What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is those dimpled looking areas that some individuals have on the thighs, hips, and buttocks. The majority of cellulite cases are among women, even though men can also have cellulite. The lumpiness is commonly referred to as cottage cheese skin, orange peel syndrome or other slang terms.
Causes of Cellulite
The main reason cellulite is often seen more in women than in men is due to the way in which fat, connective tissue, and muscle is distributed in their skin. The cottage skin appearance is from fat deposits that push the connective tissues under the skin thus changing the appearance of the skin. Women connective tissue is flexible therefore when they gain weight the fat cells become larger and bulge toward the skin. Men on the other hand, have thicker skin and normally less fat on their thighs.
The causes are not really known but may be due to changes in physiology and metabolism. Some of the changes can be a disorder of water metabolism, chronic venous insufficiency, or abnormal hyperpolymerization of the connective tissue.
Other factors that might also play a role in the appearance of cellulite include hormones. Studies have shown that estrogen may aggravate cellulite as well as other hormones such as thyroid hormones.
Genetics, diet, and even lifestyles may also be a factor in determining if a person will have cellulite. Research has shown that individuals with diets high in fat, salt, and carbohydrates have a higher tendency of having cellulite. Lifestyle factors that aid in producing cellulite include high-heeled shoes, lack of exercise, and smoking.
Treatment options
Endermologie is probably the most popular cellulite treatment that does not involve surgery. A machine is used to apply pressure and suction to your skin. Normally the session will last around 40 minutes once or twice per week for usually around 20 sessions. After the 20 session, it will be necessary to have one session per month. The cost of this procedure is around $50 to $150 per session. In some cases, you can purchase 10 sessions as a discounted rate. Results are normally seen after 14 sessions.
Ultrasound treatment is another non-surgical treatment for cellulite. In most cases, you will need between 5 and 10 treatments or more for each large area affected by cellulite. Of course, you will also need follow up treatments monthly. The cost varies according to the total volume and surface area of the body affected. The session will last around 90 minutes.
Vella smooth cellulite reduction treatment is a non-surgical treatment that uses bi-polar radio frequency and infrared light. Heat is used to increase the metabolism of the fat cells with the radio frequency used for deeper penetration of the heating process. Vacuum is used to apply pressure as in the endermologie method. This helps to dilate blood vessels and increase blood circulation. Each treatment session is around 40 minutes with around 8 to 16 sessions needed with follow up sessions afterwards. The cost is around $200 per session.
Massage is at the top of the list for reducing cellulite. The sessions should be once per month or every three weeks. Prices are around $50 to $150 according to the type of massage you choose.
Body wraps are becoming popular as well for reducing cellulite. In the beginning the sessions will need to be twice per month and then once per month after the initial sessions. The cost is around $60 to $100 per session.
Creams such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Retinoids, and Xanthines can be purchased and used on a daily basis. Normally the cost of these creams is around $40 to $150 for six months. However, the majority of the creams do not produce quick results as the other types of treatments.
