Lumpy, dimpled flesh on thighs, buttocks, hips, and belly: the unfortunate fact is that 90% of women will suffer from cellulite at some point in their lives. Is cellulite curable? Over the past decade, there have been hundreds of products come to the market “claiming” their product was the “only” product to help reduce the appearance of cellulite ranging from lotions, massages, freezing the fat away all the way to high-tech laser therapy and radiofrequency use. To understand how to effectively rid yourself of cellulite in unwanted areas it is necessary to comprehend the cause of cellulite, the structure of cellulite, and to discuss the latest advances in minimally invasive plastic surgery that is targeted towards cellulite removal.
What causes cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite is not well understood, and different theories have been proposed to try to explain what causes cellulite.
Hormonal factors and Genetics are thought to play a significant role in the development of cellulite. It is commonly thought that the hormone estrogen plays a significant part in cellulite development; this is supported by the vast percentage difference of woman who have cellulite (90%) versus men who have cellulite (10%). Genetics are thought to play a role in cellulite. It is believed that certain genes predispose an individual to the development of cellulite though particular characteristics of cellulite such as the distribution of fat, circulatory insufficiency, gender, race, and metabolism.
Diet and Lifestyle factors are also thought to be culprits in the cause of cellulite. Diets high in fat, carbohydrates, and salt are believed to produce greater amounts of cellulite. It is unknown if the macronutrients have a direct impact or if the increased weight gain is to blame. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and lack of exercise are also thought to play a role in the severity of cellulite.
The structure of cellulite?
Cellulite is the byproduct of subcutaneous adipose tissue protruding into the lower reticular dermis, thus creating irregularities in the skin surface. In laymen’s terms, fat cells overwhelm the connective tissue bands that connect muscle to the skin thus an overflowing effect can be seen, i.e. the connective tissue bands are the center of the cellulite dimple and the fat surrounding the area are what cause the concave dimpling.
Latest advances in cellulite removal
Cellfina is the most recent advancement in cellulite removal, and it is the longest-lasting FDA approved minimally invasive procedure proven to improve the appearance of cellulite for at least three years. Cellfina works on the primary structural cause of cellulite through the use of tissue-stabilized guidance subcision. Tissue-stabilized guidance subcision actually cuts the connective tissue band that causes the dimpling effect in cellulite. Much like a rubber band, once the connective tissue is released the skin will bounce back to a smooth, natural appearance in as little as three days.
Cellfina is minimally invasive and requires very little downtime: patients can go about their regular business immediately post-procedure; however, it is recommended to take it easy for the first 24 hours. Cellfina is an in-office procedure, takes 45-60 minutes, does not require anesthesia or an operating room, and is performed using a small needle-sized device. Recovery from the procedure is simple and the most common side effects reported by patients it minimal swelling and bruising.
In the pivotal study, patient satisfaction was 85 percent at three months, 94 percent at one year, 96 percent at two years and 93 percent at three years, surpassing the patient satisfaction rates of other leading cellulite treatments. So, is cellulite curable? Through the use of Cellfina the cellulite you have now can be minimized and removed. However, the cause of cellulite is multimodal and Cellfina will not prevent you from developing new areas of cellulite.
How do you choose a plastic surgeon? When considering plastic surgery whether it be invasive or not, I recommend a consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in the field who can show you proof of exceptional results to help discuss what treatment options are best for your desired results.
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