Cellulite: a common skin condition that’s found in 80-90% of women around the world, is not a thing to worry about, as cellulite is not a disease that cannot be treated, when in fact it’s absolutely harmless. While about 10% of males are also affected by it, one can find it more prevalent amongst females.
Women have more fat deposits on the lower part of their body, which is why cellulite is more common around the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, upper arms, and sometimes even around breasts. You may think whether you’re affected by it or not and the easiest way to find if you have cellulite on legs or cellulite on thighs is by pinching the skin around your upper thigh. If you find that your skin becomes lumpy and dimpled, then it’s most likely that you have cellulite in that area. But are you wondering what is cellulite and how does it occur? We consulted Dr. Simal Soin and her team of dermatologists at AKARA clinic to tell us more about cellulite and answer some frequently asked questions for us.
So what is cellulite? Is cellulite ‘fat’?
First, having cellulite does not mean you are fat. Most women start developing signs of cellulite when they reach puberty, and it does not matter how much weight they carry. This is why, irrespective of their size, women who are lean, fit, or even have toned muscles, also have signs of cellulite present on their bodies. “Little is known as to what causes cellulite production. However, as women approach their menopausal age, there is a decrease in the production of Estrogen. And with it, you lose the receptors in your blood vessels present in your body. This reduces the circulations, that furthermore decreases the production of collagen structure” says Dr. Soin. She further adds, “During this time the fat cells start becoming larger and begin to surface through the skin. So, all in all, the appearance of cellulite is just fat cells pushing up against the skin. The lumps are a result of the tight, fibrous bands of collagen pulling the skin down.”
It’s more noticeable on some women, while sometimes cellulite appearance is hardly visible on others. Cellulite can be positional, which means that cellulite on legs or any other part of your body may appear while you may be in a certain position, for instance, while you’re standing, but not when you’re lying down.
What causes cellulite then?
Little is known as to what causes the production of cellulite. However, we might be able to pinpoint certain factors that add to its production. Hormonal factors, genetics, skin texture, and type along with the fluctuations in weight, lack of muscle movement, dietary and lifestyle factors, and even pregnancy can aggravate the cellulite appearance.
Are there any types of cellulite?
More than types, there are three different grades of cellulite that are found.
Grade 1: The mildest form of cellulite with ‘orange-peel’ appearance, between 1-4 superficial depressions along with a sagging appearance of the skin.
Grade 2: This is a moderate form of cellulite with a ‘cottage cheese’ appearance on the skin, between 5- 9 medium depth depressions. The skin here is moderately draped.
Grade 3: The most severe form of cellulite with a ‘mattress’ appearance, with 10 or more deep depressions where the skin is severely draped.
When should I consult a doctor?
Many of us try innumerable things and methods to get rid of cellulite. We’ve often surfed the internet with ‘how to remove cellulite?’, or if there are any home remedies or cellulite exercises for the same. People often improve the appearance of cellulite from the outside by working out, weight loss, dry bath massages, exfoliation, creams, and whatnot. But such methods are not the solution to a long-lasting result. Dr. Soin tells us, “The truth is, there is no off-the-shelf fix for cellulite removal. Women have different reasons for getting rid of it, some may feel underconfident and uncomfortable while wearing dresses and swimsuits, others want to get rid of it purely to feel better about themselves and feel beautiful inside out. If someone is so bothered by it, there are professional medical treatments available to take care of it for lasting results.” She also adds, “But before you go for any treatment, understand that in the medical community, cellulite is not a disease or a medical condition to be worried about and is deemed entirely cosmetic. The fibrous bands present under the skin are meant to be there and thus, cannot be removed but can be treated to give a smoother appearance. So, always consult your doctor before going for any procedure or treatment.”
There are multiple non-invasive energy-based treatments like radiofrequency, acoustic wave therapies, laser treatments, etc that the doctors suggest depending upon the condition and area to be treated. AKARA offers an ‘AKARA Cellulite Removal Program’ that helps release localized and resistant fat by 70%, reduces the appearance of cellulite by 99%, and helps in toning the skin. Our team of experts plans out a regimen that fits everyone’s needs just right to get rid of those high percentage dimpled skin in no time.
So, what are you waiting for? Book an appointment with AKARA today to get the smoothest skin of your dreams.
