CELLULITE AND ORANGE PEEL SKIN : CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

What is cellulite ?

Cellulite is a subcutaneous fat deposit that gives the typical ‘orange peel’ appearance. Three factors are involved: fibrosis, oedema and fat accumulation. This is why even very slim women can be affected by this unsightly condition. The phenomenon often appears during adolescence.

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Key Points

Cellulite treatment in Geneva

Cellulite is a common aesthetic problem that affects many women, and several methods are effective in eliminating cellulite.
Anti-cellulite treatments help achieve smooth and toned skin.

Whether it is adipose cellulite, cellulite with water retention or embedded cellulite, there are treatments for cellulite. These treatments help women reduce and eliminate cellulite in order to regain smooth and firm skin.

photo cellulite woman

What are the causes of cellulite ?

Cellulite is the result of the histological structure of the skin. The epidermis (superficial layer of the skin) and the subcutaneous tissue (superficial fatty layer where the adipocytes are located) are connected by fibres called septa that pass through the dermis (deep layer of the skin). When these fibres contract, the adipocytes (fat cells) are compressed and create a kind of hernia at the surface of the skin, creating an orange peel appearance.

The responsible factors are :

  • Genetics : this component explains the presence of cellulite in slim women with a healthy lifestyle.
  • Genetics: this component explains the presence of cellulite in slim women with a healthy lifestyle.
  • Hormones : they cause water retention. Pregnancy, contraception and menopause are contributing factors.
  • Overweight.
  • Poor lifestyle habits : smoking, alcohol consumption, a diet high in bad fats, salty and low in fibre.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.

What are the 3 types of cellulite?

There are three types of cellulite :

  • Oedematous cellulite : the main factor is water retention.
  • Fibrous cellulite : the main factor is the thickening and retraction of the collagen fibres that bind the skin to the deep fat layer.
  • Fatty cellulite : the main factor is the excess of fat cells.
photo light cellulite

Stage I cellulite

moderate photo cellulite

Stage II cellulite

severe photo cellulite

Stage III cellulite

very severe photo cellulite

Stage IV cellulite

How to recognise cellulite ? 

There are four stages of cellulite severity :

  • Stage I : orange peel skin appears when pinching.
  • Stage II : orange peel skin is visible even without pinching when standing.
  • Stage III : orange peel skin is visible even without pinching when standing and lying down.
  • Stage IV : orange peel skin is visible even without pinching when standing and lying down. This stage differs from the previous one due to the presence of macronodules in histological analysis.

On which areas of the body is cellulite found ?

Theoretically, cellulite can form on all areas of the body. However, some locations are more common.

  • Thighs.
  • Buttocks.
  • Hips.
  • Abdomen.
  • Knees.

Rarely, particularly in the context of certain pathologies, cellulite can form on the neck and ankles.  

In men, cellulite is rare and its distribution differs from that in women. It is found on the neck, shoulders, flanks, and the skin area corresponding to the stomach.

Is it possible to have cellulite if you're slim ?

A slim woman can have cellulite. Several factors are responsible for the appearance of this aesthetic issue, and excess fat cells is one of them, but not the only one.

In fact, a slim woman will not typically have adipose cellulite, but she may have aqueous or fibrous cellulite.

It should not be forgotten that even a slim person or someone with a normal weight can have small localized fat bulges where adipose cellulite can accumulate.

Weight loss, in the case of overweight, improves the appearance of cellulite.

What is the best treatment for cellulite ?

Treating the responsible factors is essential for a visible and lasting result.
Sometimes, changing one’s lifestyle and reducing contributing factors is enough to satisfactorily improve skin quality.
To avoid having cellulite, and therefore as a preventive measure, a healthy lifestyle is essential.

Cellulite treatments include : Sculptra injections, cryolipolysis, EMSculpt, radiofrequency and Onda CoolWaves.
Carboxytherapy and mesotherapy are more maintenance and complementary treatments.

photo cellulite treatment with Sculptra

How can I get rid of cellulite quickly ? Sculptra injections

Sculptra injections provide the most convincing result. This method is only used on the buttocks.
The injection is performed with a cannula, no anaesthesia is necessary. The result is visible one month after the injection, maximal after three months and lasts for two years.
The drawback of the treatment is the cost.
For the buttocks, for example, three to four vials per session will be used. The number of sessions required is three or four. The price per vial is 900 CHF.

What is the most effective treatment for cellulite ? Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis is indicated in cases of adipose cellulite. No result is obtained on fibrous and aqueous cellulite.
This technique of reducing fat cells through cold improves the appearance of the skin in one to two sessions. The results are optimal three months after the session and are long-lasting.

What is the best way to remove cellulite ? EMSculpt

EMSculpt is a technology that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate deep muscle contractions. These contractions, which are impossible to achieve through voluntary exercise, increase muscle mass and burn localised fat. By strengthening and toning the underlying muscles, EMSculpt helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The skin becomes firmer and more even in texture.

