This is a judgment-free zone – and let’s get this straight out of the gate, just about all of us (women, anyways) have cellulite to some degree. That dimply skin in those less-than-ideal places. What is cellulite? What causes it, and how do we get rid of it? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
What causes cellulite?
It’s actually rather basic: fat cells are pushing up against our skin, and the grid-like tissue that is connecting our skin to our muscle is pulling downward, leaving us with that bumpy skin. Think of a tufted ottoman or sofa; the connective tissue is like the buttons pulling down on the soft filling.
Most women have it, even if they’re very fit. There’s not one silver bullet answer for everyone, because each of our bodies carries fat differently. Some people bulk up in their bellies, others carry it in their lower extremities.
Do men get cellulite?
It’s not just your imagination that women seem to have more issues with cellulite than men. It’s not because they’re from Mars, but it has to do with structural differences in the connective tissue. The fat storage units of connective tissue in men work in diagonals, and ladies have a vertical structure, so it’s easier for our fat to pucker.
Can you get rid of cellulite?
Let’s start with lifestyle changes. We’re pretty sure you’ve heard all this before, but it bears repeating: diet and exercise will help you reduce fat in your body, thus decreasing the amount of pressure those fat cells are pushing up against your skin and connective tissue. Workouts that incorporate cardio and toning exercises can reduce fat.
Eating healthy and drinking lots of water is also important in the fight against fat. As a dermatology practice, we are constantly telling our patients how important it is to stay hydrated, and that’s not just to improve the skin on your face. Your entire body benefits from being well-hydrated, and well-rested.
What are the best treatments for cellulite?
While no treatment gets rid of cellulite, we can improve the appearance.
The Cellfina System treats the structural cause of cellulite, targeting the connective bands that are pulling down the skin. Similar to a rubber band under tension, once released, the treated skin bounces back to smooth itself out. Cellfina uses a small needle-sized device with no general anesthesia and only initial soreness or tenderness but limited downtime. It was the first FDA-cleared minimally-invasive procedure that is clinically proven to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least two years
CoolTone™ treatments can accelerate your efforts to replace fat with muscle. While this is not a cellulite treatment per se, it tones muscles and reduces fat on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks by stimulating involuntary muscle contractions. Our Rochester practice is the first in Upstate New York to offer CoolTone.
What about that injectable cellulite treatment?
Fairly recently, there was a lot of buzz about Qwo, an injectable cellulite treatment. But in 2022, the maker of Qwo ceased producing and selling the treatment due to market concerns about the extent and variability of bruising following initial treatment as well as the potential for prolonged skin discoloration.
Let’s chat about your options.
Cellulite treatments are such a personalized process, it’s best to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss your options and goals. Just as everyone’s body stores fat in a unique way, it also reacts to treatments in a unique way. Schedule your free consultation with our team, and we’ll discuss your body contouring options.
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