Conditions - Cellulite

Cellulite is deposits of fat and other material trapped in pockets of connective tissue beneath the skin. It causes progressive dimpling, also called “orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearance of the skin. About 90 % of women are affected by it, after they reach puberty so it is fairly normal to have. Cellulite is caused by factors which influence where and how fat is stored, where and how fluid is retained, and the amount and arrangement of collagen and elastin fibers in the connective tissue layers of the skin.

Factors influencing cellulite include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Hormones

• Hydration

• Diet

• Exercise

• Stress

• Drugs

• Medications

When normal fatty tissue is stored, it is held in place by a network of collagen and elastin fibers and is supplied by a network of vascular and lymph vessels.

The term "cellulite" was coined in 1973 to refer to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.

Cellulite Treatment Options

The VelaSmooth™ is the first medical device for cellulite. The VelaSmooth combines vacuum suction, mechanical rollers, and heating through infrared light and bipolar RF energy. Reduction in cellulite and contouring of unwanted lumps, bumps and bulges are the treatment goals for VelaSmooth; most patients achieve some reduction in circumferential measurement around treated areas.