How Cellulite Develops?
Cellulite are those lumpy bulges that don’t disappear with weight loss. They seem to have a dimpled appearance or some say an ‘orange peel’ look.
Cellulite is most common on the upper thighs, buttocks, upper arms but can also appear on the stomach, neck, upper arms and fronts of the thighs.
It is a very common condition; as many as 95% of women are plagued with cellulite. It is more common in women as they age but some girls as young as 16 can develop cellulite.
Under the layer of skin that you can see and feel are three layers of fat. The top layer is called subcutaneous meaning ‘sub’ or under the cutaneous layer (skin).
Under the subcutaneous fat layer are two reserve layers where the fat cells store extra calories to be burned when the body needs it. Cellulite resides in the top layer of fat, in the subcutaneous layer.
Directly under the skin is the septae or a net like fibrous connective tissue. This forms compartments where the fat cells are located. This keeps the fat tightly packaged and provides support for the skin and insulation for the body.
When cellulite begins to form the subcutaneous cells are pushed up and the fibrous tissue recedes downwards. These fat cells are squeezed into small bulges that look like lumps or orange peel.
When a woman ages her skin becomes thinner, loses elasticity and connective tissue. This worsens the appearance of cellulite – even though it might not have changed over the years.
Cellulite is a cosmetic condition meaning that it may be unsightly to you but it has no medical effects on the body that cause illness or disease. Psychologists who treat women for body image difficulties may disagree but insurance companies are very firm on this topic.
Experts disagree about the number but agree that cellulite develop in a series of steps or stages. The largest number of distinct development stages is five.
In stage one the tiny circulatory vessels in the skin and subcutaneous tissues are starved and die off weakening the surrounding tissue. Reducing the venous flow and lymphatic drainage increases the fluid retention in the tissues. There isn’t anything visible to the naked eye at this time in the development.
In Stage two the capillaries and veins are weakened and leak blood into the surrounding tissue which increases the pressure. The skin may bruise more easily but cellulite isn’t visible.
Stage three happens when the lymphatic fluid pushes against the outer skin and the first visible signs of cellulite appear.
In stage four the cells are starved of oxygen and nutrients, the fibers thicken and squeeze the fat cells pressing on the surrounding tissue.
In stage five the blood circulation is re-routed around the area with cellulite. Even though fat is continued to be stored in these areas it isn’t efficiently removed because the circulation is re-routed. In this stage the lumps are large and very visible and the skin is cool to the touch. The visible look of the cellulite goes from an ‘orange peel’ appearance to a ‘mattress’ look.
In other staging cellulite is evaluated as stage one – having little to no visible appearance; stage 2 mild to moderate and stage three severe cellulite.
Although poor circulation is the reason for the development of cellulite the reasons for the poor circulation are many. Genetics play a part as do female hormones. Pregnancy adds extra weight and cuts the circulation off to the upper legs with the addition of fluid retention. Prolonged stress increases the amount of adrenaline which leads to increased fat storage. Pelvic surgery may change the microcirculation to the abdomen and upper legs which increases fluid retention. Obesity increases the risk factors for cellulite because of the decreased circulation and increased fat storage.
Each of these factors do not contribute to cellulite equally; nor do they contribute equally between people.
