Why Do I Have Cellulite? And How Can It Be Effectively Treated?

While cellulite is not a serious health condition, it can be bothersome for those who have it making the skin look bumpy, dimpled and unsightly.

Also referred to as orange-peel skin, cellulite is characterized as uneven and lumpy skin commonly located on hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. It can also be found on the upper arms and lower abdomen.

Cellulite can affect both men and women, but it’s a lot more common in females, regardless of body type or weight.

Why Are Women More Prone to Cellulite?

Genes, hormones and the underlying connective tissues are among the reasons why cellulite is more prone in women.

Since women have higher estrogen levels, they tend to accumulate and store more fat. However, a woman’s skin is thinner and have underlying vertical structures which cause the fat layer to protrude out.

The fat deposits are being pushed up resulting in the appearance of lumpiness or uneven skin texture. The dimpling can be superficial and scattered along the area as well as deep depressions or indentations in the skin like an orange-peel.

On the other hand, men have thicker skin and their underlying structure is in a criss-cross formation which push down the fat layer making them less likely to have cellulite.

Do I Have Cellulite?

In most cases, you can check if you have cellulite by pinching the skin in the area where it commonly located (like your thighs). You also have to take note that its visibility and appearance will depend on its grade:

• Grade 1 – No apparent dimpling or cellulite even when you pinch the skin. The changes in the skin are microscopic.
• Grade 2 – Dimpling is only visible (orange-peel appearance) when skin is pinched. However, it becomes invisible when standing and laying down.
• Grade 3 – Cellulite is noticeable when you stand, but becomes invisible when you lay down.
• Grade 4 – Even when standing or laying down, cellulite is visible.

What Causes Cellulite?

The exact cause of cellulite is not entirely known. It is said to form due to the fat buildup underneath the skin and its interaction with the skin’s connective tissue.

There are also a number of other factors that can cause cellulite which include:

• Age – This causes the skin to be thinner and less elastic, which then increases the chance of having sagging skin and cellulite.

• Hormones – Cellulite tends to get worse with changes in estrogen levels, which is common during pregnancy and menopause, as well as after hitting puberty.

• Genetic factors – Some genes are necessary for the development of cellulite. It can run in the family, so you may have a higher chance of developing it if your mother or grandmother had cellulite.

• Diet. Eating foods high in fat, salt, and carbs (and low in fiber) increases your chance of having higher amounts of cellulite.

• Weight gain. Having excess weight or fat makes cellulite more visible. However, do take note that even some fit or slim people can have it.

• Lifestyle – An inactive or sedentary lifestyle is another cellulite risk factor. The same can also be said about smoking, which reduces blood flow and weakens the production of collagen, enabling the tissue to become damaged easily.

• Tight elastic – Wearing underwear with elastic bands may contribute to cellulite’s appearance, specifically for those that limit blood flow.

How Can Cellulite Be Treated?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet (especially plant-based foods) and regular exercise, can help reduce its appearance. It is also a good idea to consider non-invasive aesthetic treatments if diet and exercise are not enough.

At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we offer an effective combination therapy that can reduce cellulite without surgery. The treatment combines Exilis Ultra and Acoustic Shockwave. Here is what you can expect from our cellulite reduction procedures:

Exilis Ultra

This US FDA-cleared device uses radiofrequency waves and ultrasound energy to heat up the deep layers of skin. This then melts fat underneath while also stimulating new collagen production. It can also help reduce fat, tighten the skin on the face, and address other body skin concerns.

One thing that makes it unique is that it uses both heating and cooling while treating the body at various depths. It uses safe energy flow control to make sure that the temperature is controlled and patients only receive the right amount of energy. This ensures maximum safety throughout the procedure.

Check out our previous blog to learn more about this non-invasive skin tightening for the face and body.

Acoustic Shockwave

Acoustic Shockwave is an FDA-cleared non-invasive procedure that has been clinically proven to break down fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite. At Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore, we have the two clinically-proven acoustic shockwave therapies in the market: BTL X Wave and Zimmer Z Wave.

Both use a handheld device that sends acoustic waves, which then causes vibration and pressure to the connective tissues to break down the buildup of cellulite’s cell structures.

The targeted vibrations can also make the tissue more active and softer, increasing the elasticity of the epidermis.

It is also good to know that acoustic shockwave therapy can address other skin concerns like stretch marks and skin laxity without any surgery or downtime.

Schedule Your Consultation

To know if you are a good candidate for the treatments mentioned, please contact Cutis Laser Clinics in Singapore today and schedule your body assessment and consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez.

Tags: Fat Reduction, Aesthetic Doctor