What do the terms cottage cheese, orange peel, and mattress have in common? They’re all descriptions of what your skin looks like when cellulite develops. Cellulite is the result of fat deposits emerging through the connective tissue underneath the skin. It impacts 80-90 percent of women and varies in severity.
What Causes Cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite hasn’t been pin pointed, but there are factors that contribute to it. As mentioned, your skin may take on an orange peel or cottage cheese texture when fat pushes into the connective tissue beneath the skin. Women may have a higher rate of cellulite because their connective tissues and fat cells are arranged vertically. In men, the tissue takes on a crisscross pattern.
Hormones
Hormones are likely guilty of assisting in cellulite development. One common theory is that as estrogen decreases with the approach of menopause, the blood flow delivered to the connective tissues diminishes as well. As circulation falls, so does oxygen, which results in lower collagen. All of these components make fat deposits look more visible. As the connective tissue weakens and the fat comes through, a dimpling effect occurs. As we age, skin becomes less flexible and is more prone to sagging, which heightens the chance of cellulite development.
Genetics
Our genetics are connected to metabolism speed, the distribution of fat, and circulatory levels—all of which impact the development of cellulite. Lifestyle and dietary choices may also determine cellulite formation. Those who eat an overabundance of fat, carbs, and salt, may increase their chances of cellulite development. Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or stand and sit for extended periods of time are also more susceptible.
Tight Clothing
If underwear is too tight, circulation around the buttocks area may be limited, thus contributing to cellulite formation. Those who are overweight or obese have a higher risk, but thin and athletic individuals can still get cellulite.
Schedule a consultation
For more information about how you can improve your appearance, call Bay Area Laser Cosmetic Surgery Center today. You can contact our office at 510-724-8282 (Pinhole) or 415-461-5755 (Larkspur).
This entry was posted
on Wednesday, May 30th, 2018 at 6:11 am and is filed under Body Contouring.
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