Cellulite is a skin condition known by various other names such as ‘orange peel syndrome’ and ‘cottage cheese skin’. It is a condition that affects girls, women and some men wherein the skin overlying the thighs and buttocks becomes dimpled, giving it a lumpy and somewhat unsightly appearance. Cellulite facts are explained in this clinical blog.
A whopping 80% of women are said to have cellulite. The unsightly orange peel can be seen in women seen in 16th century painting by Peter Paul Ruben, Barque. In fact, during those days, it was considered a sign of affluence and beauty. But today’s ‘Generation X’ considers it aesthetically unacceptable. Cellulite generally occurs after puberty and after childbirth in women.
Cellulite severity is measured by a photonumeric scale where The five key morphological features of cellulite were identified and included the number of depressions, depth of depressions, clinical appearance of evident raised lesions, and presence of flaccidity and the grade of cellulite. Cellulite is formed when fibrous bands develop connecting the skin to the muscles below. Lack of a good blood circulation and abnormal water metabolism leads to fat, fluid and toxins getting entrapped between these bands of fibrous tissue. These bands then become tight and hard, compressing the fat and giving rise to the ‘dimpling effect’.
Cellulite facts and remedies explored. First mesotherapy. Mesotherapy involves injecting medications and vitamins into the middle layer of skin where cellulite is present. The medicines help to dissolve the fat and the vitamins help in healing the affected areas, so that the affected areas become smooth and toned up. At Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin we use cellulite specific meso-cocktail. There will be initial redness and inflammation following the injections, but it would subside after a day or two. 4 sessions are required.
Multipolar Radiofrequency stimulation of the affected areas has been shown to be a magical in achieving smooth skin. It works by loosening these fibrous bands and disrupting the fat cells membrane causing their rupture. At the same time, the collagen in the skin is tightened making way for those svelte legs. 4-8 sessions of treatment are required for the lymphatic drainage channels to remove the debris and excessive cellulite toxins.
Ultrasound cavitation is an innovative technology. The cellulite containing layer of the skin is subjected to cellular vibration in the range of 40,000 times per minute. The target ultrasound penetrates 1cm deep under the skin. At Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin we see the fat cells rupture and the fibrous bands loosen with every treatment, causing softening of the skin. 4-8 sessions are required.
Belkyra (Kybella) is a fat emulsifier and it is often injected into the fat deposits to dissolve the fat. The fat is broken down chemically with this method that we have been using fat dissolving injections for the last fifteen years at Castleknock Cosmetic Clinic Dublin.
On a final note, the multiplicity of drugs with methods used to treat cellulite only go to show that the condition cannot be permanently eradicated. A combined approach of diet, exercise and physical therapy is required for best results and maintenance. Some procedures require many sessions and may have to be repeated at regular intervals. Patience and perseverance is the key.
Quick Cellulite Facts
Between 80 and 90 percent of women will probably experience cellulite.
Cellulite is also known as orange-peel skin, due to its texture.
Numerous treatments available, but the effect is mostly temporary.
A diet low in fat, smoking cessation, and an active lifestyle may help reduce the incidence cellulite.
