Cellulite - what is it and how can we treat it?
The Anatomy of Cellulite – What Is It, Exactly?
Cellulite, as we all know, is the lumpy, orange-peel appearance of the skin. It causes the skin to look uneven and dimply, and is most prevalent around the bum and thighs. Although harmless, cellulite can significantly affect our self-confidence and our enthusiasm for wearing those favourite shorts or bikinis.
Also known as a ‘skin alteration’, cellulite affects the fibrous connective cords that link the skin to the underlying muscle and the fat between them. As the number of fat cells increases, they begin to push up against the skin, while the fibrous connective cords pull down. This process creates the uneven surface and dimpling appearance.
WHO GET’S IT?
Anyone can develop cellulite; however, it is more common in women due to the way female fat is distributed in areas like the thighs and buttocks — the areas most prone to cellulite. Most women will start noticing cellulite develop sometime after puberty. Hormonal changes are one of the contributing factors to the severity of cellulite.
WHAT CAUSES CELLULITE?
DIET
Your diet plays a role in the severity of cellulite and how quickly it develops. Processed, fatty, and salty foods can make it worse. Consuming lots of refined sugars and starches, along with fried foods and synthetic sweeteners, can increase the appearance of dimples and make treatments less effective if you're aiming to reduce cellulite.
GENETICS AND HORMONES
Genetics play a major role in the likelihood of having cellulite as an adult. Unfortunately, if it runs in the family, you are more likely to develop it too. As we age, hormonal fluctuations increase the appearance of cellulite. Genes influence the distribution of fat beneath the skin, as well as metabolism and circulation. Certain genes may also affect inflammation, blood flow regulation, and the function of estrogen receptors.
AGEING
Aging is a significant factor in the worsening of cellulite. As we age, estrogen levels drop, leading to reduced blood flow and collagen production. This results in the loss of skin elasticity, making cellulite more noticeable. Thinning skin with age reveals more fat deposits, and decreased skin laxity enhances the appearance of those dimples.
PREGNANCY
Understandably, we gain weight during pregnancy, and this excess fat can build up in areas like the hips, thighs, and bum, making cellulite more visible. Water retention associated with pregnancy can cause swelling and dimpled skin, while poor circulation impairs the body's ability to drain fat and excess toxins, causing fat to clump together and creating an uneven skin surface. And let’s not forget the hormonal changes during pregnancy!
DOES EXERCISE HELP?
Exercise can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but it takes time to see noticeable results. Exercise helps by building muscle and burning the fat pockets that push against the skin. However, if you’re pressed for time, consistent, high-intensity exercise can be hard to maintain.
To help with cellulite reduction, focus on exercises that tone leg muscles and burn fat, such as squats, lunges, and cardio.
DO ONLY OVERWEIGHT PEOPLE GET CELLULITE?
No! This is a common myth, and we’re here to bust it! Cellulite can affect people of all shapes and sizes. While it may be more noticeable in those with higher body fat, lean individuals can have cellulite too. Everyone is susceptible, regardless of how much exercise you do or how slim you are.
WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Now that we’ve covered what cellulite is and how it develops, let’s talk about how you can treat it! Yes, cellulite is treatable. For optimal results, combine exercise, a healthy diet, and the in-clinic treatments listed below. But if you’re short on time and can’t make it to the gym, these treatments alone — combined with support from our in-clinic naturopath, Rebecca — can help.
LASER LIPO
Laser Lipo using our PowerShape2 machine is one of the most effective in-clinic treatments to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite on the bum, thighs, and abdomen. The machine works through three key factors:
Radio Frequency
The PowerShape2 delivers thermal energy deep into the dermal layer of the treatment areas, emitting electromagnetic waves. This generates heat that breaks down fat cells, helping to slim the area. The machine has two handpieces — Bipolar RF and Multipolar RF — designed to treat different areas of the body.
Vacuum Function
What we love about the PowerShape2 is its vacuum function, which enhances blood circulation by stimulating targeted areas (bum, thighs, or stomach). This smooths out the skin and optimises the delivery of RF energy. The vacuum function also promotes lymphatic drainage, further smoothing the skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Low-Level Laser
Finally, the PowerShape2 delivers special wavelengths of laser light that significantly reduce the size of fat cells. This destabilises and breaks down fat through the body’s natural lymphatic process. The synergy of these treatments maximises fat reduction.
NATUROPATHY
At Platinum Body & Beauty, we embrace a holistic approach, which is why naturopathy is a key part of our cellulite treatment strategy. Our in-house naturopath sets us apart from other clinics, offering a ‘one-stop shop’ approach that combines naturopathic wellness with clinically proven treatments. Rebecca’s approach is rooted in compassion, knowledge, and personalised care. She looks beyond symptom management, addressing the root causes of health imbalances and weight gain, which often contribute to cellulite.
Along with cellulite reduction, Rebecca can help women with the following issues too:
Acne and skin.
Digestive concerns.
Hormone imbalances.
Weight loss.
Stress/anxiety.
Sleep issues.
Peri+Menopause.
“I provide holistic health services for women seeking comfort in their bodies and confidence in their skin. I strive to offer a safe, warm, and nurturing space where women can come as they are and be received openly, without judgment, as they reclaim their health, wellness, and well-being. My practice blends traditional medicine with modern scientific evidence to create personalised treatment strategies for my patients.”
The tailored guidance of lifestyle changes, nutrition, herbal medicine, and supplements creates a comprehensive plan that complements your Laser Lipo treatments.
WILL I EVER COMPLETELY GET RID OF CELLULITE?
Unfortunately, no. But cellulite can be significantly reduced and managed. Our tailored transformation plans will help you regain control of your body, restore your confidence, and educate you on the best ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Our goal is for our clients to feel their best — whether wearing shorts or walking onto the beach with confidence in their favourite bikini.
Once you find a treatment strategy that works for you, we recommend periodic “top-up” appointments to maintain your results. These will keep you looking and feeling your best.
