regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and stopping smoking may help reduce its appearance. Massage, dry brushing and cellulite creams may make the skin look smoother temporarily; their effects are limited and not permanent.
Medical Treatments
Various treatments may be used to reduce the appearance of cellulite:
- Treatments with radiofrequency, acoustic wave and some laser devices that aim to tighten the skin and smooth its surface
- Treatments in which the connective tissue bands that pull the skin down are released with a fine needle or a device
- Injection treatments such as mesotherapy and carboxytherapy
The effect of these methods varies from person to person, more than one session is usually needed and the results are not permanent; side effects such as bruising, swelling, tenderness and skin irregularity may occur. Scientific data on some methods are limited. Liposuction is an operation aimed at reducing excess fat; it is not a treatment for cellulite and may make cellulite more visible. The doctor decides which method is suitable after an examination. For more information, see our liposuction and mesotherapy pages.
Not to Be Confused With Cellulitis
Cellulitis, a term that sounds similar, is a bacterial infection of the skin and the tissue beneath it. It causes rapidly spreading redness, swelling, warmth and pain in the skin, and may be accompanied by fever and chills. It is unrelated to the orange-peel appearance and needs treatment; if these signs are noticed, a doctor should be consulted without delay.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın