What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a topographic skin change that is claimed to occur in most post-pubertal females. It is the expression used to describe pockets of fat which are trapped and cause the dimple-like skin folds that occurs mainly in women on the pelvic region, lower limbs, and abdomen and is caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue. Naturally occurring cellulite fat cells create a rough, dimply, look in the thigh, buttocks, and stomach area, leading to an orange peel–like appearance.

Who has cellulite problems?

90% of post-adolescent women go on to develop cellulite at some time during their life although it is very hardly ever seen in men. The thighs, buttocks and the abdomen are the most common areas for a woman to develop cellulite. Although it is often mistaken for obesity, cellulite is not actually obesity related because it can also happen to thin lean women.

Cellulite is for the most part found in women during their hormonal changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause and also while taking birth control pills. Hormonal factors such as a rise in estrogen and/or follicle also plays a role in cellulite formation. A woman's hormones are usually responsible for the regulation of their blood flow, fat, connective tissue and lymphatic drainage. The fat cells between the two reserve fat layers situated under the subcutaneous fat layer dissolve into a slack network. A person's genetic makeup predicts their fat storage and metabolism in these layers which are predisposed by diet, exercise and lifestyle. These layers have no responsibility for cellulite forming on a person's body.

The subcutaneous fat layer in a woman is organized into large upright chambers allowing fat to be stored. In men, these chambers are organized into small slanting units. These store smaller fat quantities and are not likely to form cellulite.

How does Cellulite form?

Cellulite's formation is a result of complex physiological changes that occur in the subcutaneous fat layer. Regular exercise and well balanced diets do not always reverse or prevent its formation, although an unhealthy lifestyle will make the overall appearance worse over time due to poor nutrition, weight gain and lack of sufficient water intake.

With age, there is a loss in the thickness and tone of the connective tissue in the superficial fat layer and the dermis. We would recommend contacting the Green Laser Clinic if your Cellulite problems:

• Hinder and limit your social/professional life
• Keep your from going outdoors with summer clothing
• Has a negative impact of your self esteem
• Or if you just want to get rid of your cellulite

What are treatment options of cellulite?

• Radio-frequency treatment (Deep Dermal Heat): non-ablative RF energy is the newest addition to the treatment options available for cellulite and fat reduction. With the introduction of cryogenics, it is possible to deliver RF energy to the deep dermis and sub-dermal layers of the skin, while protecting the epidermis. Heating in this area, without damaging the outer layers of skin, causes microscopic changes to the tissues and collagen contraction, with subsequent collagen remodeling over the months that pass. GLC uses Infrared and RF energy technology (plus tissue mobilization and suction) has proven to be an effective body contour and fat reduction tool, as well as cellulite reduction tool.
• Liposuction : Liposuction is a treatment by which fat cells are surgically removed. Liposuction does not remove fat from the areas where cellulite lies; therefore it does not get rid of cellulite. In fact, because liposuction leaves lax skin, cellulite can be more apparent than before. However combination with lifting technique by Radiofrequency treatment after liposuction can bring the best outcome.