Cellulite is French word that means inflammation or infection in the subcutaneous fat. The word appeared in the English language in the 1920 s and became popular since 1960s. The condition now refers to the dimpling and rippling of the skin of the lateral thighs, hips and abdomen. It happens in women, but can also happen in men who suffer from androgen deficiency. So the female hormones play a role. Anatomically it is caused by the attachment of the superficial fascia system to the dermis when the superficial fatty layer grows and creates bulges in areas where there is no retaining ligaments between the superficial fascia and the dermis. It can also be caused by skin laxity. As the skin falls by gravity the fibrous attachments to the underlying fascia create the dimpling and rippling. In this case the appearance can be improved by tightening the skin. This condition is mostly related to the loss of skin elasticity which comes with aging and sun exposure, and in my opinion is not true cellulite.
Superficial Fascia separates the deep and the superficial fat. Fibrous connections of the fascia to the dermis explains the formation on dimples on the skin.
Many treatments have been suggested over the years. Superficial liposuction was suggested by Marco Gasparotti, Carson M. Lewis, Luiz Sérgio Toledo in 1993. This is a very technique sensitive procedure and can be helpful in many case. There are various lasers and other energy based technology available to reduce the superficial fat and to divid and interrupt the dermal attachments. None of them offer predictable results. Surgical skin tightening procedure like lateral thigh lift and lower body lift can make a difference in case on skin laxity due to massive weight loss and aging skin. There is no question that exercising and diet plays a role. I perform superficial micro liposuction for cellulite and skin tightening procedure in case of skin laxity and weight loss. Procedure like lateral thigh lift or lower body lift can be extremely helpful if the problems are mostly in the upper thigh area. For further information and evaluation of your personal condition please contact our office by calling 973 2670928.