Diagnose and Treatment
Cellulite can be diagnosed and categorized into four stages. The more advanced the condition of cellulite, the greater the effort required to treat it. When treating cellulite, the congested lymph and waste system needs to be cleared, the fibrosis around the hardened pockets of fat needs to be softened or broken down and the weak network of collagen and elastin fibers needs to be strengthened and re-modeled.
Cellulite and Fat Retention
Metabolically inactive, fat cells do not release fatty acids of their own accord. When the body’s natural waste removal system starts to fail, waste products build up in fat cells and the connective tissue become saturated with fluids, inflamed and swollen. As fat cells enlarge, they also reorganize themselves. Excess fat storage puts lateral pressure on the vertically attached skin partitions and causes the cell membrane to become distorted, losing elasticity, shape and definition. The growing adipocytes also destroy the network of collagen and elastin fibers. These respond by thickening, forming hard pockets that encroach upon vascular and lymphatic vessels, further inhibiting microcirculation and the release of fatty acids. Externally, the skin develops an unsightly puckered or dimpled appearance.
