Cellulite. Most of us are familiar with the term, but causes it and why does it make the surface of the skin dimpled and uneven?
Beneath the skin’s surface is a layer of fat, made up of fat and fibrous bands of connective tissue (called septae). Septae anchor the skin to the underlying tissue and give it structure.
Cellulite forms when fat deposits bulge and push against the more rigid septae (imagine pressing a gel-filled stress ball against a piece of chicken wire). This creates a puckering effect, resulting in the dips and dimples we see on the surface. Cellulite generally–but not exclusively– appears in areas that tend to harbor fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks.
There are 3 different grades of cellulite:
- Grade 1: The outward appearance of the skin is relatively smooth, but underlying anatomical changes can be detected with a microscopic examination of the cells.
- Grade 2: Characterized by a lower temperature of the skin, pallor (pastiness), decreased elasticity, and anatomical changes noted by microscopic examinations.
- Grade 3: The skin is visibly rough (like an orange peel) and all grade 2 signs are present.
Who Gets Cellulite?
More common in women than men, cellulite is related to the specific characteristics of an individual’s subcutaneous fatty layer–not necessarily the amount of fat. Although losing weight may help improve the appearance of cellulite, thin people are also susceptible to cellulite–especially as the body ages and the collagen septae begin to lose their elasticity.
Smoothing Out the Cellulite
Dr. Yael Halaas, a top New York board-certified plastic surgeon, uses two non-surgical to effectively treat cellulite: Thermi 250 and Vanquish.
Both devices use a safe radio frequency (RF) technology to heat and destroy fat cells. Dr. Halaas uses RF technology to treat all parts of the body, including the arms, upper and lower back, upper and lower abdomen, thighs, knees and calves.
Thermi 250 is an FDA-approved treatment for the temporary reduction of cellulite. The number of treatments depends on the individual and the grade of cellulite. In general, Dr. Halaas recommends the following:
- Grade 1: 4 treatment, 2 weeks apart
- Grade 2: 6 treatments, 2 weeks apart
- Grade 3: 8 treatments, 2 weeks apart
It may take up to 3 months to see optimal results.
A highly versatile treatment, Thermi 250 can treat submental fat (a double chin) and can also be used to effectively treat mild skin laxity around the eyes, mouth, and cheek. Submental fat requires 6 treatments 3 weeks apart.
In addition to selectively destroying fat cells, Vanquish restores collagen, improving the skin’s structure, firmness and elasticity.
The number and and frequency of treatments will vary, depending on the individual. Dr. Halaas typically recommends 5 treatments spaced 1 week apart. Optimal results are visible 3 months after treatment.
Contact Dr. Halaas, NYC for your cellulite consultation!