The truth about cellulite and how you can get the dimples under control once and for all!

April 13, 2024

“Cellulite," it’s one of those words that has the tendency to make us all cringe and sigh just a little bit, but why? Why does cellulite evoke so much emotion in us? What even causes cellulite? And how can we get it under control once and for all?

Cellulite is more common than you think…

Cellulite hanging out on your thighs and buttocks can be really discouraging and negatively impact your self-esteem. It’s important to remember that cellulite affects 80 to 90% of women at some time in their lives and it’s not something exclusive to those who are overweight, thin people also experience cellulite. The most important thing to remember about cellulite is, it’s not your fault!

But what is cellulite and what is causing those dimples?

Cellulite isn’t fat, so let’s just dispel that myth right now. Simply put, cellulite refers to the puckered appearance of skin when fatty tissue pushes through the fibrous bands or fascia, that connects the skin to muscle. It typically appears on your buttocks and thighs, occasionally cellulite appears on other areas of the body as well.

When looking at the cause of cellulite, the first thing you need to understand is that the way the fascia just below the skin’s surface in a woman’s body is arranged, is vertical, whereas men’s are arranged in a criss-cross structure. A lot of time what tends to happen is the connective tissues start to get tight and bunched together which then allows fatty tissues to start to squeeze through and protrude into the skin’s surface or dermis. The fat sitting closer to the dermis is why you see an orange-peel or even cottage cheese texture to the skin.

External factors play a role…
Your hormones can be a culprit in your development of cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin are part of the cellulite production process.

One theory is that as estrogen in women decreases in the approach to menopause, blood flow to the connective tissue under the skin also decreases. Lower circulation means less oxygen in the area, resulting in lower collagen production. Fat cells also enlarge as estrogen levels fall. These factors combine to makes the fat deposits more visible. As the fat under the skin protrudes through weakening connective tissue, the familiar dimpling effect results.

Your genes also play a role – genetic factors can be linked to a person’s metabolic speed, distribution of fat under the skin, and circulatory levels. These can affect the chance of cellulite developing.

Some reports show cellulite may also be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

What can you do about cellulite?

We are proud to say that cellulite isn’t something you have to just accept and move on from. At The Vera Medical Institute, we have the best anti-cellulite treatments available to help you feel more confident in your body & overall appearance.

VelaShape: VelaShape uses vacuum technology to manipulate your skin while infrared light (IR) and bi-polar radio frequency (RF) energies will gently heat fat cells and surrounding tissue. Over the course of your treatments, you will notice a reduction in both circumference and in the appearance of cellulite in the treated areas.
You will begin to notice gradual improvement of the treated area right away as your skin’s surface starts to feel smoother and firmer. Over time you will also notice a smaller circumference throughout the treated area as well as a reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and best results will be seen at about 10 weeks.
BTL Cellutone: FDA-Approved and non-Invasive treatment that uses shock waves to target enlarged fat cells and break them down, reducing cellulite. Using the power of targeted vibrations, Cellutone works to eliminate many factors that contribute to cellulite formation by enhancing microcirculation and oxygen supply in the affected areas. The mechanical vibrations help to promote microcirculation of blood and improve the oxygen supply in the treatment area. The vibrations provide strong stimulation and can reach deeper structures within the targeted area, meaning that it can affect those areas more efficiently, which then requires fewer treatment sessions and faster results.
Newest addition to our cellulite treatment options is QWO: We’re proud to now offer Qwo® (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes)—the first FDA-approved injectable for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women. Ask us to see the before and after pics! Individual results may vary. Do not receive QWO if you are allergic to any collagenase, or to any of the ingredients in QWO, or have an active infection in the treatment area. See Important Safety Information below.
While it is not fully understood how QWO works in moderate to severe cellulite, the enzymes in QWO—called collagenases—are believed to target a structural cause under your skin. It’s thought that QWO works in 3 ways: releasing fibrous bands, redistributing fat cells, and stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Are you ready to boost your confidence and get the body you’ve always desired? Now is the perfect time to quit letting cellulite bother you and keep you from rocking your favorite bikini or that short skirt you love. Throughout the month of April, with your treatment of QWO, we are going to be including VelaShape sessions as well as 50% of a skin tightening cream designed to complement your entire treatment. Call now to schedule your appointment!

Leave a Replay

About Us

We are passionate about helping others achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Vera has extensive training in Aesthetic Medicine and continues to explore the latest and best techniques in the world of Aesthetics to offer her patients only the best the industry has to offer.