What causes cellulite and do medical spas offer safe options for getting rid of or, at least, reducing the appearance of it?
Everyone knows what cellulite looks like. It’s the lumpy, cottage-cheesy looking skin, usually found on thighs, hips and rear ends. It just appears and never goes away.
But, what is it, really? Actually, it’s just normal fat. More specifically, it’s the interaction of fat with the connective tissue that is just beneath the surface of your skin. It’s extremely common and harmless, if you don’t take into consideration the angst and embarrassment that it induces.
Men can develop cellulite but it’s far more common in women. So common, in fact, that it is estimated that 85 percent of all women will have some amount of cellulite.
If having cellulite bothers you, rest assured you are not alone. That said, while the desire to make it go away is understandable, it may help to know that thin, very fit people can also have cellulite. It is more noticeable in those carrying more bodyweight, but cellulite is an equal-opportunity condition that affects women of all shapes and sizes.
Cellulite Causes
It is unlikely that you will know the exact cause of those cellulite dimples that are the visible manifestation of fat deposits beneath the surface of the skin. How much cellulite you have may be determined by genetics, age, or body fat percentage. It may also have something to do with how thick your skin is.
While an exact cause for cellulite is not known, there are certain risk factors that are thought to be possible contributors to its development. Some of the most common of these include:
- hormones
- unhealthy dietary choices
- poor lifestyle choices, especially with regard to lack of exercise
- predisposition due to family history
- slow metabolism
- weight gain
- loss of collagen
- poor circulation
- lymphatic drainage issues
- thinning skin
- dehydration
- pregnancy
What Can You Do About Cellulite?
There is a wide range of purported treatments that claim to be effective for getting rid of or reducing the appearance of cellulite. Some are better than others, and some are considered risky.
If you are looking for safe, effective methods for reducing the appearance of cellulite, a medical spa may be your best option. Not only will you find trained and experienced practitioners but you will be given many options to choose from.
One of those options is Sculptra Aesthetic, which is an injectable approved by the FDA. Sculptra is a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid and is biocompatible, as well as biodegradable. One of the reasons for the development of cellulite is the loss of collagen, and Sculptra is designed to facilitate the gradual replacement of this essential protein.
As a collagen stimulator, Sculptra injections fill in the cellulite dimples, and it is especially effective on areas like the buttocks. It is administered in a series of treatments, and the results, which include a smoother, firmer appearance, can last for more than two years.
Dr. Brian D. Cohen is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive training in cosmetic/reconstructive plastic surgery and has had years of experience performing a wide array of cosmetic surgery procedures, specializing in procedures of the face, eyes, nose, breast, and body and is known for his exemplary and compassionate care by his patients. Knowing that Dr. Cohen has been selected by his peers in Super Doctors for 9 years in a row in 2021 gives you the confidence that he is highly respected for his performance in his specialty. Information on locations and office hours for Cohen Plastic Surgery can be found by clicking here.