Battling Cellulite

It’s called orange peel syndrome, cottage cheese skin, hail damage, and the mattress phenomenon. What is it? It’s cellulite, and for thousands of women, it’s a problem.

What is cellulite and who gets it?

Cellulite is the dimpled appearance of the skin most commonly found on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, typically occurring after puberty. The lumpiness is caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissue below the skin.
Anyone can develop cellulite. It not only afflicts the full-figured, but also skinny people as well. It affects about 90% of women and 10% of men. It’s more common in women because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed. Women have three layers of fat in their abdomens, triceps, knees, saddlebags, and buttocks.

What causes cellulite?

The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are a number of theories:
• Hormonal Factors—Many believe estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin play a part in the cellulite production process. As estrogen starts to decrease, so does circulation and collagen production. Fat cells become larger and protrude through the collagen.
• Genetics—Genes may predispose an individual to certain characteristics associated with cellulite such as gender, race, slow metabolism, fat distribution, and circulatory insufficiency.
• Diet and Lifestyle—People you consume diets high in fat, carbohydrates, salt, and low in fiber are likely to have higher amounts of cellulite. It may be more prevalent in smokers, those who don’t exercise, and those who sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Clothing—Tight, restrictive undergarments that limits blood flow may contribute to cellulite formation. Decreased circulation means less oxygen and nutrition to areas where cellulite is common.

Can cellulite be treated?

There are varying degrees of cellulite, ranging from not visible to highly visible. Obviously no cellulite is ideal, but difficult to attain. Highly visible is the most difficult to treat. Realistically, there are three treatable components of cellulite: collagen, fat reduction, and circulation. Exercising regularly will help maintain good circulation, skin tone, and texture. Eating a healthy, low-fat diet will help reduce fat. Collagen production, which decreases as we age, can be increased with treatments such as 3DEEP body countouring and skin tightening, vacuodermie, and Silk Peel.
Call us at (956) 664-1234 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about cellulite treatments.