Cellulite
Smooth confidence
Cellulite and Edematous Fibrosclerotic Panniculopathy (EFP)
Cellulite, also known medically as edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), is a common condition that affects the appearance and texture of the skin. Characterised by dimpled, uneven skin often found on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms, cellulite occurs due to structural changes in the fat and connective tissue beneath the skin. Factors such as poor circulation, fluid retention, and fibrous tissue tightening contribute to the development of EFP, creating the signature “orange peel” appearance.
While cellulite is not a medical concern, it can affect confidence and comfort in one’s own skin.
Causes and Risk Factors
Cellulite and edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (EFP) result from a combination of complex factors that affect the skin’s structure and underlying tissues. Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen, play a significant role by influencing fat distribution and reducing circulation, which can weaken connective tissues and contribute to the formation of cellulite. This is why cellulite is more prevalent in women, especially during hormonal shifts such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Lifestyle factors like a sedentary routine, poor dietary habits, and dehydration further exacerbate the condition. Lack of physical activity can reduce muscle tone and circulation, while an unbalanced diet can increase fat deposits and inflammation. Genetics also play a major role—if cellulite or poor skin elasticity runs in your family, you may be more likely to develop EFP.
Finally, circulatory issues such as poor blood and lymphatic flow lead to fluid retention, fat cell enlargement, and the formation of fibrous bands beneath the skin, resulting in the characteristic dimpled appearance. Understanding these underlying causes allows us to create personalized treatments that target these factors, helping improve the texture and health of your skin.
Cellulite: 4 Key Mechanisms
Cellulite involves complex pathophysiologic mechanisms that affect the skin, fat, and connective tissues. Here are the 4 main pathophysiologic aspects:
Fibrous Septae Abnormalities
- Mechanism: Cellulite is primarily caused by fibrous connective tissue bands (septae) tethering the skin to deeper structures. These bands pull the skin down, creating a dimpled appearance.
- Changes: With aging or hormonal influences, these septae become thicker, stiffer, and less elastic, exacerbating the visible dimpling
Fat Lobule Hypertrophy
- Mechanism: Enlargement of subcutaneous fat cells (adipocytes) causes fat lobules to bulge upward into the dermis. This creates the characteristic uneven, lumpy texture of cellulite.
- Influencing Factors: Hormonal changes (e.g., estrogen), genetics, and lifestyle factors like diet and physical inactivity contribute to fat accumulation and cellulite formation.
low-grade inflammation
- Mechanism: It begins with hormonal and vascular changes that lead to increased capillary permeability, fluid retention, and lymphatic stasis. These changes result in adipocyte hypertrophy and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which trigger further tissue alterations, including extracellular matrix disruptions and fibrotic septa formation
- results : This persistent inflammatory state causes tissue hypoxia, impaired circulation, and the sclerosis of fibrous septa, leading to the characteristic dimpled skin appearance and progression of cellulite
Impaired Microcirculation and Lymphatic Drainage
- Mechanism: Poor blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the affected areas lead to fluid retention, inflammation, and reduced oxygenation of tissues.
- Result: Elevated capillary pressure increases the permeability of venular capillaries, leading to the accumulation of excess fluid in the dermis, surrounding adipocytes and interlobular septa. This fluid retention results in cellular changes and tissue hypoxia.
The path of Cellulite
Cellulite progresses through distinct stages, each marked by specific changes in the adipose tissue, connective structures, and vascular system.
Stage 1 involves adipose tissue dystrophy and edema, characterized by fluid retention and early changes in fat cell function, leading to subtle skin irregularities.
Stage 2 is marked by dystrophy of fat lobules, stromal hypertrophy, and vasomotility deficiency, where connective tissues thicken, and blood flow becomes compromised, creating more pronounced dimpling.
In Stage 3, fibrosis and fibrosclerosis develop alongside micronodules and venulo-capillary stasis, resulting in hardened connective tissues and visible skin unevenness.
By Stage 4, structural subversion occurs with the formation of macronodules and thickened septa, along with venular dilatation, leading to significant skin irregularities and discomfort. These progressive changes highlight the importance of early intervention to manage and reduce cellulite effectively.
Our Cellulite Treatment protocol
we use state-of-the-art technologies and customized treatment plans to reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve skin texture.
compression therapy
Compression therapy is a supportive treatment for cellulite that enhances circulation and reduces fluid retention in the affected areas. By applying controlled pressure through specialized garments or devices, this therapy improves blood and lymphatic flow, helping to flush out toxins and reduce swelling. The enhanced circulation promotes healthier skin and tissue, which can diminish the appearance of cellulite over time. Compression therapy is often combined with other treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to smoother, firmer skin.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
Collagen biostimulator
collagen septae release
skin resurfacing
the treatment
we combine cutting-edge techniques like targeted injections and laser resurfacing to address cellulite effectively. These treatments are designed to rejuvenate and restructure the skin, tackling the underlying causes of cellulite while smoothing and tightening the skin’s surface.
Our approach includes precise injections to deliver regenerative materials into the deeper layers of the skin. These materials work to stimulate collagen production, improve microcirculation, and restore balance to the extracellular matrix, directly addressing the structural changes associated with cellulite. Laser resurfacing complements this by targeting the skin’s surface and underlying tissues, breaking down fibrous bands and promoting the regeneration of smoother, firmer skin.
For enhanced results, our treatments are paired with additional methods such as microneedling to open thousands of microchannels, flooding growth factors into the dermis, and a collagen mask to maximize absorption and provide a restorative finish. Together, these therapies create an optimal microenvironment for skin rejuvenation, offering a comprehensive solution to reduce cellulite and improve skin texture.
Your experience at Laurel clinical
the ideal candidate
Cellulite treatment with injections is suitable for individuals looking for a minimally invasive solution to improve the appearance of dimpled, uneven skin. Ideal candidates include:
- Mild to Moderate Cellulite: Those with visible cellulite on areas like the thighs, buttocks, or abdomen who are seeking smoother, firmer skin.
- Good Overall Health: Individuals without significant medical conditions that might interfere with healing or the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Stable Weight: Candidates who are close to their ideal weight, as injections are designed to target skin texture rather than reduce fat.
- Realistic Expectations: People who understand the treatment’s benefits and limitations, knowing it’s a targeted solution for improving the skin’s appearance rather than a weight-loss method.
- Commitment to Aftercare: Those willing to follow post-treatment instructions to optimise results and maintain improvements over time.
Personalised Care in a Relaxing Setting
