Perspective on Cellulite

Christi Ellervik^*
*Correspondence: Christi Ellervik, Department of Dermatology, University of Coimbra, Portugal, Email:

Perspective

Cellulite (also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, gynoid lipodystrophy, and orange peel syndrome) is a herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that appears topographically as skin dimpling and nodularity, most commonly on the pelvic region (specifically the buttocks), lower limbs, abdomen. In most postpubescent girls, cellulite is a secondary sex feature. According to a review, the condition affects 85 percent to 98 percent of women, implying that it is physiologic rather than pathologic. It can be caused by a variety of variables ranging from hormones to inheritance.

Cellulite is a skin dimpling and nodularity condition caused by the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue. It most commonly affects the pelvic area, lower limbs, and abdomen. Cellulite affects the majority of postpubescent girls. It can be caused by a complicated mixture of factors, including hormones and inheritance. Changes in metabolism, physiology, diet and exercise habits, obesity, sex-specific dimorphic skin architecture, connective tissue structure changes, hormonal factors, genetic factors, the microcirculatory system, the extracellular matrix, and subtle inflammatory changes are all factors that contribute to cellulite. Hormones are a major factor in the development of cellulite.

Estrogen is a hormone that may play a role in the formation of cellulite. However, no trustworthy clinical evidence has been found to back up such a claim. Other hormones, such as insulin, catecholamines including adrenaline and noradrenaline, thyroid hormones, and prolactin, are thought to play a role in cellulite development. Individual sensitivity to cellulite has a genetic component. Cellulite's genetic component has been linked to polymorphisms in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1A (HIF1a) genes, according to research. Cellulite development has been linked to a number of causes. Sex, race, biotype, subcutaneous fat distribution, and a proclivity for lymphatic and circulatory insufficiency have all been linked to cellulite. Increased levels of catecholamines, which have been linked to the formation of cellulite, are caused by a high-stress lifestyle.

Cellulite is a complex disorder that can be resistant to a variety of therapies. Treatments for cellulite include non-invasive therapy such as mechanical suction or mechanical massage, in addition to 'topical' creams and injectables. Radio frequency with deep penetration of the skin, ultrasound, laser, and pulsed-light devices are examples of energy-based devices. Mechanical therapies and energy-based therapies are frequently employed in combination. A needle-sized microscalpel is used to cut through the causal fibrous bands of connective tissue in more invasive 'subcision' methods. Patients are given local anaesthetic and subcision operations (manual, vacuum-assisted, or laser-assisted) are conducted in specialized clinics. Cellulite is believed to affect 80–90% of post-adolescent girls. Its manifestation appears to have a hormonal component. Its presence as a true illness has been questioned, and the current medical consensus is that it is simply a "typical state of many women." It is uncommon in guys, however it is more common in men who are androgen deficient. Klinefelter's syndrome, hypogonadism, post-castration states, and patients undergoing oestrogen therapy for prostate cancer are examples of these conditions.