How to get rid of dimples ? Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is a non-invasive technique that uses electromagnetic waves to heat the deep layers of the skin. This heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which improves the firmness and tone of the skin. This method reduces the appearance of cellulite and smooths the skin surface, which becomes more even and smoother.

How to fight cellulite ? Mesotherapy

Mesotherapy is a treatment that consists of injecting small amounts of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids directly into the middle layer of the skin. These injections stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, promoting the drainage of water and toxins. By nourishing and hydrating the skin from within, mesotherapy helps reduce cellulite, improves skin texture and restores its elasticity. Mesotherapy improves skin quality and aqueous cellulite.

Carboxytherapy for cellulite improvement

Carboxytherapy is a method that involves injecting medical carbon dioxide (CO2) under the skin. This gas improves blood circulation and stimulates collagen production, which helps break down fat deposits and smooth the skin. By increasing tissue oxygenation, this technique reduces skin irregularities and significantly improves the appearance of cellulite, making the skin firmer and more elastic.
Carboxytherapy is quite effective on fibrous cellulite.
Several sessions are necessary, and the sessions can be painful.

photo cellulite treatment using radiofrequency

How to reduce cellulite : Onda CoolWaves ?

Onda CoolWaves is a fast (lasting around ten minutes) and painless shockwave treatment.
The mechanism involves the destruction of fat cells and stimulation of collagen synthesis around these cells. The skin becomes firmer and more toned. Several sessions are necessary.

How to get rid of cellulite naturally ?

To naturally get rid of cellulite, several habits should be incorporated into daily life.

Balanced diet and good hydration
Anti-cellulite foods : foods rich in fibre such as fruits, vegetables and cereals.
Diet low in sugars, processed foods and saturated fats.

Regular physical activity
Cardio and muscle strengthening.

Anti-cellulite massages and self-massages
Massage techniques : kneading massage stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation.
Use of brushes : dry brush your skin with a natural bristle brush to exfoliate and improve circulation.

Skin hydration
Moisturizing creams and natural oils to maintain skin elasticity.
Anti-cellulite creams : use products containing caffeine, retinol or plant extracts to firm the skin.

Healthy lifestyle
Avoid tobacco and alcohol
Stress management: practise relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or tai chi to reduce stress, which can contribute to cellulite.

Improvement of blood and lymphatic circulation
Contrast shower : alternate hot and cold water jets to stimulate circulation.
Lymphatic drainage activities : include exercises or special techniques that promote lymphatic drainage.

Results : before / after anti-cellulite treatments

The improvement in appearance is progressive. A healthy lifestyle and the elimination of contributing factors are necessary to maintain the result.

Results include :

  • Significant reduction of subcutaneous fat cells.
  • Visible improvement in skin texture.
  • Hydration and firming of the skin.
  • Increased skin elasticity and reduction of the ‘orange peel’ appearance.
  • Toning and firming of the underlying muscles, if treated with Emsculpt.

Depending on the chosen treatment and the type of cellulite, several sessions may be necessary for visible results.
Maintenance sessions should be scheduled, their frequency depends on the method used and the severity stage of the cellulite.

Price of anti-cellulite treatments

Type of consultation Generally practiced rates
Cool Waves
250 CHF per session per zone
Sculptra
900 CHF per vial

Opinions on anti-cellulite treatments

Reviews are generally positive. Patients report a noticeable improvement in the appearance of the skin after a few sessions. Below are common feedbacks.

  • Visible improvement : patients notice a significant reduction in cellulite and smoother, firmer skin.
  • Comfort of treatments : procedures are non-invasive and relatively comfortable, with few or no side effects.
  • Long-lasting results, but maintenance sessions are required.
  • Increased self-confidence.
  • Overall satisfaction : in general, patients are satisfied with the results obtained and recommend these treatments to others.
Is cellulite common in women?

Yes, cellulite is very common in women, affecting up to 90 % of women at some point in their lives. It is less common in men because of histological differences in the skin and subcutaneous fat.

Excess fat causes adipose cellulite. Other factors are responsible for cellulite, so even slim women can get it.

Results vary depending on the treatment and the characteristics of each patient. Although treatments can offer significant improvement, maintenance sessions and a healthy lifestyle are often necessary to maintain results.

Yes, cryolipolysis can be effective in reducing cellulite by targeting and eliminating subcutaneous fat cells, thereby improving skin texture.

A balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they cannot eliminate it completely.

There are several treatments available to reduce cellulite: cryolipolysis, EMSCULPT, carboxytherapy, mesotherapy and radiofrequency.

It is not possible to completely prevent the appearance of cellulite, but a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, good hydration and regular exercise, can help reduce its appearance and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

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