The Truth About Cellulite

The Truth About Cellulite

It's a disconcerting matter, but over 90% of women will develop Cellulite. There are many myths surrounding the topic, but in this article, we'll reveal the real truth about Cellulite.

Cellulite is the term used when fatty deposits become trapped under the skin, giving it a rather unpleasant puckered and dimpled look, often compared to orange peel or cottage cheese.

Cellulite generally appears around the abdomen, thigh and pelvic area. It has four different medical names: adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusis cutis and gynoid lipodystrophy.

Types of Cellulite

There are three types of Cellulite:

Class 1 – no medical symptoms but under laboratory conditions, anatomical change is present.

Class 2 - the skin is pallid and demonstrates decreased elasticity, along with signs of Class 1.

Class 3 - the Cellulite has a coarse texture, along with signs of Class 1 and 2.

What are the Causes of Cellulite?

There are many factors that influence the build up of Cellulite in the body:

Hormones

Female hormones estrogen and progesterone play an important part in determining the amount and location of fat cells throughout the body. Estrogen encourages the development of fat around the breasts, thighs and buttock area. Progesterone makes things worse by retaining fluid and causing weight gain.

Genetics

Some people genetically inherit a body that is more prone to the condition of Cellulite. This means that they have a greater number of fat cells, poor circulation, and weak lymphatic vessels and veins.

Lifestyle

Unhealthy lifestyles increase the chances of someone getting Cellulite. An inactive lifestyle can affect your blood circulation, your veins and lymphatic system. Clearly, an unhealthy and/or inactive lifestyle can also cause weight gain that further exacerbates Cellulite. Although skinny people aren't immune to Cellulite, obese people are much more likely to suffer from it. In an overweight person, the existing fat pushes the Cellulite outwards towards the skin, worsening the already unpleasant appearance.

Smokers are already aware of the potential negative effects that their habit has on their health. However, not everyone knows that smoking can lead to Cellulite. Chemicals in the cigarettes damage the veins and capillary walls, constrict blood flow and reduce circulation, all of which increase the likelihood of Cellulite.

Prolonged periods of high stress cause the body to store up fat around the stomach, thighs, hips and buttock regions, this can add to the chances of Cellulite build up.

No matter the cause, Cellulite can be an unsightly and embarrassing condition for women and even some men. For this reason, cosmetic procedures have become available to help this visually displeasing condition.

Treatment

Many people wrongly believe that Cellulite is untreatable. Women no longer need to suffer in silence when it comes to Cellulite.

One of the most effective solutions to combat Cellulite is called Accent Radiofrequency Skin Tightening. It is an advanced radiofrequency technology that attacks the fatty deposits through the skin. Accent heats the fat and removes it through increased circulation and then tightens and tautens the skin, giving it a smoother appearance.

To discuss this new confidence-boosting solution to Cellulite, with a qualified physician, contact Dr Ravi Jain at Riverbanks Clinic today and say goodbye to Cellulite.

Dr Jain is Medical Director at Riverbanks Clinic, a double award-winning cosmetic medical practice based in Harpenden, Herts UK, where he provides a number of treatments including Botox, fillers, facial recontouring and body recontouring. Dr Jain's Clinic is renowned for its excellence and won ‘Best New Clinic' and ‘Best Business Development' in the 2009 Aesthetic Medicine Awards.

Dr Ravi Jain qualified from the Royal London Hospital in 1995 and has since held posts at The Royal London, St. Bartholomew's and St. Mary's Hospitals. Early in his career he trained in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery before training as a GP. He now specialises exclusively in cosmetic dermatology and minor surgery.