Cottage cheese, hail damage or orange peel syndrome --- many nicknames exist for cellulite. This skin occurrence causes your skin to appear dimpled instead of smooth and can be a cosmetic concern for people of all shapes and sizes. Because surgical removal is often the only definitive way to get rid of cellulite removal, knowing if this procedure is right for you can help you take steps toward being cottage-cheese free.
Significance
Your skin is a network of connective tissue that provides structure and a support system for the protective layers of fat that surround your organs and bones, according to Kids Health, a website from the Nemours Foundation. When the layer of fat pushes against this tissue, small fats pockets push through, creating a dimpled or puckered appearance. This condition is known as cellulite and occurs chiefly on the areas of the skin that have the most fat.
Causes
The appearance of cellulite can be exaggerated based on how much fat you have on your body, according to Kids Health. Your skin's thickness also can affect cellulite's appearance. For example, as you age, your skin begins to thin. This causes cellulite to become more noticeable. Genetics also have much to do with the incidence of cellulite. This explains why even very thin persons can experience cellulite regardless of how much fat they carry, according to Medical News Today.
Identification
Cellulite is often compared to the appearance of an orange peel --- skin that dimples unevenly. This most commonly occurs on the thighs, hips and buttocks, according to MayoClinic.com. Cellulite may become more noticeable when the skin is compressed, such as when you are seated or when crossing your legs. This is because this position places added stress on the connective tissues in your legs.
Fat Removal Surgery
While creams, treatments and devices promise to remove cellulite, many are temporary solutions to a lasting problem, according to MayoClinic.com. In these cases, a procedure known as liposuction may be used to remove fat from areas where cellulite is most prevalent. This procedure is the most common plastic surgery procedure in the United States and involves accessing fat through small incisions, then suctioning it out. After a recovery period, the skin may appear smoother and firmer, according to Doc Shop.
Warning
While liposuction may serve as a cellulite removal method, fat cells still remain in the body, according to Go Ask Alice, a health resource from Columbia University. This means cellulite removal without lifestyle modifications to keep weight off can cause cellulite to reappear. Discussing long-term solutions for cellulite removal with your surgeon can help you to maximize fat removal results.
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