Cellulite – Causes & Treatments

Cellulite, a dimpling of the skin's surface, is found in nearly all (80% to 90%) of post-pubescent women. Most of us have heard the expression "cottage cheese thighs" or "orange peel skin" and thus have very negative associations with the term cellulite. It is not a disease or a disorder, but simply a description that applies to skin that appears dimpled and/or lumpy. Cellulite is most commonly found on the hips, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs of women. Cellulite is rarely seen in men, except for those suffering from certain medical disorders. There are many factors that lead to the development of cellulite, including hormonal, metabolic, and genetic reasons. Intensive and frequent dieting can also lead to the development of cellulite. Some women are more likely to develop cellulite than others. The predisposition to develop cellulite is based on race, biotype, distribution of fat in the body, and a predisposition to circulatory or lymphatic disorders. Diet and stress levels also contribute to the amount of cellulite than can be seen beneath the skin. Some amount of cellulite is normal, but when it causes embarrassment or self-consciousness, women may choose to seek treatment to reduce the cellulite on their body.

There is no "cure" for cellulite, as it is something that naturally occurs in the human female body; however, there are many ways to manage the severity of the appearance of cellulite on your body. It is important to understand the root cause of cellulite before proceeding with a treatment. The treatment type will vary based on the cause of your cellulite. The best way to understand why you have developed unsightly cellulite is to discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and diet with your doctor. An experienced dermatologist, like Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, will be able to help you assess the reasons why you have cellulite and suggest a treatment approach that will be best for you.

Dr. Frank offers various procedures to help reduce the appearance of cellulite in his office, The 5^th Avenue Dermatology Surgery and Laser Center, in New York City. Liposuction can be used to remove cellulite from areas of the body. Dr. Frank offers several technologically advanced forms of liposuction at his center, including minimally invasive liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction, known as SmartLipo MPX^TM. Another option is a Thermage® treatment, which uses radio frequency waves to firm and tighten the skin, thus reducing the appearance of cellulite in as little as one treatment. Recently, Dr. Frank has begun using Liposonix, a non-invasive technique that utilizes ultrasound energy to dissolve fat, for the reduction of cellulite on the legs. Originally approved by the FDA for use on the waist and stomach, Liposonix is proving to be an effective and pain-free way to reduce modest amounts of fat on the legs.

To determine if any of these approaches could be beneficial to you, you should make an appointment with Dr. Frank so he can review your medical history, examine your skin, and gain an understanding of your cosmetic goals. While having some amount of cellulite on your body is almost inevitable, advances in dermatological technology make it easier to achieve the appearance you desire. The first step is to understand the cause of your cellulite, and then to create a plan to reduce its appearance so that you can enjoy firm, dimple-free skin.