What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a condition that gives a lumpy, dimpled appearance to the skin, especially on the hips, buttocks, and legs. It affects 95% of post-pubescent women and the majority of women over age 21. Cellulite is not limited to women who are overweight and is commonly found in slim females. Again, cellulite is not a disease of excess weight, though this may aggravate the condition. It is also not caused by lack of exercise or improper diet. Cellulite is created by the poor micro-vascular circulation experienced with declining estrogen levels, a weakening of connective tissue in the area, fat herniation and lymphatic congestion. It is also caused by fat accumulation and fluid retention. Genetics also play a role. Fat cells in the subcutaneous layer of the skin are arranged in chambers, divided by connective tissue elements called septae. As the fat cells in each chamber absorb water and excess fat they enlarge and stretch through the connective tissue walls. The connective tissue hardens
A. In laypersons’ terms, cellulite is “superficial trapped fat” which appears on the skin surface as “orange peel” or dimpled skin. In medical terms, it is a modification of the subcutaneous tissue, involving the microcirculation network, the elastic, collagen connective fibers, and adipose cells. As a result, an alteration of fat tissue, including nodules, fibrotic changes, and fluid accumulation, occurs beneath the skin.
Cellulite is often compared to an orange peel, because it consists of ‘dimpled’ skin caused by raised fat cells under the skin. The most common areas affected by cellulite are the hips, buttocks, thigh, lower stomach and arms. About 90% of women suffer from some degree of cellulite, ranging from just noticeable to severe. Cellulite is not tied to obesity; it occurs in women of all body types, whether they are slim, normal or large. Cellulite is caused by a combination of poor connective tissue, a build up of toxic waste and fluids in the subcutaneous tissues.
Cellulite is the unsightly lumpy, dimpled skin appearance, sometimes referred to as a ‘cottage cheese’ or ‘orange peel’ appearance. Cellulite consists of fat deposits that appear mainly on the hips, thighs and buttocks. Cellulite is probably one of the most aesthetically troubling concerns of women. It’s estimated that 80% of women over the age of 20, regardless of their weight or size have some amount of cellulite.
