What You Need to Know About Cellulite

It seems like an eternity we have been longing for something that actually works to get rid of unsightly embarrassing orange peel skin – cellulite – Everywhere we turn there are companies advertising products and treatments claiming they will get rid of cellulite only to fall well short of providing any noticeable improvement. Fortunately, there is now hope for the estimated 8 in 10 women afflicted by “orange peel skin” on their thighs and buttocks. A new one-hour minimally invasive treatment has been shown to be successful in offering a long-term solution to reducing the appearance of cellulite.

What Do We Know About Cellulite?

• Women have it more than men

Cellulite plagues women far more than men. It is estimated that 90% of women have cellulite, while only 10% of men have it. This is because women’s skin collagen is arranged in parallel rows, which lends itself to storing fat in the compartments between these rows and makes it visible. Men’s skin collagen is arranged in an X-pattern, which creates a very small compartment for fat to be stored, and doesn’t really allow for visible dimpling. In addition, women tend to carry more fat around their hips, thighs and buttocks. With less supportive connective tissue to keep it in place, cellulite becomes visible in these areas.

• Hormones and aging play a role

As women age, less estrogen is produced. Estrogen helps blood vessels flow smoothly. Less estrogen can mean poorer circulation, which can also mean a decrease in new collagen production and weakening of older connective tissue.

• Genetics is a contributing factor

Yes, it’s true, if your mom or grandmother has cellulite you have an increased chance of developing it as well. Genetics is only one small part of the cellulite battle. Diet, weight, exercise, and aging all play a role. You can only worry about the things you can control, not the things you can’t.

• Diet and exercise can help

While regular exercise and a healthy diet will not “cure” cellulite, these things can help reduce the appearance. Firming and toning the affected areas will tighten the skin resulting in less noticeable dimpling. Stretching and strength training and yoga all help build muscle and boost circulation. Drinking lots of water and eating a balanced healthy diet will also help keep your connective tissue strong and supple.

• What can be done to get rid of cellulite?

Let us introduce you to Cellfina – a minimally invasive device that treats the underlying cause of cellulite – the tightened connective bands woven throughout fat in the thighs and buttocks. The dimples you see are a results of the tight bands pulling down on the skin. When the bands are released, the skin smooths itself out.

The Cellfina® procedure involves a small device with a vacuum that sucks up the fleshy area to be treated. The device then inserts a fine needle like instrument under the skin to detach the flesh from the connective tissues that support it. While this may sound torturous, Dr. Horowitz and Dr. Nichter say there is very little discomfort and requires almost no downtime. This treatment is considered minimally-invasive with no anesthesia required, other than a local numbing agent applied to the areas being treated, as well as no scars following the procedure. Patients can return back to work and resume their regular activities the following day, however they should expect bruising, soreness and swelling, which could last up to two weeks. Tiny needle puncture marks could last up to several weeks.

Cellfina® is the only FDA-cleared minimally invasive, one-time procedure that has been clinically proven to treat the primary cause of cellulite with long-lasting results. Clinical trials showed significant improvement shortly after the treatment, with results lasting two years or longer. In a study of 55 patients who underwent a single treatment, 93 percent reported high satisfaction at the three-year mark. The average number of dimples treated is 20, though some patients have had 60 removed. All patients said they ‘had cellulite that bothered them’ prior to the procedure, and used no other treatments during the three-year period.

“It’s great to finally have a proven solution for treating women’s number one body complaint; cellulite. We know Cellfina® works and provides long-lasting results. Patients do need to have realistic expectations, because it is unrealistic that all visible cellulite will be eliminated with the procedure.” explains Dr. Horowitz.

Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA. is one of the first practices in Southern California to offer Cellfina®. The procedure is performed in-office by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Jed Horowitz and Dr. Larry Nichter.