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Home » Topics A–Z » Cellulite
Author: Sharon Wai Cheng Fong, Dermatology Selective Medical Student, Auckland University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, New Zealand, 2010.
Cellulite is the skin dimpling and lumpiness seen on the skin surface of the thighs, buttocks and abdomen of nearly all women. It is due to fatty protrusions into the dermis layer of skin. It causes no physical harm but may cause embarrassment.
The actual cause of cellulite is poorly understood. However, factors that affect the incidence of cellulite include:
Cellulite has been divided into three main grades based on the clinical severity.
Grade I |
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Grade II |
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Grade III |
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Weight loss should be encouraged in those who are overweight, but may not improve the appearance of the affected skin.
The treatment options currently available for treating cellulite are listed in the table below.
Endermologie® |
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Liposuction |
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Subcision |
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Mesotherapy |
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Bipolar and unipolar radiofrequency devices, eg, VelaSmooth®, TriActive™, Accent XL, ThermaCool® |
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Ultrasound devices, eg, UltraShape® |
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Laser-assisted lipolysis, eg, Smartlipo™ |
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Topical medications |
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Cryolysis eg, Cryolipolysis™ |
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See smartphone apps to check your skin.
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