If you thought that you were the only one embarrassed about the puckered up skin and the lumpy fat mass around your thighs, upper arms and bellies, know that you have company. That’s because about 90 per cent women above 21 years are fighting cellulite, a fatty tissue deep in the skin that pushes past a connective tissue and forms creases, bumps, troughs and nodes on the skin surface. It’s mostly noticeable in areas of fat storage such as the thighs, buttocks and hips.
While there is no universal solution to completely eliminate cellulite, you can manage them and reduce their visibility. Besides, it is harmless beyond having a psychological effect on appearance-conscious women.
What causes cellulite?
The hormone estrogen plays a significant role in cellulite formation, which is why men do not develop this condition. “It promotes fat storage, contributing to larger fat cells and more visible cellulite. During menopause, when estrogen levels decrease, cellulite may become more noticeable due to the natural thinning out of the skin,” says Dr Ankita Pant, Consultant, Dermatology, Max Multi Speciality Centre, Panchsheel Park, Delhi.
Usually they manifest during high-estrogen states, such as pregnancy, lactation, long term oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women. Other factors which can lead to an increase in cellulite formation are increasing age, poor lifestyle and obesity. “Poor blood circulation and chronic inflammation, often stemming from an unhealthy lifestyle, can exacerbate cellulite. Factors such as processed food consumption, high fat/sugar/salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to cellulite development,” adds Dr Pant. Genetics also have a role.
So what happens under the skin?
The layers beneath the skin comprise a superficial layer of fat, fibrous tissues that hold this fat, called septae, a deeper layer of fat and more fibrous tissue. “The complex interplay between the blood supply, fat distribution and arrangement of septae causes a mechanical pull into the skin giving rise to dimples,” says Dr Mahima Agarwal, Consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
How to improve the appearance of cellulite?
Dr Pant suggests some lifestyle changes. “Lose weight, exercise to improve blood circulation (this curbs dislodging of tissues), control sugar, alcohol and salt intake to reduce water retention and incorporate cardio and strength training. The idea is to reduce body fat and tone-affected areas, build lean mass and camouflage cellulite,” she says.
What are effective cellulite treatment options?
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1. Retinol creams: These stimulate collagen, reducing the bumpiness of cellulite-affected skin when used consistently over several months. Some have found relief in topical caffeine.
2. Vacuum-assisted massage, which is mechanical stimulation of circulation, helps in lymphatic drainage and is known to provide temporary relief.
3. Acoustic Wave Therapy: This, says Dr Pant, involves a minimum of six sessions of shock wave therapy and can break down fat, improve circulation and boost local collagen production.
4. Radio-frequency treatments: These reduce fat volume in cellulite-affected areas and thicken the dermis by inducing collagen production.
5. Laser treatment with devices like Cellulaze have demonstrated effectiveness for up to a year.
6. Injectable fillers can smoothen skin too.
What about oral supplements?
These mainly improve skin appearance and hide the dimples. “Supplements containing extracts of Vitis vinifera, Ginkgo biloba, Centella asiatica, Melilotus officinalis, Fucus vesiculosus, fish oil, aronia juice and borage oil are thought to be useful in cellulite treatment because of their antioxidant effects. Studies have revealed that oral collagen supplementation over six months may improve cellulite appearance,” says Dr Agarwal.
Do you need surgical intervention?
There are subcision treatments which use a special needle to break up the fibrous cords that pull the skin downwards, reducing the appearance of cellulite. “But liposuction, mesotherapy (boosting local fat burn) and
cryolipolysis (using cold temperature to break fat cells) have no effect,” says Dr Pant.
