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Cellulite

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

Cellulite is a common cosmetic concern characterized by the presence of localized alterations in the skin surface, giving it an uneven, dimpled appearance.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cellulite is a common condition characterized by the dimpled appearance of the skin, particularly on the thighs, stomach, and buttocks. It occurs in 85-98% of postpubertal women and rarely in men.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

The pathophysiology of cellulite is complex and involves an inflammatory process of bacterial origin in the subcutaneous tissues.

The exact prevalence of the disease is not known, mainly because it has not been reported. That said, it is more likely to affect Caucasian individuals as compared to Asian women.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

It accounted for nearly 3% of emergency medical consultations at one of the hospitals in the UK.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a> Whereas, in 2017, around 45% of patients in the US were diagnosed with cellulitis from invasive group A strep in 2017. Given that the record did not include non-invasive group A strep infections, the incidence figure is likely to have been much higher.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
&nbsp;

Sign and Symptoms

The characteristic signs and symptoms of cellulite include:

<ul>
	<li>Dimpling or puckering of the skin, resembling an orange peel or cottage cheese texture</li>
	<li>Tenderness or pain in the affected areas</li>
	<li>Skin discoloration or bruising in severe cases 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

These symptoms may be visible at all times or only when the skin is pinched; they are usually found around the upper arms, breasts, stomach, thighs, and hips. 
&nbsp;

Causes

The primary causes include:

<ul>
	<li>Hormonal factors, particularly estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, prolactin, and thyroid hormones, influence the development of cellulite</li>
	<li>Genetic predisposition and polymorphisms in genes such as ACE and HIF1A</li>
	<li>Lifestyle factors, including unhealthy diet, slow metabolism, <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/dehydration">dehydration</a>, lack of physical activity, and changes in total body fat 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h5>Grading Of Cellulite</h5>

The cellulite severity scale uses the following grades to rank the condition:<a href="#accordion">[6][7]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Grade0 -&nbsp;No dimples appear when pressure is applied</li>
	<li>Grade1(Mild) -&nbsp;Between 1 and 4 slight, superficial depression or slight sagging appearance to the skin; orange-peel type of appearance</li>
	<li>Grade2(Moderate) -&nbsp;Between 5 and 9 medium-depth depressions or moderate draping of the skin visible when standing but not when lying down; cottage-cheese type of appearance</li>
	<li>Grade3(Severe) -&nbsp;10 or more deep <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/depression">depression</a> with severe draping of the skin both when standing and lying down; mattress type of appearance 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Currently, there are no standardized screening methods for cellulite. 
&nbsp;

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cellulite is primarily based on clinical evaluation. There are no diagnostic tests for it. 
&nbsp;

Treatment

Several treatment options are available for cellulite, including:<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Topical therapies such as cellulite creams that contain methylxanthines</li>
	<li>Noninvasive energy-based devices like acoustic wave therapy</li>
	<li>Minimally invasive interventions like subcision and carboxytherapy</li>
	<li>Massage treatments like Endermologie, although their effectiveness is debatable</li>
	<li>Light therapy devices, including low-level laser or radiotherapy therapy</li>
	<li>Surgical procedures such as liposuction and controlled focal septa release method</li>
	<li>Cellulite diets and supplements 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Complications associated with cellulite include:

<ul>
	<li>Psychological distress and decreased self-esteem</li>
	<li>Chronic discomfort or pain in the affected areas</li>
	<li>Procedure-induced bruising in severe cases<a href="#accordion">[4]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The most common risk factors for developing cellulite include:

<ul>
	<li>Gender; cellulite predominantly affects women</li>
	<li>Age; more common in adults than children</li>
	<li>A family history of cellulite</li>
	<li>Individual health, such as obesity and pregnancy</li>
	<li>A sedentary lifestyle 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Common preventive measures for reducing the risk of cellulite include:

<ul>
	<li>Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet</li>
	<li>Avoiding tight clothing that may restrict blood flow and contribute to cellulite formation</li>
	<li>Hydrating and keeping the skin moisturized to improve skin elasticity</li>
	<li>Engaging in activities that promote circulation, such as massage and dry brushing</li>
	<li>Not smoking 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Cellulite is a common cosmetic concern affecting the majority of postpubertal women.</li>
	<li>It is characterized by localized alterations in skin texture, resulting in a dimpled or lumpy appearance.</li>
	<li>The pathophysiology involves structural, hormonal, genetic, and lifestyle factors.</li>
	<li>Diagnosis is primarily clinical, with advanced imaging techniques providing additional insights.</li>
	<li>Treatment options range from topical therapies to surgical interventions, aiming to improve the appearance of cellulite and alleviate associated symptoms.</li>
	<li>Risk factors include gender, hormonal influences, genetics, and lifestyle factors, while preventive measures focus on maintaining skin health and circulation.</li>
</ul>