Is It Really Cellulite?

As summer nears, we’re all getting a little more conscious of how our bodies would look in a swimsuit, and one of the most common concerns raised by our patients is the dimpling of the skin, also known as cellulite. In this month’s blog post, Wise Skin Squad takes a more in-depth look at cellulite, its root causes, what could be mistaken as cellulite, and which cutting-edge treatments Wise Med Spa has to offer for the various conditions.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a prevalent, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. It’s so common that in the US alone, more than 3 million people get diagnosed with cellulite every year. Most women will have cellulite at some point in their lifetime – about 9 out of 10 women. Although less common in men due to the different distributions of fat, muscle, and connective tissue, men can get cellulite dimples. 

Skin laxity can often be mistaken for cellulite. Here’s a simple test to figure out which one it is: When you gently pull up on the skin above a dimple, and the dimple still exists, that’s true cellulite. If the dimple is smoothed out, or some ripples get smoothed out by gently lifting the skin, that’s a sign that you’re dealing with laxity rather than cellulite. Proper diagnosis is essential for figuring out a treatment regimen, so if you’re still not sure which skin concern you’re up against, we do offer complimentary consultations at our Joint Commission Accredited facility here in Wayne, NJ.

What causes cellulite?

Over time, your skin tends to thin, whereas fat cells enlarge and push against the skin. The fibrous bands under the skin thicken and cause tension. This tension is the signature dimpling of skin referred to as cellulite. Cellulite isn’t fat, nor is it caused by what/how much you eat or whether you exercise. Some people are simply pre-disposed to get cellulite as they age. That means your tough workouts and healthy eating habits are fantastic for your fitness and overall wellness — but won’t do much to reduce your cellulite.

How can cellulite be treated?

For years, all the non-invasive treatments of cellulite involved masking the appearance of the dimples by plumping up and smoothing the skin above them. There is, however, an effective treatment called Morpheus8 that is able to target cellulite at its core. Morpheus8 radio frequency microneedling device simultaneously works on the cellulite dimples themselves, as well as the skin laxity surrounding the dimples. The device penetrates deep into the dermal layers of the skin, melting away the fat, to create a smoother texture without the dimpling. Morpheus8 further triggers collagen production in the treatment area, so the skin will continue to plump up over the several upcoming months, resulting in a smooth, dimple free outcome.

What about laxity?

Collagen and elastin are the key skin components to keep it from sagging, all while giving us a plump, youthful look. As we age, the production of both slows down, and that’s where we start to notice skin drooping, sagging, and lacking that youthful volume. The rippling or sagging is what often gets mistaken for cellulite. The gold-standard non-invasive rejuvenation treatments all aim at the same thing: triggering your body’s natural reaction to rebuild both of these vital components. Wise Med Spa in New Jersey offers several treatments considered to be the best on the market, among them Hyperdilute Radiesse injections and Morpheus8.

Hyperdiluted Radiesse produces beautiful results, especially in the lower face, neck, décolleté, backs of arms, and above the knees. It works to restore the skin’s foundation and aims to improve both skin quality and firmness. NJ Hyperdilute Radiesse (alongside Sculptra) is also used for a non-surgical lift of the buttocks, all while filling in hip dips and smoothing out the entire area.

Morpheus8, on the other hand, is used for deep-level collagen remodeling, as it can go as deep as 8mm into the skin. Using tiny microneedles that deposit radiofrequency energy, Morpheus8 treatment at Wise Med Spa can regenerate collagen while minimizing discoloration, wrinkling, fine lines, acne scarring, and even the appearance of stretch marks. Moreover, Morpheus8 device can target areas that were previously not possible to treat without surgical intervention.

How to get started

If you have cellulite, skin laxity, stretch marks, or other skin concerns that keep you from feeling like your most confident self, the best way to get started is to contact the Wise Center for Plastic Surgery in Wayne, New Jersey. You can schedule an initial consultation with our expert skincare team and together determine the best course of action and treatment plan that not only suits your individual needs but your budget as well. Consultations are always complimentary!