Cellulite has been depicted in many famous sculptures and paintings, celebrating the female form. This means cellulite is a common occurrence, but still, many have the misconception that it is a medical condition - it is not. Cellulite is a cosmetic issue that affects 80 to 90 percent of women.
Another common misconception is that cellulite is fat - it isn't. Rather, it is the dimpling of the skin or the puckered appearance, and this happens when fat cells increase and push up against the skin. In doing so, the connective tissue bands beneath the skin become tight and pull it down. So the skin ends up looking like an orange peel.
Men do get cellulite, but it's more prevalent in women, where 80-90% of the latter has it. Women, on average, reportedly store 6-11% more body fat than men. The likely reason is to prepare them for childbearing. In women, the fat is usually stored in the hips, thighs and abdomen, among others. The bands that hold connective tissue are different for both genders.
According to a Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology review, these bands in men are arranged in a "zigzag pattern". A pinch test (on the thighs) reveals that in women, the skin has the appearance of peaks and valleys similar to a mattress, while in men, it is more of folds and furrows.
Puberty seems to be a challenging period, and it's no different when it comes to cellulite. In most women, it's during this period that they experienced the puckered appearance on the skin. However, cellulite can happen at any age regardless of how much or little weight a woman carries or her BMI, among others. Anyone at any age can get cellulite.
Not all cellulite are the same in terms of appearance, as it depends on the severity. On one person, it might be barely noticeable, while on another, it might be pronounced. Some cellulite is only visible when standing, for example, and seems to disappear when lying down.
The severity scale of cellulite is categorised into three grades:
Grade 1 or mild – There is an "orange-peel" appearance with between 1 and 4 superficial depressions. The skin may also appear to be draped or sag.
Grade 2 or moderate – There is a "cottage cheese" appearance with between five and nine medium-depth depressions. Skin appears to be moderately draped.
Grade 3 or severe – There is a mattress appearance with more than 10 or more deep depressions. Skin also appears to be severely draped.
There are several possible causes of cellulite, and hormonal changes is one of them. A decline in estrogen levels may cause circulatory pattern changes and a reduction in collagen production. In women, the risk of developing cellulite increases with age and peaks near menopause.
Bad lifestyle habits are also potential causes, and one example is prolonged sitting coupled with an inactive lifestyle. Like the effects of declining estrogen levels, prolonged sitting and an inactive lifestyle may also cause circulatory pattern changes, increasing the probability of developing cellulite. Another bad lifestyle habit that could lead to cellulite is smoking. This category of individuals runs a higher risk of developing the condition.
Exercises, particularly ones that firm and tone muscles, may help to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The biggest misconception about cellulite is that it only happens to a person who is overweight. Because of this, it's assumed that losing weight (by exercising, for example) is the answer.
The thing is, cellulite is more of a structural issue as it involves the connective becoming tight. So, no guarantee losing weight may help with the cellulite condition and appearance. In fact, it can be because of weight loss when skin becomes lax, and cellulite becomes more prominent in its appearance.
Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a magic cream that wipes the cellulite away? Unfortunately, there is none. Some products contain caffeine and retinol that may improve skin appearance because caffeine purportedly can break down fat.
In contrast, retinol can thicken the skin's top layer, but these are rarely or never effective when treating cellulite.
Our body goes through changes all the time and more so as we age. That's when things start to break down, and more is needed when it comes to maintenance. Women produce less estrogen as they age, and with this, there is poorer circulation affecting the production of new collagen, which helps keep skin youthful. It also means the breaking down of connective tissues, a common issue with ageing.
Genes play a huge part in our lives, and so if cellulite runs in your family, then the chances of you getting it is very likely. There's even a genetic test that can supposedly inform you of your risks of getting cellulite - moderate to severe.
Still, there's no reason to panic because genetics is just one of many other possible factors that can decide whether you are a candidate for cellulite.
You are what you eat, or so the saying goes. A healthy, well-balanced diet can help reduce the possibility of many issues, including cellulite, but it's also important to note that it's not a determining factor.
Nonetheless, staying hydrated and consuming foods with high water content can help keep the connective tissues healthy, strong and supple. Additionally, they may also help you lose weight.
Some food items that can be included in your diet are ones with a high content of water like cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Compression clothing seems to be the rage these past few years, and while it does help reduce "jiggling" thighs while exercising, they don't do much for cellulite. Tight clothing can restrict blood flow or cut off circulation totally, which can cause cellulite's appearance. So don't be easily taken in by gimmicks.
Bad lifestyle habits like smoking can constrict the blood vessels. Restricted blood flow is the cause of a myriad of health and appearance issues. Wrinkled, aged appearance, skin discolouration and dehydration are just some. Skin can also start to form stretch marks and the dreaded cellulite.
Amaris B Lymphatic Drainage Treatment
The lymph and the lymphatic system plays an important and influential role in our body. A healthy lymphatic system provides for better circulation, which helps in the removal of toxins. The Amaris B Lymphatic Drainage Treatment is a non-invasive, comfortable and relaxing treatment that boosts the body's lymphatic system and efficacy.
It is similar to the Chinese "cupping" therapy, where areas on the body are stimulated by suction and pressure movements. A patient will be suited up in a patented designed bodysuit with 400 integrated pressure chambers. The high and low pressure applied promotes better circulation and can help with issues such as:
• Fluid retention due to injury, post-pregnancy
• Lymphedema
• Chronic Fatigue
Additionally, it can reduce the appearance of cellulite, where among its other causes is poor circulation.
Wanting to proceed with a skin treatment such as Stretch Marks Treatment is personal. It is a practical, safe and clinically proven solution to treat your issue.
If you have tried various methods to smoothen your skin but are not achieving the result you yearn for, we recommend you come for a consultation and assessment to understand whether or not you are suited to the treatment.
We welcome you to call us and schedule a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah to understand how we can help you achieve smooth skin.
Surgical treatments for cellulite reduction: MDC-Sculpt® Lipo
For many, liposuction as a method to address the appearance of cellulite would not have been an option they would have thought about. This is not surprising because liposuction, in general, is assumed to only make it worse. In qualified and experienced hands, it is the opposite. It can actually help reduce the appearance of cellulite to a certain degree.
The MDC-Sculpt® Lipo technique was developed by Dr. Ivan Puah, Medical Director Amaris B. Clinic, to help patients eliminate unwanted fat while sculpting their physique. This unique technique, in the hands of Dr. Puah has also successfully helped patients address their cellulite issues. This shows that finding the right doctor is essential to effectively and safely address one's issues.
An experienced doctor with an aesthetic sense can visualise what is possible and help keep expectations in check. He can foresee and anticipate any complications and better advise his patients on the appropriate steps and course to be taken.
The right doctor is meticulous and truly understands his patients' needs about their goals. He always puts his patient's safety and wellbeing above all else.
Dr. Ivan Puah has extensive experience in the field of Medical Aesthetics. His clinic was founded on the belief that health is beauty and beauty is health, and this is reflected in the care and concern he and his team put into each task at hand.
Dr Ivan Puah obtained his fundamental and advanced VASER Body Sculpting training in Colorado and Argentina. He also received training and guidance in syringe liposculpture, fat grafting and thread lift by renowned French plastic surgeon, Dr. Pierre François Fournier.