Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled skin on thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. The condition is most prevalent in women and can be very disconcerting to us. Cellulite that is more severe makes the skin appear rumpled and bumpy with areas of peaks and valleys in the fat layer that leads to the terms given this condition of “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” skin appearance. Cellulite is most common around the thighs and buttocks, but it can also be found on the breasts, lower abdomen and upper arms.
Little is actually known about the causes of cellulite, but it involves the way that fat is compartmentalized in the subcutaneous (fatty) layer under the skin, mostly in women. Fibrous connective tissue cords (septa) that tether the skin to the underlying muscle are like tiny walls between the fat compartments. As fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough fibrous septae cords pull down, creating an uneven skin surface or dimpling appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite is much more common in women than in men due to the fact that men do not possess the same compartmentalization of their fat with this particular septal arrangement that tugs down on the skin to result in dimpling. Also, women’s fat is typically distributed in the thighs, hips and buttocks – common areas for cellulite. Cellulite is also more common with aging, when the skin loses elasticity. Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but some lean patients have cellulite as well. It tends to be a little bit genetic, but an inactive lifestyle can also increase your chances of having cellulite, as can pregnancy. Lastly, there are also theories that a disorderly amount of fluid around the fat cells, or a disordered lymphatic system, increases the development of cellulite.
Aveli works to sever the septal bands that cause dimpling in the thighs and buttocks. It does not treat skin laxity itself or pockets of excess fat. We CAN tighten overlying skin and reduce fat at the same time as an Aveli treatment if we add Exilis, Vaser Shape, UltraShape Power or EMSCULPT NEO, Morpheus8, Exion Fractional RF or Profound, and these treatments can be combined in the same treatment session as Aveli or used as adjuncts to the Aveli result later.
Aveli is designed to be a one-time in-office treatment to address skin dimples in buttocks and thighs to smooth the appearance of cellulite. Most patients return to normal activities within one to several days of the procedure.
For more information about Avéli, schedule a consultation with Dr. Samuels at 502-897-9411.
Our practice serves Louisville, KY and the surrounding area.
