What is cellulite, and why doesn't liposuction treat it?
Cellulite is a common condition characterized by irregularities in the skin and often affects the buttocks and backs of the thighs.
Cellulite is thought to be caused by the tethering of the skin to an underlying fibrous layer that covers the deep muscles of the legs by strands of connective tissue. These strands of connective tissue form an intricate network, and fat is compartmentalized within it. Cellulite is the appearance of fat pushing out against skin that is being held down by fibrous strands.
To better understand the structure of cellulite, think of a mattress. A mattress is filled with fluffy stuffing. You can think of this as the fat. The mattress is held together by strings that go from one side of the mattress to the other. These strings are like the fibrous connective tissue. The mattress bulges outward from the pressure of the stuffing wherever it is not being held together by the strings. This is similar to what happens in the body.
Although we know what causes cellulite, no one really understands why cellulite develops. Cellulite may appear because of changes in the small vessels supplying blood to the fat layer or be related to alterations in lymphatic drainage which lead to the development or thickening of fibrous strands. Cellulite certainly has a genetic component and is more common in women. Research into the understanding of cellulite is ongoing.
Fortunately, cellulite can be treated, but treatment has its limitations. Current treatments for cellulite include a massage device called Endermologie and a laser system called Triactive. Both treatments temporarily loosen the fibrous strands that cause puckering and thus lessen the appearance of cellulite. Neither are 100% effective, and, unfortunately, neither treatment produces long-lasting effects. Unfortunately, liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite either, and, lastly, pills intended to treat cellulite do not work.
New research into the treatment of cellulite is undergoing, and Dr. Osman is a research center for a new device that uses radiofrequency to loosen the fibrous strands associated with cellulite and decrease the volume of fat in the area. Radiofrequency is a type of energy that can safely be beamed into the affected areas.
A new treatment for cellulite reduction is available from Thermage. Thermage uses radiofrequency to heat and tighten the strands of collagen causing cellulite. Results are long-lasting after a single Thermage treatment.
For more information on this study, please call
(818) 885-0455.
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