Everyone seems to have an opinion about cellulite, the dimpled flesh commonly found on thighs, buttocks, and bellies.
Let’s do some myth-busting and separate the facts from fiction about cellulite, shall we?
· Cellulite is caused by an infection.
FALSE: Infections don’t cause cellulite. Cellulite occurs when the normal fat layer just under your skin bulges through weaknesses in the collagen layer that attaches that fat layer to your skin. Those bulges form the “orange peel” or rippled surface of the skin that we identify as cellulite.
· Cellulite affects more women than men.
TRUE: It is true that cellulite is more common in women. That makes sense, because women have more fat deposits in their body than men do, particularly in the hips and thighs.
· Cellulite is genetic, so I can’t do anything about it.
FALSE: Although it’s true that you are more likely to have cellulite if your mother or grandmother had it, you can take action to improve the appearance of any cellulite you currently have.
· Cellulite increases with age.
TRUE: Women tend to develop cellulite after adolescence, when curves develop. Aging and other health and environmental factors (such as cigarette smoking) can further weaken the collagen network and increase the appearance of cellulite.
· Even healthy weight women can have cellulite.
TRUE: Even women who are a normal weight can have cellulite. Remember, healthy weight women have normal fat deposits under the skin, so any instability in the collagen layer can allow fat to bulge through it.
· Losing weight does not help cellulite.
FALSE: Gaining weight can make cellulite more pronounced. This makes sense because when you gain weight, more fat is deposited under your skin, and that increases the pressure pushing against a weak collagen structure. More fat pushing past the collagen screen results in more rippling of the skin. It is important to note, though, that gaining weight due to increased muscle mass is different from gaining weight due to excess caloric intake.
· What I eat and drink matters.
TRUE: Being dehydrated and eating an unhealthy diet high in salt, added sugars and trans fats can worsen the appearance of existing cellulite. Drinking lots of water and maintaining a healthy weight are two basic ways to keep cellulite at bay.
· Strength exercises can help.
TRUE: Increasing muscle strength and tone will help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Strength exercises will help sculpt and tone those areas most vulnerable to cellulite. In addition, increased circulation from continued strength exercise helps keep tissues healthier and stronger.
· Liposuction is a cure for cellulite.
FALSE: Liposuction is not helpful, and in fact, it can worsen the rippling of the skin.
· Noninvasive treatments can help.
TRUE: Noninvasive treatments can help reduce the appearance of existing cellulite. For example, massage combined with specialized creams and ointments, and heat and cold therapy can increase circulation and temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. In addition, laser therapy is currently being developed and refined as an effective and potentially lasting treatment for cellulite.
At The Vein Institute & MediSpa in Kingwood, Texas, we specialize in the latest cellulite and other cosmetic body treatments. To learn more about aesthetic options, call us today at (281) 312-0208 to request an appointment, or request an appointment online.
