CELLULITE TREATMENT - A multidisciplinary approach

CELLULITE:

What is it?

Cellulite is the dimpled and rippled Adipose fat tissue that bulges up from the deep Hypodermis

(Subcutaneous) level of the skin, giving a puckered lumpy appearance on the skin surface likened to orange peel and cottage cheese. This tends to be a complaint mainly affecting women around the thighs and bottom but can affect other areas too. Men can also be affected with Cellulite although it seems to occur less in men than in women.

Can it be eliminated?

After researching a variety of studies and articles about this problem, it still seems there is no way to get rid of it 100%. Each person has a different body chemistry, lifestyle and genetic predisposition which make treatment a challenge.

What causes it?

Studies suggest a combination of factors such as skin laxity, metabolic changes, hormones, genetics, circulatory changes, diet and exercise can all directly affect the structures responsible for healthy skin.

Different factors appear to place a strain on the structure of the connective tissue and in some cases cause damage. Connective tissue is made up in pocket type strands to hold Adipose fat tissue in place in the deep Hypodermis level of the skin. Studies suggest toxin build up can break down the structures within the dermal layers allowing fluid to permeate through these strands, expanding the Adipose fat tissue. Another study adds that Connective Tissue strands becomes rigid or tight and pull down on the Adipose. Understanding the physiological aspects gives reasons why Cellulite is a problem for most women (and some men) of all sizes.

What can you do to improve it?

There are many treatments on the market, but none that seem to cater for everyone. Some methods may work for some people, but not others.

In my opinion, as a Sports & Remedial Massage Therapist, in order to have an effect on the behaviour of the Adipose Fat tissue, treatments should be multidisciplinary to improve the Skin, Circulation, Connective tissue and muscle structure and thereby, improve the skins overall look, health and function.

Case Study:

I was approached by a client to treat an issue with ‘Cellulite’ which had become very noticeable on her thighs. On assessment, the client’s skin was dry and had mottled appearance. It was evident that there was a loss of muscle tone and the temperature of the skin was cold. The client also had very tight hamstrings at the back of the thigh, established from sitting for long periods. These signs indicated there was a lack of specific exercise, a sluggish circulation and toxins had possibly affected the structures within the thigh. Noting that toxin build-up can break down the structures within the dermal layers to cause Cellulite to form, I made specific recommendations.

I prescribed a course of Remedial Massage treatments to stretch and release the connective tissue and muscle fibres, improve the circulation and drain toxins with a Lymphatic Drainage massage (MLD). I suggested whilst undertaking treatment, that salt intake was restricted and alcohol and processed foods were avoided, as these are suggested to adversely affect how the circulatory system, muscle and connective tissues function. I suggested a programme of specific exercises to target muscle tone.

Results:

Improved skin colour, texture and firmness, was evident after one week. By the end of the second week the thighs appeared smoother, hydrated and skin was firmer. Cellulite appeared markedly reduced with muscle tone and overall appearance improved after four weeks.

Conclusion: Following a multi-disciplinary treatment plan is essential in targeting cellulite. A treatment plan which includes exercise along with my specific massage treatment techniques has improved the look of cellulite, smoothed the appearance and improved muscle and skin tone is evident.

RESEARCH SOURCES:

1. F. Nurnberger, G. Muller, So-called Cellulite: An Invented Disease, J. Dermatology, Surg., Oncol. March 1978, vol. 4, No. 3, p. 221

2. M. Rosenbaum, V. Prieto, J. Helimer, M. Boschman, J. Krueger, R. Leibel, A. Bishop, An Exploration and Investigation of the Morphology and Biochemistry of Cellulite, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, June 1998, vol. 101, no. 7, p. 1934

3. K. Marenus, Cellulite Etiology, Dermatol. Surg. 1997, vol. 23, p. 1 177

4. W. Smith, Cellulite Treatments: Snake Oils or Skin Science, C&T Ingredient Resource Series, AHAs and Cellulite Products, 1995 p. 29

5. Rawlings, AV. Cellulite and its treatment. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Jun;28(3):175-90

6. Tulin, GA. Treatment of cellulite with LPG endermologie. Int J Dermatol. 2009 Mar; 48(3):265-70.

7. Pugliese, PT. Physiology of the skin II. Allured Publishing Corp. 2001

8. Hexsel, D et al. Botanical extracts used in the treatment of cellulite. Dermatol Surg. 2005 Jul; 31(7 Pt 2):866-72; discussion 872.

9. Smalls, LK et al. Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lipodystrophy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Aug;118(2):510-6

10. Del Pino, E et al. Effect of controlled volumetric tissue heating with radiofrequency on cellulite and the subcutaneous tissue of the buttocks and thighs. J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Sep;5(8):714-22

11. Smalls, LK et al. Quantitative model of cellulite: three-dimensional skin surface topography, biophysical characterization and relationship to human perception. J Cosmet Sci. 2005 Mar-Apr;56(2):105-20

12. Tortora, GJ. Hardcover 2006. 11th Edition. John Wiley & Sons

13. Visscher, MO et al. Quantitative model of cellulite: three-dimensional skin surface topography, biophysical characterization and relationship to human perception. J Cosmet Sci. 2005 Mar-Apr;56(2):105-20

14. https://www.muscletalk.co.uk/articles/article-cellulite.aspx Anecdotal evidence taken from a conversation between Dr. Peter Pugliese and Dr. Bob Bibb. 2008

15. Baldwin, MA et al. Endoglin, a TGF-beta binding protein of endothelial cells, is the gene for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 1. Nature Genetics 8:345-51 (1994)

16. Martini, MC et al. Effects of soy intake on sex hormone metabolism in pre-menopausal women. Nutr Cancer 43:133-139 (1999)

17. Pugliese, PT. The pathogenesis of cellulite: a new concept. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Jun;6(2):140-2

18. Alberto, G et al. Cellulite: A New Treatment Approach Combining Subdermal Nd: YAG Laser Lipolysis and Autologous Fat Transplantation. Aesthetic Surg J. 2008 Nov-Dec;28(6):656-662

19. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1041465/Things-don-8217-t-know--cellulite.html

20. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1347777/How-rid-cellulite-Thin-thighs-30-days-exercise-tips.html