Lumologie - What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the condition where the skin becomes dimpled. It is usually found on the thighs, buttock and abdomen areas and affects around 85-90% of females and some men. Some common names for cellulite include orange peel, cottage cheese skin and hail damage. Cellulite is also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, and gynoid lipodystrophy. These names are not used on a day to day basis and do not need to be memorised.

Beneath the dermis in the subcutaneous tissue there are three layers of fat.

Layer 1 - The most superficial layer of fat, the closest to the dermis - where celluite occurs
Layer 2 - The type of fat which you can control with exercise and diet or even Liposuction.
Layer 3 - The type of fat which develops with pregnancy (long breast-feeding can encourage faster weight loss)

Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure by which fat cells are surgically removed from layers 2 and 3. Many people think that liposuction will reduce cellulite however Liposuction does not remove fat from the areas where cellulite occurs (in layer 1); therefore it does not remove cellulite.

Layers 2 and 3 are not separated by connective tissue and are not responsible for cellulite. The fat in these layers is to some degree genetically influenced.

Toxins

Toxins can become trapped in fat cells causing them to swell and expand, pushing upwards which causes the septa (vertical collagen ?bres in the skin) to tighten and pull downwards. The septa weave thru these fat stores and when the adipose tissue (fat tissue) expands, the tension on the septae can cause them to bend, resulting in a pulling down or puckering of the skin above. Super?cial pockets of trapped fat cause un-even dimpling. This is what causes the orange peel or dimple effect of cellulite.

If we reduce toxins in the fat cells, it will reduce the tension of the ?bres which will reduce the appearance of celluite.

What causes cellulite?

The causes of cellulite are still being researched and several changes in metabolism and the body may cause cellulite or contribute to cellulite. Among these include:

Oedema

Premenstrual water retention is a common phenomenon associated with the menstrual cycle. Water retention is most noticeable for its temporary, but uncomfortable, enlargement of the breasts. The excess ?uid is lost during menstruation.

Hormonal factors

Hormones are important in the formation of cellulite particularly in people sensitive to certain hormones. Oestrogen - initiates and aggrivates cellulite by encouraging the development and growth of fat cells around the buttocks, thighs and breast. Insulin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, thryoid hormones, and prolactin have all been shown to participate in the development of cellulite. Progesterone can weaken veins which causes ? uid retention and weight gain.

Genetic factors

Several genetic factors have been shown to be necessary for cellulite to develop.Gender - Around 85% of females display some degree of cellulite. It is rarely seen in males and usually in males with androgen-de? cient states such as Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states and in those patients receiving oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer. The cellulite in men becomes more severe as the androgen de? ciency worsens - if someone presented with these conditions you would not perform the treatment. Distrubution of subcutaneous fat or tendency to store excess fat - although fat does not directly cause cellulite, excess fat deposits can make cellulite worse by preventing circulation to the affected areas. Circulatory insuf?ciency or Weak veins due to reduced circulation, therefore toxins build up, sometimes caused by Diabetes.

Diet

Excessive amounts of fat, carbohydrates, salt or too little ? bre have been shown to impact the development and amount of cellulite. Not drinking enough water can worsen cellulite as drinking water helps ?ush out toxins.

Lifestyle

Lack of exercise , tight clothes, high heeled shoes, and sitting or standing in a single position for long periods of time have all been associated with an increase in cellulite due to bad circulation which results in lack of oxygen to the cells and also a poor lymphatic system.

Stress

A high stress lifestyle will cause an increase in adrenalin and noradrenalin which can increase the fat storage in the buttocks, thighs, abdomen and hips.

Pregnancy

Our bodies change drastically during pregnancy, certain hormones and ?uid retention are increased and can lead to cellulite.

Smoking

Tobacco smoke contains free radicals and around 4000 different toxins which can become trapped in adipose tissue causing it to swell.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a toxin that can increase fat levels in blood, slowing down circulation.

Lymphoedema

Lymphoedema is a condition of localized ?uid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system. The danger with lymphedema comes from the constant risk of developing an uncontrolled infection in the affected area.