What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a term that describes the appearance of bumpy looking skin. It is caused by bulging fat cells just under the skin. The fat cells size and position causes the collagen fibers around them to bend causing puckering of the skin above.

There are three layers of fat found in the body. Cellulite is located in the layer of fat closest to the skin. They are fat cells enclosed in pockets formed by collagen fibers. Sometimes the fat cells squeeze on the connective tissues (collagen fibers) and there is little room for the lymphatic drainage system to relieve this build-up of fluids, fats, and toxins. Fat in this layer does not respond well to diet or exercise. The appearance of this layer is not affected by weight that much either as cellulite can appear in very slim people.

The next two layers of fat are not structured and the fat cells are not separated by connective tissue. These layers are more also easily influenced by lifestyle and dietary changes.

Caucasian women are the most prone to cellulite, with 90% of women suffering from it to some extent at some point in their life.

Why do we get Cellulite?

There are a number of factors which contribute to cellulite. These include genetics, hormones, stress, smoking, inactive lifestyle and obesity. These factors influence how your body’s circulation and lymph systems work. Any restrictions or impairments to these systems allow fat cells to grow in size and become trapped resulting in an uneven distribution of fat – Cellulite!

Why do people care about having cellulite?

In the competitive world we live in, how we look and feel about ourselves can sometimes dictate important aspects of life.

It can affect people’s confidence and has as knock on affect interfering with personal friendships, how people dress and prevent people from activities such as swimming.

How can I treat Cellulite?

There are many treatments available for including mesotherapy,  LPG endermologie, radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy and carboxytherapy to name a few. Unfortunately there is no treatment that can result in permanent reduction of cellulite and maintenance treatments are need to keep the results.

Dr Teri Johnson uses a Rioblush Carboxytherapy machine which not only helps to reduce cellulite but can also can lead to some fat reduction, skin tightening and reductions in circumference measurements.