The dimpled flesh you see on thighs and buttocks is the result of fat just beneath the surface, pushing on fibrous connective tissues and causing the overlying skin to pucker. Some subcutaneous fat (as opposed to visceral fat) is necessary. It helps to regulate body temperature and cushions organs.
However, most people would like to get rid of the “cottage cheese” appearance of cellulite. Mountain View dermatologist, Dr. Andrew Menkes, offers an effective solution.
What Is Cellulite And Why Do I Have It?
Cellulite is a misunderstood, unfortunate phenomenon, and it’s almost universal in women. Most people attribute women’s higher percentage of body fat compared with men as the reason behind cellulite, but that’s not true. The development of cellulite really comes down to anatomy, namely the bands that connect the skin and muscle. Men have thicker bands and more of them. Plus, their bands form a crisscross pattern. This keeps the fat in place, but it doesn’t make that fat pucker. Women, on the other hand, have vertical connective bands. This arrangement traps fat in pockets. At the spots of the connective bands, the skin is pulled down while fat pushes up around it. This creates the dimpling on the thighs and buttocks commonly associated with cellulite.
Nine out of 10 women have cellulite. A woman at her ideal weight can have cellulite. World-class athletes can have cellulite. You may have heard various claims from creams and other products that are supposed to improve cellulite, but those do not work because they don’t address the connective bands. Cellfina™ is an effective treatment because it breaks those bands. That’s why Dr. Menkes offers it at his practice.
Additional Possible Factors
Because cellulite is more common in women than in men, female hormones are believed to play a role. Women also tend to carry more weight around the hips and thighs, where there isn’t a great deal of supporting scaffolding in the skin
- Other factors that contribute to the likelihood of cellulite include:
- Heredity – a tendency to develop cellulite runs in families.
- Hormonal changes from illness, medications, pregnancy, or menopause.
- Fad dieting or poor nutrition.
- Lack of daily hydration.
- Sluggish metabolism.
- Inactivity.
- Poor circulation. The body requires good blood flow to produce fresh, resilient collagen for thick skin.
- Skin thickness. Fibrous tissues show more readily under a thin skin.
- Skin color. Those with fair skin are more likely to show cellulite than people with richly pigmented skin tones.
- Disproportionate body fat, overall.
Why Is Cellulite Most Visible On The Thighs And Buttocks?
While fat alone does not create cellulite, more fat in an area creates more puckering between the connective bands described above. Women carry more fat through the thighs, hips, and buttocks, so this creates more dimpling in these areas.
Can Weight Loss Reduce Cellulite?
This depends. Yes, losing weight will reduce the amount of fat under your skin that is caught between the connective bands, but it may not change the appearance of the areas you seek because you cannot target specific areas for fat reduction.
Treatment Options
With such a variety of causes, it is obvious that nearly anyone can develop cellulite . . . even slender individuals. Their desire for smoother, more attractive skin has created a vast market for over-the-counter preparations, devices, and workout programs intended to target cellulite. In truth, there is no scientific evidence to support the value of those methods. Liposuction removes deep, visceral body fat. However, it does not address subcutaneous fat. Liposuction can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite.
What Is Cellfina?
Cellfina™ is a non-surgical procedure that reduces the appearance of cellulite. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure targets the primary cause of cellulite, the connective bands are woven throughout the fat in the thighs and buttocks. Cellfina™ uses a microblade technique to break these connective bands and reduce the dimpling of cellulite.
How Long Does A Cellfina Treatment Take?
A Cellfina treatment with Dr. Menkes takes about one hour. During this session, Dr. Menkes can break the connective bands on 20-30 thumbnail-sized dimples.
Can Cellulite Lead To Other Health Issues?
No, cellulite is simply a cosmetic problem. It doesn’t point to any other underlying health concerns.
Who Is More Prone To Developing Cellulite?
There is little rhyme or reason behind who develops cellulite and who doesn’t. Since around 90 percent of women have at least some visible cellulite, it is basically universal. Weight gain can make your cellulite more noticeable, at it tends to tighten the skin somewhat, making dimpling more visible. There seems to be a genetic element in cellulite development.
But again, it is almost universal and there really isn’t anything you can do to prevent it. But Cellfina™ can lessen its appearance.
How Much Does A Cellfina Treatment Cost?
The cost of your Cellfina™ session depends upon the amount of cellulite you seek to address. Once we see the area or areas you seek to treat, we can give you a precise estimate of the cost of your treatment.
Schedule A Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about cellulite treatment please contact us for a consultation at 650-962-4600 or fill out our contact us form. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
