Cellulite is more than just skin deep. When the fat layer beneath the skin pushes against the connective tissue and bulges – cellulite appears. This can be easily identified by an orange-peel or cottage cheese appearance. On the skin's surface, it appears dimpled or lumpy and this is frustrating for those who work hard to achieve a smooth and slim contour.
Cellulite is a cosmetic issue that affects 80 to 90 percent of women and typically appears on the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.
The appearance of cellulite worsens with ageing, as skin loses elasticity and reduces the ability to resist irregular tension created by the fibrous bands. Cellulite is also common in lean women, although overweight individuals tend to be more affected. Interestingly, weight loss rarely gets rid of cellulite.
Cellulite forms when septae (fibrous bands) that connect the skin to the underlying muscle fascia tighten irregularly, pulling the skin downwards and allowing the normal layer of fat beneath the skin to push upwards, causing a "cottage cheese" appearance.
Cellulite is a multifactorial disorder that is believed to be caused by: hormonal changes, anatomical changes, microcirculation dysfunction, dermal connective tissue changes, and inflammatory processes. Ageing, bad lifestyle habits such as prolonged sitting coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and smoking could also exacerbate this disorder.
Men do get cellulite, but it's more prevalent in women. Women, on average, reportedly store 6 to 11% more body fat than men. 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.
According to the clinical presentation, the scale used to classify cellulite is proposed by Nürnberger and Müller, based on FOUR grades.
Zero: No changes
Grade I: Visible changes in muscle contraction
Grade II: Visible changes when there is no manipulation
Grade III: Visible changes associated with nodulations
While it is impossible to completely eradicate cellulite, we offer combined and customised treatments that can help you significantly reduce and improve the appearance of cellulite.
Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo Technique & Autologous Fat Grafting
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 worsen the appearance of cellulite.
In qualified and experienced hands, it is the opposite. Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt® Lipo, developed by Dr Ivan Puah combined with autologous fat grafting can improve the appearance of cellulite.
A proper and detailed assessment must be carried out in person to determine if the patient is suitable to undergo these surgical procedures.
Dr Puah will first understand your concerns and goals, conduct a series of assessments and propose a tailored plan for you.
We have put in place a comprehensive post-surgery care programme, including skin firming and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD), to take care of your post-surgery healing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) is a gentle and effective massage technique that works on the lymphatic vessels to reduce swelling, oedema, and cellulite. It can relieve heavy legs and water retention and improve the orange peel skin appearance. MLD enhances venous circulation, improves skin tone and appearance, and relaxes muscle fibres.
Many women find that the dimpled and irregular appearance bothers them. Cellulite reduction treatment is suitable for those who:
• Are bothered by the cottage cheese appearance and wish to reduce it
• Are in good overall health
• Have realistic expectations that cellulite treatments can reduce and improve cellulite but cannot eliminate it
Wouldn't it be amazing if there was a magic cream that wipes the cellulite away? Unfortunately, there is none. Some products that contain caffeine and retinol may improve skin appearance and thicken the skin’s top layer but these are rarely or never effective when treating cellulite.
Exercises, particularly ones that firm and tone muscles, may help improve cellulite's appearance to a certain extent.
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 severely restrict blood flow, further worsening cellulite's appearance. So don't be easily taken in by gimmicks.
Wanting to proceed with cellulite reduction treatment is a personal decision. If you have tried various methods to treat your cellulite but are not achieving the result you yearn for, we welcome you to come for a consultation and assessment with Dr Ivan Puah to understand how our tailored Cellulite Reduction can help you to address your concerns.