Cellulite: learn about the types, causes and treatments available

Cellulite is a change caused by the accumulation of fat, water and toxins in the cells, causing them to become full and hardened. This is what causes the appearance of holes in the skin. It can appear anywhere on our body, but it is even more common on the legs and butt. In addition, the occurrence of cellulite is more common in women than in men, due to physiological and hormonal factors. According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, eight out of ten women have some degree of cellulite, that is, it is something very common and nothing to worry about.

Cellulite classification

Cellulite can be classified according to its evolution and appearance. As for its evolution, it is classified in degrees:

• Grade I: not visible and not palpable. Only initial histopathological changes.
• Grade II: not visible, but palpable by digital pinching, in which the skin looks like an orange peel. Pale, cold skin with reduced elasticity.
• Grade III: visible and palpable.
• Grade IV: larger, visible, more palpable nodules, adhered to deep planes and very painful.

It can also be classified according to the consistency of the skin:

Causes

According to physician Marcos Vieira, cellulite is a misnomer described by a French physician in 1920 and still used today. “It is a skin condition that, although it has the suffix ‘itis’ at the end, which means inflammation, is a non-inflammatory pathology that involves the circulatory system, compromising the adipose tissue and the dermis, causing changes in the texture and appearance of the skin. skin of the region involved, giving it the famous orange peel appearance.” The name used in medicine is Edematofibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (PEFE).

There are several causes for cellulite. Excess weight can be determinant for the development of cellulite, but thin women can also develop it. This is because there can be an imbalance between the amount of fat and muscle mass.

Among the main causes of cellulite are:

• genetic factors
• Obesity
• circulatory disorders
• Hormonal factors: it is related to estrogen, which acts in all phases of cellulite formation
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Pregnancy
• intestinal disorders
• Diet: excess sugar, salt and alcohol
• smoking
• Medications: contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, corticosteroids, and beta-blockers

Risk factors

Some factors can be decisive for the appearance of cellulite. This means that if you can avoid or mitigate them, the chances of cellulite appearing or worsening are lower.

The factors that influence the appearance and development of cellulite, according to Vieira, are:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Contraceptives or hormones
• smoking
• Tight clothing that compromises circulation

Symptoms

Usually, cellulitis has no symptoms other than the visible appearance on the skin. Skin with cellulite looks like an orange peel, with dimples. In more advanced degrees, the skin appears bumpy, with peaks and valleys.

“The symptoms, in the beginning, are related to those of poor circulation, realizing some fluid retention and with evolution it can form painful nodules”, cites Vieira.

Treatment

Vieira highlights that there are several therapeutic options to treat cellulite, from oral medication, to massages and lymphatic drainage, as well as the application of drugs on the spot, carboxytherapy, collagen biostimulators to improve the appearance of the skin, laser, among others. “But the important thing is to be examined to know the best treatment for each case.”, she suggests.

Discover some treatments:

• Lymphatic drainage: indicated for initial cases, it is a massage that stimulates the elimination of liquids and toxins from the body.
• Modeling massage: acts on the lymphatic system and on the fat plates. Its effects are potentiated when combined with laser, ultrasound or cryolipolysis.
• Anti-cellulite cream: can improve microcirculation and stimulate collagen production.
• Endermologie: a device that promotes lymphatic drainage is used. Indicated in moderate to severe cases.
• Radiofrequency: very effective, the device uses high-frequency electromagnetic radiation that causes the water molecules to stir and increase the temperature, restructuring the tissue.
• Mesotherapy: is the use of a cocktail of drugs to reduce local fat, indicated by a dermatologist.
• Laser surgery: two incisions are made in the place where cannulas are inserted with the optical fiber of the device. Then the laser is applied, destroying the localized fat.
• Carboxytherapy: consists of the injection of carbon dioxide, improving circulation and oxygenating the tissues.
• Ultrasound: Lipolytic aesthetic ultrasound modifies intercellular bonds and increases cell membrane permeability.
• Cryolipolysis: the device is placed on the surface of the skin, freezing the fat cells, which break down.
• Lipocavitation: The ultrasonic energy emitted by ultrasound generates bubbles within the fat cells, which churn and rupture.

Living with cellulite

Whether you have one or several treatments to fight cellulite, healthy lifestyle habits are the best way to live with it – and help fight it. “A balanced diet associated with physical activity and the use of elastic stockings, if you are going to be on your feet for many hours, can prevent the appearance”, cites Vieira.

At the same time, however, it is important to normalize cellulite, since it affects most women, does not cause health problems and ends up functioning more as a characteristic than a problem. In any case, there are some recommendations to follow, which go beyond the issue of cellulite itself. Among them we have:

• Eat well: A healthy and balanced diet, low in salt and fat, is essential. Avoid fried foods, canned foods and processed foods in general. Whenever possible, consume food in naturasuch as meats, fruits, vegetables and legumes.
• Drink water: Water helps to eliminate toxins, responsible for the formation of cellulite. Two liters a day is recommended.
• Move yourself! The practice of physical exercises eliminates fat and activates circulation, in addition to being excellent for health in general. Also, avoid sitting or standing for a long time and go for walks whenever possible.

Regardless of whether or not you have cellulite, the important thing is to dedicate yourself to having good physical and mental health and being happy with yourself. Having or not having cellulite doesn’t make anyone better or worse, or more beautiful or uglier. Always remember that, more important than that, is to be happy being who you are.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.