Cellulite
Smooth and Tone Skin with Advanced Cellulite Treatments:
Transform Your Skin with Expert Care at Emerald Skin Lab
Cellulite forms when fat pushes against connective tissue under the skin, creating a dimpled appearance. Commonly found on the thighs, hips, and buttocks, it is influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal changes. Cellulite affects skin texture, often appearing regardless of body type or weight.
What is this?
-
Stage 1
Cellulite is not visible when standing but may appear when you pinch the skin in the affected area. The skin texture is still smooth when relaxed, but you may notice subtle dimpling or unevenness when pressure is applied.
-
Stage 2
In this stage, cellulite becomes visible when standing, even without pinching the skin. You may notice small dimples or lumps that are more pronounced than in stage 1.
-
Stage 3
Cellulite is very noticeable, with prominent dimples, lumpy areas, and a more textured surface, even without pinching the skin. The skin may have a “cottage cheese” appearance, and the dimples may be deeper and more widespread.
-
Stage 4
The skin has deep, severe dimples or indentations, and there may be visible sagging or loose skin. The cellulite is much more pronounced, with large areas of lumpy or “pitted” skin.
“Cellulite reduction is achievable with collagen-boosting treatments that smooth dimpled skin. These methods restore firmness and improve texture, leaving skin even-toned and refined.”
Did You Know?
What are the Causes?
Fat Distribution
Fat deposits push against connective tissue beneath the skin, creating the uneven, dimpled texture characteristic of cellulite.
Circulation Issues
Poor blood flow and lymphatic drainage weaken connective fibers and worsen the visibility of cellulite.
Hormones
Hormonal changes, such as those related to estrogen, influence fat storage and weaken connective tissue, increasing cellulite’s appearance.
Genetics
A family history of cellulite predisposes individuals to the condition, regardless of body type or weight.
Prevention
-
Eat foods high in antioxidants and hydration to strengthen skin and connective tissue.
-
Regular exercise improves circulation and reduces fat deposits, minimizing cellulite’s appearance.
How to Treat
Lasers therapy
Laser therapy for cellulite typically uses laser energy to treat the deep layers of the skin, targeting the fibrous bands that cause the skin to dimple and the fat cells that contribute to the uneven texture. Different types of laser devices may be used, but the general mechanism involves:
Stimulating collagen production: Laser energy helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that are vital for maintaining the skin’s structure and firmness. This helps to tighten the skin and improve its elasticity.
Breaking down fibrous bands: The laser energy can break down the tough fibrous bands (septae) beneath the skin that pull the skin down, creating the dimpling effect associated with cellulite.
Improving fat distribution: Some lasers target fat cells directly, causing them to break down and become more evenly distributed, reducing the appearance of lumps and bumps.
Microneedling with RF (e.g., Morpheus8)
Microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) combines tiny needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin with radiofrequency energy, which heats the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. This improves skin texture, tightens the skin, and may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
FAQs
-
Cellulite can appear suddenly due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, weight gain, dietary changes, lack of physical activity, and aging. It may also be exacerbated by stress, medication, or genetic predisposition. While cellulite is a natural condition that affects most people to some degree, managing the factors that contribute to it (such as improving circulation, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress) can help reduce its visibility over time. If you're concerned about the sudden appearance of cellulite or its progression, it's a good idea to consult with our dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.
-
Choosing the Best Treatment for Your Cellulite
Mild Cellulite: For mild cellulite, treatments like Endermologie, SmoothShapes®, and Thermage can be effective for skin tightening and improving texture. These are non-invasive with minimal downtime and can offer subtle, gradual improvements.
Moderate Cellulite: If you have moderate cellulite, treatments like Cellulaze® (laser-assisted subcision), Cellfina® (subcision), or Thermage may be more effective, addressing the underlying causes (fibrous septae, fat distribution, skin elasticity) with more noticeable and longer-lasting results.
Severe Cellulite: For more advanced cellulite, Cellfina® and Cellulaze® are the most suitable options. These treatments are minimally invasive but deliver more dramatic improvements in skin smoothness and firmness by targeting the fibrous bands that cause deep dimples.
Fat Reduction and Cellulite: If your cellulite is associated with excess fat, combining CoolSculpting® (cryolipolysis) with other treatments like Thermage or Cellfina® may help improve the contour and texture of the skin, as reducing fat can make cellulite less noticeable.
-
While cellulite is not directly caused by a single nutritional deficiency, several factors—including genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and diet—can contribute to its development. However, certain nutritional deficiencies may play a role in exacerbating cellulite or affecting skin health, collagen production, and fat distribution, all of which can make the appearance of cellulite more pronounced. Various nutritional deficiencies can influence the health and appearance of the skin, collagen production, and fat metabolism, all of which can make cellulite more prominent. Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in collagen-boosting nutrients (such as vitamin C, zinc, and healthy fats) along with regular exercise and proper hydration can help manage and improve the appearance of cellulite. If you suspect a deficiency or hormonal imbalance, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to address the root cause.
-
Dry brushing can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and exfoliating the skin. However, it doesn't address the root causes of cellulite, such as fat deposits and structural changes in the skin's connective tissue.
If you're looking for long-term or more significant results, you'll need to combine dry brushing with other treatments such as fat reduction, skin-tightening therapies, or treatments that target the underlying structural issues, such as Cellulaze, radiofrequency therapy, or microneedling.