Cellulite explained in simple terms
Appreciating how and why some cellulite treatments are effective and others not, requires some understanding of exactly what cellulite is.
Technically speaking, cellulite is a disturbance of the subcutaneous tissue. As the name suggests, this is the tissue directly beneath the skin and is characterised by vertical (standing) fat cell chambers.
In a cellulite free body these chambers remain a relatively constant size and fat cells are kept tightly locked inside them.
Circulation to the chambers is maintained so that fats can be used for energy when needed. That's a Cellulite free body... for mere mortals the situation is quite different.
Cellulite develops when the connective tissues between fat cell chambers, and between the chambers and the skin, become thinner and weakened. The elastic fibres that give these connective tissues strength are diminished.
The results are:
1. Movement of fat cells into the area between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue.
2. Excessive expansion of the fat cell chambers as their weakened walls give way.
3. Leakage of fluid.
4. Restricted blood flow as the area becomes congested and misshapen.
What we see from the outside is the familiar mattress phenomenon, the pitting and bulging most commonly seen on the buttocks, thighs and upper arms.