Cellulite

Cellulite Treatment

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a term that refers to a natural form of fat storage most commonly found in post-pubescent females. The change in skin topography is seen in the formation of skin dimples and skin nodules, which occurs mainly in the lower limbs, abdomen, and the pelvic region of the female body. This can result in skin that is dimpled or resembles an orange peel or cottage cheese. While most cases of cellulite occur in post-pubescent females, cellulite can occasionally affect men as well. It is seen most often in men who suffer from Klinefelter’s Syndrome or have undergone estrogen therapy to treat prostate cancer.
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Various factors influence the onset and severity of cellulite, but it really is just a natural fat storage pattern in women. Changes in metabolism as a result of extreme dieting, hormonal and genetic influences, and the lifestyle of a person can all exacerbate the appearance of cellulite.  Hormonal factors seem to have quite a strong influence on the occurrence of cellulite. Some of the hormones that have been determined to assist cellulite formation are estrogen (strongest impact), insulin, prolactin, adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, and thyroid. Diet also plays a role in the onset and severity of cellulite. A properly balanced diet combined with physical exercise may help to reduce cellulite. A person with a stressful lifestyle may be more likely to suffer from cellulite, which can worsen if not addressed early on.

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What Causes Cellulite?

Contrary to popular belief, cellulite can form on anybody, regardless of weight or age. Even thin, model type women who eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly can have cellulite. Some people are more prone to cellulite due to genetic factors, and hormones play a large part – especially estrogen. Of course, poor diet and exercise can exacerbate the body’s natural inclination towards cellulite; extreme dieting or binging can distort the fat cells’ shape and cause dimpling.

Cellulite is caused by factors which influence where and how fat is stored, where and how fluid is retained, and the amount and arrangement of collagen and elastin fibers in the connective tissue layers of the skin. Factors influencing cellulite include genetic predisposition, hormones, hydration, diet, exercise, stress, drugs and medications.

When normal fatty tissue is stored, it is held in place by a network of collagen and elastin fibers and is supplied by a network of vascular and lymph vessels. When the system works well, the vascular system takes energy from the fat stores when required, and toxins are flushed away via the lymphatics. When the waste removal system starts to fail, waste products start building up and the connective tissue becomes saturated with fluid and is often inflamed and swollen. Growing fat cells (adipocytes) destroy the network of collagen and elastin fibers, which then thicken (fibrose) around these cells forming hard pockets of fat, encroaching on vascular and lymphatic vessels. The hardened pockets of fat are the cause of the “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearance known as cellulite.

Cellulite occasionally becomes painful if the pressure within the pockets of fat becomes too high. Cellulite can be diagnosed and categorized into four stages. The more advanced the condition of cellulite, the greater the effort required to treat it. When treating cellulite, the congested lymph and waste system may need to be cleared, the fibrosis around the hardened pockets of fat may need to be softened or broken down and the weak network of collagen and elastin fibers may need to be strengthened and re-modeled.

How is Cellulite treated?

There have been many dermalogical advances to treat cellulite. In its earliest stages, cellulite can be entirely eradicated with prompt treatment, and even long-term, severe cellulite’s appearance can be reduced. The latest advances in cellulite treatment utilize the concept of dermatological re-sculpture, which involves reshaping the subcutaneous layers.

Our experienced dermatologists (we now have offices serving Summit & Ridgewood New Jersey as well as our other tri-state locations) utilize Endermologie treatments to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Endermologie works by using a device called the Cellu M6 to stimulate the epidermis. The device will lift, roll, and massage the skin, prompting the body’s natural response to tighten the skin and eliminate fat and toxins. The procedure is non-surgical and non-invasive, and takes advantage of the body’s natural healing responses rather than introducing foreign elements.

Cellfina is the newest treatment for cellulite now available at Advanced Dermatology, P.C. in New York and New Jersey. Cellfina treats the underlying cause of cellulite by manually cutting the fibrous bands that form dimples on the buttocks and thighs. While it will not treat the “cottage-cheese” cellulite, it very effectively treats dimples. Current study results show effects lasting two years. To learn more call our cosmetic concierge to schedule your consultation at 1-855-793-2868.

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How is the procedure performed?

On your first treatment, you will receive a consultation whereby the condition of your cellulite will be discussed between you and your therapist. A program will be agreed upon to suit your own personal needs. A before and after photographs may also be taken in order for you to see the best of your results!

During the treatment, you will wear a specialized body stocking. This is to make it more comfortable and also to protect your modesty! The therapist carries out the treatment which involves a handheld massaging head that delivers intermittent suction and rolling action to the area being treated. Each treatment will last approximately 35 minutes, at the frequency of about 1 to 2 sessions per week.

This is not a painful treatment and most people describe it as being most relaxing as it simulates a body massage. The quantity of treatments depends on each individual, however, we recommend that you have a minimum of 10 sessions in order to benefit fully. Its use can be accompanied by some weight loss. It is also an excellent complement to liposuction.

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What to expect?

This is not a permanent solution to reduction in cellulite, but after your initial course of treatments, you may find that a ‘maintenance schedule’ of monthly treatments is sufficient. Usually patients notice changes within 6 or 8 sessions. However, 14 is the average number of treatments recommended.

The rolling and sucking action of the machine work together to ‘stretch’ the septa back to an upright position. The septa attaches the skin to the fat cells and when it is out of shape due to genetic and lifestyle factors, it starts to bend sideways causing the dimple effect.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a highly undesirable manifestation of the warping of the fat layers beneath the skin. Cellulite occurs when the fat layer underneath the dermis (the subcutaneous fat layer) take on irregular shapes and distorts the collagen fiber columns. When this occurs, the skin becomes pulled and pushed in multiple directions from below the surface, resulting in a dimpled surface that can resemble cottage cheese. Women are more prone to cellulite than men as women’s fat cells are structured differently and women have more pockets of stored fat than men.

What causes cellulite?

Contrary to popular belief, cellulite can form on anybody, regardless of weight or age. Even thin, model type women who eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly can have cellulite. Some people are more prone to cellulite due to genetic factors, and hormones play a large part – especially estrogen. Of course, poor diet and exercise can exacerbate the body’s natural inclination towards cellulite; extreme dieting or binging can distort the fat cells’ shape and cause dimpling.

Can cellulite be treated?

Yes, there have been many dermalogical advances to treat cellulite. In its earliest stages, cellulite can be entirely eradicated with prompt treatment, and even long-term, severe cellulite’s appearance can be reduced. The latest advances in cellulite treatment utilize the concept of dermatological re-sculpture, which involves reshaping the subcutaneous layers.

How can I get rid of my cellulite?

Come in for a consultation at Advanced Dermatology P.C. There are several offices conveniently located throughout the states of New York and New Jersey, serving patients in Summit & Ridgewood and other areas. Our dermatologists will help determine what would be the best treatment plan to get the cellulite-free results you desire. Call our locations or use a contact form to set up a time to meet with one of our board certified skin experts.

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With 40+ locations conveniently located in NYC, Westchester, Long Island, the suburbs of Philadelphia, New Jersey and Connecticut, a top-rated dermatologist is just around the corner.

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