What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is, unfortunately, a very common problem that affects about 90% of women. Cellulite gives the skin the appearance of fat deposits that create a lumpy or dimpled appearance, and it is usually most noticeable on the thighs and buttocks. If you are considering a cellulite reduction treatment, it's important to first understand what causes cellulite to understand which treatment options can actually make a difference.

Types of Cellulite

Cellulite is usually classified into three grades. Grade 1 cellulite is very mild with no visible cellulite while standing or lying, but minimal skin dimpling when the skin is pinched. Grade 2 is moderate cellulite with dimpling that can appear when standing but is not visible when lying down. Grade 3 cellulite is severe with a great deal of dimples and pits. Severe cellulite is the hardest to treat.

What Causes Cellulite?

Cellulite is actually two factors at work: collagen fibers and fat. Women have collagen fibers that run vertically between the skin and the underlying muscle, which is the reason women get cellulite much more often than men. With men, these fibers form more of a criss-cross pattern, which holds back fat. The vertical fibers in women create pockets that allow fat cells to grow, tighten and then cause puckering and dimpling of the surface of the skin.

There are many factors that are believed to cause cellulite, which is not well understood. It's believed that hormones play a large role in the development of cellulite, as it typically affects women after puberty. It's believed that insulin, prolactin, estrogen and other hormones play a role. Genetics are also a factor, as genes can predispose someone to cellulite. It's also possible that diet and lifestyle factors like smoking play a role in the development of cellulite.

Can Cellulite be Treated?

There are many treatment options for cellulite available today, although many are not effective. Massage and topical creams, for example, are the most affordable and least invasive treatment options, but they produce very little effect, and any benefit is temporary. Many women turn to liposuction in the hopes of getting rid of cellulite, but it tends to make it much worse by removing the fat that supports the skin, thus making depressions and dimples more noticeable.

One of the most effective cellulite reduction treatments is radiofrequency, or RF. RF therapy works in two ways: it breaks up fatty deposits beneath the skin while also stimulating the body's natural production of collagen and elastin, which tightens and smooths the skin. Radiofrequency cellulite treatment is also non-invasive, safe and painless with no downtime.

If you're looking for an effective treatment for cellulite, radiofrequency therapy may be a good option for you, depending on the severity of your cellulite. Contact a leading Miami medical spa, to learn more about RF therapy and schedule a consultation.