My patients often ask me about the texture of orange peel on their upper thighs, usually called cellulite. They want to know if I can solve the problem for them? Or, they want to know, will they stick to it forever?
There are many luxury creams and expensive procedures that are sold in large quantities to remove unsightly wrinkled skin. However, the question remains, is it really possible to get rid of cellulite?
In our fat-averse society, the cellulite industry grows to more than one billion dollars every year. And it is expected to continue to grow.
Cellulite is very common. It is harmless, and it is not a medical condition. The term cellulite is commonly used to describe the lumpy dimples that usually appear on the upper thighs, buttocks, and buttocks.
That being said, the uneven appearance of the skin often makes people feel uncomfortable in shorts or swimsuits. This is the main reason why they seek remedies to “cure” it.
There is no known cause of cellulite. This is the result of fat pushing the fibrous connective cords that connect the skin to the muscles below. This can cause wrinkles on the surface of the skin.
The formation of cellulite is believed to be affected by hormones. This is because cellulite develops most often after puberty. Moreover, it may increase during pregnancy.
The development of cellulite may have a genetic component, because genes determine the structure of the skin, the pattern of fat deposition, and body shape.
After puberty, 80%-90% of women will be affected by cellulite. With age and loss of skin elasticity, this condition becomes more common.
Cellulite is not a sign of overweight, but people who are overweight and obese are more likely to develop it. Anyone, regardless of their BMI (body mass index), can have cellulite.
Since extra weight increases the occurrence of cellulite, weight loss may reduce the occurrence of cellulite. Improving muscle tone through exercise may also make cellulite less obvious. Cellulite is less noticeable in dark skin, so using self-tanning may make dimples on the thighs less noticeable.
There are many over-the-counter products that promise to remove lumps and bumps on the thighs, buttocks, and buttocks. However, please note that there is very little scientific evidence that any one of them has permanent effect.
It also provides medically proven treatment options. Unfortunately, the results of these treatments are often not immediate or lasting.
For many patients who wish to restore the affected area to its pre-cellulite appearance, this can be disappointing. Perhaps, lower expectations so that the individual receiving treatment only expects,
Over-the-counter creams containing aminophylline and caffeine are often touted as effective treatments. Creams containing caffeine are said to dehydrate fat cells, making cellulite less visible. Promotions for creams containing aminophylline claim that they initiate the lipolysis process.
Unfortunately, these products have been shown to cause a faster heartbeat. They may also interact with certain asthma medications.
To date, no double-blind controlled studies have proven the efficacy of these types of creams. In addition, if any improvement occurs, the cream must be applied daily to obtain and maintain the effect, which is expensive and time-consuming.
The FDA-approved medical device can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite through deep tissue massage, and can also lift the skin with a vacuum-like device, which is touted to treat cellulite in local spas. Although this treatment has few side effects, there is little evidence that it is effective.
Both ablation (treatment that damages the surface of the skin) and non-ablation (treatment that heats the lower layer of the skin without damaging the surface of the outermost skin) can minimize the appearance of cellulite.
A special minimally invasive method uses thin fiber heating to destroy the fiber band underneath. Non-ablation treatment usually requires more treatment than ablation treatment. Likewise, these treatments may temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite.
The process involves inserting a needle under the skin to break the fibrous band under the skin. Studies have shown that patient satisfaction for up to 2 years after the operation is high.
Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release is similar to subcutaneous resection. This technique uses a device that uses a small blade to cut through the tough fiber band. Then use a vacuum to pull the skin into the recessed area.
Temporary benefits may last for several years, but this procedure is more costly than other cellulite treatment options and usually requires a longer recovery time.
This process involves inserting carbon dioxide gas (CO2) under the skin to destroy fat. Although there may be temporary improvement, the process can be painful and can lead to severe bruising.
Liposuction can effectively remove deep fat, but it has not been proven effective for removing cellulite. In fact, it has even been shown that it may worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions on the skin.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to destroy the underlying fat, but there is no evidence that it can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
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The American Academy of Dermatology recommends against using the following treatments to treat cellulite:
Use a vacuum suction device to freeze the skin to destroy the fat. The device has not been proven to remove cellulite.
The procedure involves a series of non-standardized injections in which any amount of substance is injected into the cellulite in order to smooth the sunken skin.
Frequently used substances include caffeine, various enzymes and plant extracts. Allergic reactions, inflammations, infections, and skin swelling are not uncommon.
In July 2020, the FDA approved an injection Qwo (collagenase Clostridium histolyticum-aaes) for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.
This drug is believed to release enzymes that break down the fiber bands, thereby making the skin smoother and improving the appearance of cellulite. The treatment plan is expected to be launched in the spring of 2021.
Although it can temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite, no permanent cure has been found. Moreover, until our cultural beauty standards are completely reformed, there is no way to permanently defeat dimpled skin.
Fayne Frey, MD, is a board-certified clinical and surgical dermatologist, practicing in Signac, New York, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. She is a nationally recognized expert on the effectiveness and formulation of over-the-counter skin care products.
She often gives speeches on many occasions, attracting audiences with her satirical observations on the skin care industry. She has consulted for several media, including NBC, USA Today and Huffington Post. She also shared her expertise on cable TV and major TV media.
Dr. Frey is the founder of FryFace.com, an educational skin care information and product selection service website that clarifies and simplifies the overwhelming selection of effective, safe and affordable products encountered in skin care products .
Dr. Frey graduated from Weill Cornell School of Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Post time: Sep-14-2021