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The
Condition
The
dimpled appearance of the skin that can be found on the
stomach, hips, thighs, and buttocks is known as cellulite.
It is also described as a lumpy substance that resembles
cottage cheese. Cellulite is a fancy name for collections
of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath the
skin causing a dimpled or lumpy look on the skin’s surface.
Because of the differences in the way fat, muscle, and
connective tissue are spread out in men’s and women’s skins,
cellulite appear more in women than in men. Even if it is
believed that a contributing factor in this fat distribution
is the female hormones, hormone therapy cannot treat
cellulite.
The
dimpled appearance of cellulite is actually very common but
varies from each person. Some women may have smooth
buttocks and thighs while others have dimpled ones. In
order to check if you have cellulite, pinch the skin around
your upper thigh. You probably have cellulite when you see
that the area you pinched looks lumpy.
Genes,
gender, age, the amount of fat in your body, and the
thickness of your skin are some of the factors that
contribute to having cellulite. It is usually women who
suffer from cellulite. It can appear as early as age 14 in
girls. As one grows up and the subcutaneous skin layer
thins and rearranges, the appearance of cellulite
increases. Cellulite also manifests in women who just gave
birth and those who are taking birth control pills. This is
because the body’s waste system cannot get rid of the
massive flow of estrogen in the body. It can also occur
after a traumatic injury especially if the circulatory
system of the body is greatly affected. Leading a sedentary
lifestyle may also result in the hardening of the connective
tissues, thus causing dimpling of the skin.
It is
very uncommon for men to develop cellulite since their
network of fat cells is situated deep in the skin. Women’s
cells are smooth in shape and almost reach the surface of
the skin which causes a dimpling effect. On the other hand,
men’s cells are shaped sharply and are found deeper in the
skin which makes dimpling or rippling unusual.
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Treatments Available
- Electrotherapy
- Endermologie (a patented technology using a mechanized
device with two
motorized rollers and regulated suction)
- Massage Treatments
- Creams and Body Wraps
- Dietary Supplements
- Herbal Supplements
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
How can you fight cellulite?
A:
One can fight cellulite and achieve smoother skin by
combining good eating habits and regular exercise together
with some stress-reducing treatments or spa treatments.
Endermologie exfoliates the skin
which makes it soft and silky. Massage increases
circulation in the body which gives you a natural energy
boost and could absolutely help in your fight against
cellulite.
Q:
Can exercising prevent cellulite?
A:
Even a female athlete can actually develop cellulite.
Exercise cannot prevent cellulite but it is recommended
because the less fat you have, the less likely it is to
spill over the web of fibrous bands. So just continue to
exercise to burn fat and to increase muscle.
Q:
Does cellulite occur only in women?
A:
Some men also get cellulite. Based on research, males who
have cellulite may have lower levels of the hormone
androgen. However, there are still less men who actually
get cellulite because their connective tissue lies in a
crisscross pattern that is firm, unlike the female’s
connective tissue.
Q:
Can liposuction effectively remove cellulite?
A:
Many doctors believe that liposuction is not an effective
treatment for cellulite. Liposuction is intended to remove
deep fat and not cellulite which is found close to the
skin. Liposuction and even Mesotherapy are expensive
procedures which may only result in temporary improvement.
Q:
What can be done about cellulite?
A:
Patients should be cautious when deciding on surgical
procedures, dietary supplements, or complex massage
techniques that have no proven value. It is still best to
have a healthy diet and to exercise regularly to keep the
body as taut and smooth as it can be.
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