The reasons for the appearance of cellulite are not always correctly understood. Contrary to popular belief, they are not associated with stress or overweight, but rather with a genetic factor.
“Cellulite is not a disease,” doctors say. Superficial lipodystrophy (translated from Greek for lypo-fat, dis-disorder, and trophe-eating), as doctors call it, alters the appearance of the skin, but does not affect health and does not cause physical complications.
Visible irregularities on the skin
The dermis is an intermediate layer of skin containing fat cells distributed in small “rooms” and fibroblasts. The latter are responsible for the synthesis of collagen, which forms a network of elastic fibers acting as a framework. This is a kind of skeleton structure. Adipose tissue located inside, adapts to the shape of the contour.
Cellulite comes from a change in the distribution of fat cells in the surrounding tissues. Grouped, these cells create irregularities visible on the surface of the skin. Especially when squeezing, these irregularities look very much like an orange peel.
This phenomenon is observed mainly on the sides of the hips and on the buttocks, as well as sometimes on the inner surface of the hands. Very rarely cellulite can appear on the face or chest. In the presence of a second chin due to a significant excess of weight, cellulite can be observed even on the neck.
Cellulite is much more common in women than in men. Indeed fat tissue is distributed differently. Hormonal imbalance plays a certain role. However, during puberty or with hormonal disorders, some men may also have cellulite.
As fort the causes of cellulite, many signs speak in favor of the fact that they are genetic. The effect of excess weight or stress is much less significant in this matter.
To pump out fat or smash / melt it?
As prevention, and even when cellulite is already present, doctors advise to regularly moisturize the skin, giving it greater elasticity.
Once lipodystrophy appears on the surface of the skin, it will not disappear. This is an irreversible phenomenon and there is no “miraculous” remedy for its treatment that can completely and permanently rid the skin of the orange peel.
However, there are various ways to improve the situation. Their choice depends on the quality of the human skin, age, weight and body areas affected by cellulite.
One possible solution to reduce the amount of fat is surgical liposuction, which simultaneously reduces the collagenous framework. Another option is also possible – to melt the fat by heating, using ultrasound or a radio frequency device or, conversely, by cooling with criolypolysis.
Each of these methods has advantages and disadvantages, so it is important that women are well informed before the procedure in order to avoid possible disappointment. Like any surgery, liposuction has its risks; It can lead to bleeding, infection or, in rare cases, embolism. As for non-invasive treatments, they can potentially cause burns, as well as changes in the pigmentation and texture of the skin.
