Love it, hate it, flaunt it, or leave it behind, cellulite is always a little controversial. At the end of the day, cellulite is not a severe medical condition, so whether or not you should do an invasive cellulite treatment depends entirely on how you feel. But before you dive into any procedures, you should look at what causes cellulite and some of the treatment options.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the common name for the “fatty bumps” that appear on bodies, beneath the skin. Often, this dimpled flesh is on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and hips. Cellulite is not a medical or health condition and is, therefore, nothing to worry about from a health perspective.
What Causes Cellulite?
Very little is known about what causes cellulite. Doctors do understand how it occurs. The body is made up of tight connective tissues binding muscle underneath, with a layer of fat sandwiched between the two. As fat accumulates, it begins to push through these fibrous tissues, giving the appearance of an uneven layer. In men, this connective tissue goes diagonally, which is why it is more challenging to see cellulite on their bodies.
Cellulite is also often genetic. While weight gain often encourages cellulite growth, lean people can also have cellulite. It has more to do with the body’s ability to keep tissue growth and repair steady.
Estrogen, insulin, thyroid medication, and any other hormones can also cause cellulite to become visible. Hormones have much to do with cellulite growth, and some doctors theorize that hormones can cause thinning of the fibrous tissue.
When Do Most People Develop Cellulite?
Many teenage girls get cellulite during or after puberty. The way fat is distributed through the female body, women naturally have more cellulite in the buttocks, thighs, and hips. Some women develop cellulite after childbirth, or as they get older. When production of skin cells slows with age, these fibrous tissues are no longer able to repair themselves at the same rate and become week, allowing the fat layer to come through.
Non-Invasive Treatments for Cellulite
If you’re bothered by your cellulite, there are non-invasive procedures that can help you boost your confidence by helping you get that smooth skin back. At Hillelson-Whipple Clinic, we provide two different kinds of treatments that help with cellulite. All treatments focus on the outer layers of skin, so there is no downtime or pain associated with these procedures.
One popular method for getting rid of cellulite is skin tightening, using the latest technology rather than surgery. Employing concentrated radio frequencies that heat the deep layer of the dermis, the skin begins to repair itself as existing collagen is tightened. The procedure also encourages the production of new collagen. Skin tightening in this form is used to treat a number of things, from cellulite to wrinkles and sagging skin.
The other most popular method is TriPollar technology. Using a handheld device, the technology uses radiofrequency to target and tighten collagen. A technician will use the machine to focus on any target areas and eliminate cellulite.
Cellulite Treatment in Richmond
Contact the doctors at Hillelson-Whipple Clinic at 804-290-0060. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you have about our non-invasive treatments. When embarking on any procedure, it’s best to seek the advice of a doctor you feel comfortable with. Come in for a consultation at our clinic. You can ask about what causes cellulite, what you can do, and discover which of our treatments could help you feel great about yourself. Our doctors have 70 years of combined experience serving residents in Richmond, Virginia, and will be happy to help you too.