Dealing with cellulite can be embarrassing for anyone trying to achieve a slim, smooth figure. Especially with beach and pool season approaching. Cellulite is formed when the fibrous bands which connect the skin to the underlying muscle, tighten irregularly. This causes the skin to be pulled down (or break down), allowing the layer of fat just beneath the skin to push upward. The result is that unpleasant, dimpled skin that may resemble cottage cheese.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Experts estimate that over 90% of adult women have some degree of cellulite. It most commonly appears around the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. Although many people believe that cellulite is related to excess fat and can be treated with increased exercise and proper nutrition, this is unfortunately not the case. While it’s true that people who are overweight may have more noticeable cellulite, it is common even in very lean women as well. Increased cellulite can be tied to several factors including age, heredity, hormones, weight fluctuation, and more.
Patients often ask me what they can do to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and if plastic surgery like liposuction can be of assistance. Despite a fairly common misconception, liposuction is intended to reduce fat, not treat cellulite. Liposuction can sometimes reduce the appearance of cellulite and slightly smoothen the skin in a specific area, but patients should not depend on this result. I personally recommend nonsurgical cosmetic treatments like Cellulaze™ Cellulite Treatment or Viora Reaction™ Skin Tightening for anyone who wants help reducing the appearance of cellulite. Cellulaze™ is FDA-approved to safely treat cellulite by attacking the root causes of certain types of cellulite growth under the skin. Viora Reaction™ Skin Tightening can also be highly effective for reducing the appearance of cellulite. In the video below, I discuss how patients can treat their cellulite once and for all with the help of these cosmetic treatments:
Cellulite can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it. With a summer full of fun in the sun ahead of you, now is the perfect time to kiss your cellulite goodbye and treat yourself to the smooth, healthy skin you deserve. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ for more tips, news, and more.