Cellulite is an aesthetic condition of the subcutaneous tissue that is very common among women: at least 80% are affected in its early stages after the age of 18. The term “cellulite”, although widely used, is inaccurate; the correct medical term is edematous-fibrosclerotic panniculopathy.
The typical “orange peel” appearance of the skin results from changes in several systems (arterial microcirculation, venous and lymphatic circulation) and tissues (fat, connective and interstitial tissue), which in simple terms cause fluids and toxins to stagnate in the tissues.
It has several causes, including vascular changes, water retention, genetic predisposition and hormonal factors, together with contributing factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor diet, constipation and use of the contraceptive pill.
Cellulite can go through three stages: the oedematous stage, with orange-peel skin visible mainly on the thighs and buttocks; the fibrous stage, in which the defects become more evident; and the sclerotic stage, in which the affected areas are full of hard nodules that are painful to the touch. It affects almost exclusively women because of the particular arrangement of the fibrous septa under the skin, which differs from that in men.
Treatments
Cellulite cannot be eliminated, but the following can improve it:
- lymphatic drainage massage
- pressotherapy
- specially formulated creams
- carboxytherapy
- mesotherapy
- a correct diet
- physical activity.