What is cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by incorrect distribution of the fat tissue and fibrous changes in the subcutaneous layer. Its main symptom is uneven, lumpy skin and it may result in local pain. It usually appears in the areas of thighs, hips, buttocks, belly, and arms.
Types of cellulite
• Hard – affects people who are physically active. The afflicted tissue is very compact and tight.
• Loose – the afflicted skin has lost its firmness. It usually occurs after a rapid decrease of weight.
• Edema – numerous edemas appear on the skin. It affects people with lymphatic circulatory disorders.
• Mixed – combines the three types listed above.
There are 4 stages of cellulite formation:
• 1st stage: changes are visible only when the skin is pressed. Also, the skin is not very flexible.
• 2nd stage: cavities and edemas are visible. The skin begins to resemble orange peel.
• 3rd stage: the skin is uneven. Changes are visible even when the skin is not pressed. When touched, one can feel lumps.
• 4th stage: lumps are clearly felt. The skin is uneven, undulated, with clearly visible cavities.
Factors that contribute to cellulite:
• genetic predisposition
• endocrine disturbances (e.g. due to pregnancy, puberty, menopause, hormonal contraception)
• unstable diet
• certain types of medication
• very tight clothes
• life style: insufficient exercise, cigarettes, high heels
How to treat cellulite?
Patients who seek to treat cellulite need to know that treatment will not eliminate the issue completely; instead, it will limit its range and improve the skin quality.
Elsner Anti-Aging Clinic offers the following:
• Cryolipolysis – freezing fat cells
• Radiofrequency therapy – reducing cellulite by heating the skin with radio waves
• Mesotherapy – local injections of active substances: carnitine, aminophylline, caffeine.
• Injection lipolysis