Those cottage cheese-like bumps on your hips and thighs may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Although cellulite is unsightly, it is considered a normal condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Cellulite can be difficult to remove, but recent advances in cellulite treatment offer options to people who want smoother skin on their legs and hips.
Cause
Tough cords comprised of fibrous tissue connect your skin to your muscles. Cellulite occurs when pockets of fat push through openings in the cords. creating a dimpled appearance to the skin.
Risk Factors
Your sex plays a significant role in determining the likelihood you will develop cellulite. Women are more likely to develop cellulite than men, due to the fat distribution pattern in the hips, thighs and buttocks in women. MayoClinic.com reports that at least eight out of ten women have cellulite. Cellulite may be more noticeable if you are overweight, although thin people can also have cellulite, particularly if there is a family history of the condition. You may be more likely to develop cellulite if you are stressed, dehydrated, use hormonal methods of birth control, try fad diets or have a slow metabolism.
Home Treatment
Manufacturers offer cellulite creams, massagers, supplements, wraps and other products intended to reduce cellulite. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, warns that none of these methods has been proven to eliminate cellulite effectively.
Medical Treatment
Liposuction, a medical procedure that uses a tube inserted under the skin to vacuum out fat, has been touted as a cure for cellulite. While liposuction can make you look thinner and more sculpted, it has no effect on cellulite and may even create more depressions in your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The newest type of treatment for cellulite is laser, or radiofrequency, therapy, which combines massage with laser energy or radiofrequency waves on the affected areas. Treated areas may show a reduction in cellulite for as long as six months.
Prevention/Solution
Weight loss and exercise can help reduce cellulite if you are overweight, particularly if you work on strengthening the muscles in problem areas. While weight loss won't completely eliminate cellulite, it will make it less noticeable. Drinking plenty of water or other fluids will help you stay hydrated and make cellulite less noticeable. If you decide to diet to lose weight, it is important to choose healthy foods and avoid fad diets that may cause sudden increases or decreases in your weight.
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