Cellulite is a condition in which the skin appears to have areas with underlying fat deposits, giving it a dimpled appearance. It is most noticeable on the buttocks and thighs, and usually occurs after puberty.

WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE?

Having cellulite doesn’t mean you are overweight, it can happen with thin people too. Furthermore, losing weight might decrease cellulite if you are overweight. The causes of cellulite are not well understood yet, but there are several theories that have been put forth as explanations. Among these are:

•Hormonal factors – Hormones likely play an important role in cellulite development.

•Genetics – certain genes are required for cellulite development. Genes may predispose an individual to particular characteristics associated with cellulite, such as gender, race, slow metabolism, distribution of fat just underneath the skin, and circulatory insufficiency.

• Poor Diet – people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fiber are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.

• Lifestyle factors – cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

• Clothing – underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks (limiting blood flow) may contribute to the formation of cellulite.

• Slow – slow metabolism can cause cellulite, so we need to eat properly in order to increase our metabolism.

• Thickness and color of your skin- cellulite tends to be less noticeable on darker skin. If you have light skin and plan to be out in a bathing suit or short shorts, applying a self- tanner may make the bumps and dimples on your things less noticeable.

A study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the VelaShape III and VelaSmooth system in the treatment of cellulite

The medical use of radio frequency (RF) is based on an oscillating electrical current forcing collisions between charged molecules and ions, which are then transformed into heat. RF heating occurs irrespective of chromosphere or skin type and is not dependent on selective photothermolysis.

RF can be delivered using monopolar, bipolar, and unipolar devices, and each method has theoretical limits of depth penetration. A variant of bipolar delivery is fractional RF delivery. In monopolar configurations, RF will penetrate deeply and return via a grounding electrode. Multiple devices are available and are detailed later in the text.

RF thermal stimulation is believed to result in a micro inflammatory process that promotes new collagen. By manipulating skin cooling, RF can also be used for heating and reduction of fat. Currently, the most common uses of RF-based devices are to noninvasively manage and treat skin tightening of lax skin (including sagging jowls, abdomen, thighs, and arms), as well as wrinkle reduction, cellulite improvement, and body contouring.