Cellulite is a condition in which skin that covers fatty deposits begins to take on a dimpled appearance. It's most common in the thighs, abdomen, hips and buttocks. Cellulite is a more common problem for women but is possible to appear in men as well. It's extremely rare on the face.
Causes
Cellulite occurs when fibrous connective tissue cords that tie the skin and underlying muscle together pull down on fat. The pulling down of fat creates an uneven surface, which leads to an uneven appearance of skin. The larger the pocket of fat, the more unsightly this condition becomes. Genetics, inactive lifestyle and hormonal contraceptives are all considered risk factors for developing cellulite.
Symptoms
The severity of cellulite can vary. In mild cases, the dimples in the skin are only apparent when squeezed. In more severe cases, no squeezing of skin is necessary to see the dimples. The skin of severe cases of cellulite has been known to take on a cottage cheese texture and be spread to the upper arms, breasts and even face.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Most physicians don't consider cellulite a health problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, many consider it normal. Cellulite may be diagnosed by simple physical examination and poses no immediate risk to your health. You can get treatment for cellulite for cosmetic purposes. It's treated with vigorous massage, mesotherapy and certain cellulite creams.
Facial Cellulite
Facial cellulite is referred to as cellulite orbital. This condition is usually caused by a combination of a hypo-dynamic or inactive lifestyle and genetic predispositions. The neck and jawline are the most common areas of cellulite on your face. It's possible to alleviate facial cellulite by treatment and an array of lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes include a nutritious diet and increasing the amount of your physical activity.
References
- MayoClinic.com:Health: Cellulite
- "Dermatology and Venerology"; S.T.Pavlolv, O.K.Shaposhnikov, V.I.Samcov, I.I.Ilyin and K.R. Babayan; 2002
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