Simply put, cellulite is a skin condition that resembles the texture of orange peel (especially in severe cases). It often appears on the thighs, buttocks, calves, and sometimes on the abdomen. Cellulite occurs when the fat cells beneath your skin (which may grow due to factors such as lifestyle, diet, and hormones) exert pressure on the connective tissue, vertical fibrous strands, and thick collagen bands between muscles and skin, compressing them upwards. This results in an irregular appearance and the formation of dimples and wrinkles on the skin.

Who gets cellulite?

While having fatty tissue can contribute to the formation of cellulite, this issue is also found in individuals who have achieved their target weight. Surprisingly, gender plays a significant role in cellulite formation. Women are more likely to suffer from cellulite, and it is said that over 85% of women over the age of 21 experience this skin condition, while less than 10% of men develop cellulite. (This is due to testosterone present in men, which helps reduce body fat, as opposed to estrogen present in women, which increases after puberty and aids in fat storage. Additionally, the fibrous tissue in men is stronger than in women, making it less likely for fat to be compressed towards the surface.)

What factors contribute to cellulite formation?

Other factors that have a significant impact on cellulite formation include:

- Aging: It leads to cellulite formation as the skin loses its firmness and collagen.

- Genetics: If individuals in your family have cellulite, there is a high likelihood that you may also develop cellulite.

- Specific medical conditions: Such as chronic inflammation or disorders affecting lymphatic drainage and blood circulation.

- Lifestyle: An unhealthy diet rich in carbohydrates and fats, along with a lack of physical activity (and anything that leads to weight gain), can contribute to cellulite formation.

- High estrogen levels: Cellulite can worsen during the continuous use of hormonal contraceptives, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, when estrogen levels are elevated.

Can you permanently get rid of cellulite?

The painful truth is that there is no way to completely eliminate cellulite. While having excess weight has a negative impact on areas of the skin prone to cellulite (such as thighs and buttocks), weight loss alone is not 100% effective in reducing all cellulite. However, there is a wide range of treatments available that can provide satisfactory results, from topical treatments to minor surgical procedures at beauty clinics like Mehran Aesthetic Clinic, which have varying effects lasting from temporary to two to three years. These treatments also require different numbers of sessions, and patients can choose them based on their own needs.