Cellulite
No matter what dress size, cellulite does not discriminate. Those lumps, bumps and dimples are said to affect 80% to 90% of women. Although it can affect men, it tends to be more common in women due to the different distribution of fat, muscle and connective tissue.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite isn’t just excess fat, which is why even slim and toned women get it. The “orange peel” effect is a result of the fat cells pushing up against the skin, constricted by fibrous connective tissue bands in the dermis which are also pulling the skin down, causing a distortion in the connective tissue layer, which in turn creates the visible lumps and bumps on the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms and breasts.
Skin structure with cellulite and without
Different types of Cellulite
Grade 1 – Mild: Very few depressions with a slightly sagged appearance to the skin, more visible when the area is pinched.
Grade 2 – Moderate: More visible depressions when standing, but not as visible when lying down.
Grade 3 – Severe: Skin looks dimpled regardless of sitting or standing and can be very sensitive to pinch.
As well as different grades, cellulite can also be further classified as hard, soft and Edematous cellulite (significant fluid retention).
What causes Cellulite?
Some women are more predisposed to cellulite than others. The amount of cellulite you have and how noticeable it is can be based on your genes, body fat percentage, and age. The skin thickness can also affect the appearance of cellulite. Women of all body types and weights can get cellulite.
Hormones are likely to play an important part in cellulite development. Oestrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.
Ageing causes the skin to become thinner less elastic, and more likely to sag which increases the chance of cellulite developing.
Genetic factors determine the speed of a person’s metabolism, distribution of fat under the skin, circulatory levels and ethnicity, these can affect the chance of developing cellulite.
What other factors may contribute to developing Cellulite?
• Poor diet
• Fad dieting
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Pregnancy
• Dehydration
• Total body fat
• Fluctuation in weight
• Stress
• Sitting or stand in one position for long periods of time
What changes can I make to treat Cellulite?
Increase Circulation – A simple at home method is to dry body brush for two minutes every morning before you shower. Starting at the feet, use long brisk strokes moving upwards. Not only does this smooth dry skin but it helps fluid retention, stimulates blood and increase lymph flow.
Lifestyle changes – Your diet can contribute to cellulite developing, eating a healthy balanced diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and fibre can help you to maintain a healthy weight. Processed and high sugar foods should be avoided as these can aid the accumulation of fat and toxins. Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated also helps the body remove toxins and dehydration can make cellulite more noticeable.
Detoxing – Can help minimize cellulite by reducing toxins that contribute to cellulite. Try to eliminate or significantly reduce the amount of toxins you put in your body through diet and lifestyle, including drinking and smoking.
Exercise – Increasing daily activity can have a big impact on the appearance of cellulite, regular walks or running will increase circulation and energy levels. Interval training is great to help break down fat and tone the body.
What we can do at Staffordshire Skin & Laser
Here at Staffordshire Skin & Laser Clinic we want to give you a helping hand with tried and tested treatments for Cellulite. To tackle that dreaded orange peel our team recommend 3D-Lipo Med. There are three technologies this system offers to treat cellulite, usually two technologies are advised depending on the grade of cellulite, your practitioner will be able to advise on consultation following an assessment and based on what you are looking to achieve.
3D-Lipo Med Technologies;
Cavitation uses ultrasound waves to disrupt the fat cell membrane causing it to break down, ideal for fatty cellulite, this broken-down fat is then transported to the liver and processed for excretion.
3D-dermology uses vacuum skin rolling to encouraging lymphatic drainage, increase blood flow and circulation the cells, improves connective tissue strength, smooths the appearance of cellulite, increase oxygen and oxygen exchange at a cellular level and encourages relaxation of the fat cell septa (constriction of this leads to the formation of cellulite).
Radio Frequency delivers heat deep into the skin layers to melt fat, smooth and tighten the skin. Fat cells heat up quicker than the skin and other structures. When the skin is heated to the optimal desired temperature the underlying fat will start to melt and metabolise.
For best results a treatment once a week for 8 weeks is recommended, with a treatment once a month to maintain results.
Prices are as follows;
PAYG Cellulite Treatment – £100
The Ultimate Cellulite package £899 includes:
• 8 Cellulite Treatments
• Your choice of Crystal Smooth Macom Cellulite Leggings
• Advanced Nutritional Programme – Skin Pure Supplements
• ZO Cellulite Control Body Smoothing Cream
(Total Value £1023)
MACOM CRYSTALSMOOTH® cellulite leggings
Are the most comfortably luxurious way to smooth your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Made from emana® fibre and woven with bioactive crystals that absorb body heat and return it in the form of Far Infrared Rays. The rays penetrate the skin and stimulate blood microcirculation, cellular metabolism and lymphatic drainage. The increase in blood flow to the area nearest the skin significantly reduces the likelihood of the irregular build-up of fat and blockage to the lymph cells – a common cause of cellulite.
Advanced Nutrition Programme – Skin Pure 60 capsules
Provides choline to help support normal liver function, which is important for the body’s detoxification process. It is also formulated with the B vitamins riboflavin and biotin, which contribute to the maintenance of normal skin.
Recommended for clearer skin, Cellulite, Feel Renewed, Energy. Helps Breaks down and metabolises fat to rid toxins. Helps turn fats, sugars and protein into energy.
ZO Skin Health’s Oraser® Cellulite Control Body Smoothing Creme
Has an instant firming effect to visibly improve the texture and appearance of cellulite. Ideal for use on the hips, thighs, buttocks, stomach and any other problem areas. This creme smooths skin, provides a slimming effect, a toning effect and helps to diminish that ‘orange peel’ appearance. Working around the clock to prevent new cellulite, it helps to improve microcirculation and reduce skin contour as well as restoring hydration and encouraging collagen production to firm skin and support a healthy skin barrier function.
If you would like to book a consultation to discuss treatments for Cellulite or any other concerns, please call us on 01782 922300.
References
Medical News, 2004-2019, accessed 25th March 2019 <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com>
WebMD, 2005 – 2019, accessed 25th March 2019 https://www.webmd.com/
