Cellulite is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within the fibrous connective tissue of the skin. This manifests visually as skin dimpling and nodularity. The overall look is commonly compared to the surface of an orange, thus lending itself the colloquial name, “orange peel”.
It is most common in women with an incidence rate above 85%. This indicates that it is a physiological condition, rather than a pathological one.
Cellulite appears most frequently at the pelvic region, especially on the buttocks. It also shows up often on the thighs and abdomen. It can be caused by a complex combination of factors ranging from hormones to genetics.
There are different grades or severity of cellulite.
- Grade O: No visible dimpling even when skin is pinched
- Grade 1: Visible dimpling when skin is pinched
- Grade 2: Visible dimpling seen when standing up but not lying down.
- Grade 3: Visible dimpling seen, both when one is standing up and lying down.
While exercise could improve the appearance of cellulite, patience is the key as it often takes a considerably longer period of time for results to show. On the other hand, the right customised treatment could offer an attractive alternative if speed is of the essence.