Chances are, you’ve had cellulite — or you will. Studies estimate that 80-90% of women experience cellulite in their lifetime. You probably know what it is — dimpled, uneven skin on your thighs, hips, or buttocks — but do you know what causes it?
The lumpy appearance of cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissues beneath your skin. The spaces between the connective tissue fill with fat, creating dimples in the surface of the skin. The appearance of cellulite is influenced by many factors and researchers haven’t found a cure, making it a frustrating condition for many women.
Cellulite is extremely common, but that’s little consolation compared with the embarrassment it brings. Even if you follow a healthy lifestyle, you might still be susceptible to cellulite and feel uncomfortable wearing shorts or a bathing suit. Learn the truth about what causes cellulite and how to get rid of it.
Myth: Cellulite affects only people who are overweight
While being overweight makes cellulite more noticeable, women of all shapes and sizes can have it. You can exercise regularly and follow a healthy diet, but you can still get cellulite.
The more fat you have, the more likely it is to push out between the bands of connective tissue, but that isn’t the only factor. Cellulite is linked to genetics — if your mother and grandmother had cellulite, you’re more likely to have it, too. Cellulite also becomes more common as you age and the connective tissue in skin weakens.
Fact: Women get cellulite more than men
Men can have cellulite, but it’s more common in women. In fact, only about 10% of men have cellulite. Women tend to carry more fat in their hips and thighs, with less muscle and connective tissue in those areas to hold the fat in place.
Fat cells and connective tissue are aligned vertically in women, making it more common for the fat to protrude into the upper layer of skin. In men, tissue is arranged in a criss-cross pattern, making cellulite less likely.
Myth: Cellulite comes from toxins in your body
There’s plenty of misinformation out there about what causes cellulite and how you can make it go away. There are many creams, scrubs, and other products that claim to reduce the appearance of cellulite by removing impurities and toxins from your body, but the results aren’t proven.
Excess fat, weak connective tissue, and poor circulation all contribute to the development of cellulite, but none of these are due to toxins in the body. Instead, you need treatment that targets fat cells in your trouble spots to get rid of cellulite.
Fact: Noninvasive procedures can eliminate cellulite
Today, medical technology offers effective solutions for cellulite. Laser and radiofrequency treatments can reduce the look of cellulite on your thighs, hips, and buttocks. At the Institute for Health Management Aesthetics, Dr. David Chappell and his team are experts in noninvasive cellulite treatment.
Our laser and radiofrequency cellulite treatments work to safely destroy unwanted fat cells and tighten the surrounding skin. Treatment is noninvasive and typically painless. Dr. Chappell will customize a cellulite treatment plan to help you get skin you love, without wasting money on topical creams and treatments that don’t work.
Results are usually significant and can last for months to years with regular maintenance appointments.
