What Is Cellulite?
Over the past several decades, the body positivity movement has been urging everyone to come to a place of self-acceptance with their appearance.
It sounds simple enough until you’re in front of the mirror noticing pockets of cellulite. It’s a normal issue many people face — around 80 to 90% of women have cellulite (men have it too).
Despite how common it is, it often stands in the way when you’re trying to rock your body with confidence.
Luckily, you can treat cellulite so that you can love your body. Keep reading to answer the question “what is cellulite?” and what you can do about it.
What is Cellulite?
Before discussing how to treat it, you should first understand what it is.
The appearance of cellulite comes from collections of fat beneath your skin. It’s a type of subcutaneous fat that looks textured and dimpled on your stomach, thighs, and butt.
It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with the amount of fat your body carries, as both thin and robust people notice these skin issues.
While there are no inherent health risks with cellulite, this cosmetic condition can lead to an increased sense of embarrassment and shame.
For example, one study found that women with cellulite rated themselves as less attractive than women without it. 97% of these women also said they would change it if they could.
What Causes Cellulite?
As previously mentioned, cellulite is a result of the body’s need to store fat.
This biological function is necessary for storing energy and shielding organs. Fat also aids the body in nutrient absorption and hormone production.
When the body stores fat, the fibers that attach fat and skin can pull tightly, stretch out, or break down. This causes cells of fat to press against the skin, creating the appearance of cellulite.
That said, it tends to present itself more as you age due to decreased collagen production. Collagen is the protein attributed to giving skin a supple structure, which is why wrinkles and cellulite appear more as people get older.
Additional factors that may contribute to cellulite include:
- Age
- Blood vessels and blood flow
- Gender
- Genetics
- Distribution of fat throughout the body
- Hormones
- Hydration
- Metabolic rates
- Pregnancy
- Sedentary lifestyles
As you can see, cellulite can come from a wide array of controllable and uncontrollable factors.
How Cellulite Affects Body Image
It’s important to note here that there is nothing wrong with having cellulite. It’s natural and extremely common.
That said, there is something wrong with having a negative body image.
Negative Body Image
Although it may seem like a superficial issue at first, the effects of having a negative body image lead to negative changes in a person’s lifestyle. Due to being embarrassed about cellulite, people may hide behind clothes or feel anxious about being naked around others.
Negative body image can also coincide with:
- Anxiety
- Avoidant tendencies in social settings
- Depression
- Eating disorders/unhealthy eating patterns
- Lack of confidence
- Low self-esteem
- Poor career and academic ability
This isn’t to say that having cellulite causes any of these things. Rather, cellulite can lead to having a negative body image, which can lead to other health issues.
Positive Body Image
If you experience any of the previously mentioned issues, it’s important to start the process of regaining body positivity.
Having a positive body image isn’t just about liking the way you look. It’s about accepting your body so that you can respect it and take proper care of it.
After all, your body is the vessel that carries you through this life and allows you to do everything that you do. By taking care of it, you are giving yourself the gift of a satisfying life.
Some people may be able to find acceptance of cellulite without treatment. While this is great, it’s not always an option for everyone.
It’s normal to have trouble getting past fat issues, which is why cellulite treatment can be extremely helpful.
Cellulite Treatment
If cellulite affects the way you feel about your body, it will also affect the choices you make and how you live your life.
In the case that it affects your quality of life, you may want to consider treating it so that you can begin to feel good in your skin.
Cellulite Removal Options
Because cellulite troubles many people, a wide variety of treatment options are available.
Laser treatment, fillers, carbon dioxide, cellulite cream or lotion, and deep tissue massage are some of the common methods. When considering treatment options, it’s important to choose something that’s proven to be safe and successful.
This is why you should choose the non-invasive technology of VelaShape III, as it’s the best option on the market.
VelaShape III is an FDA-approved approach that uses bi-polar radio frequency and optical energies to target problem areas. This combination targets both the dermis and the hypodermis.
In layman’s terms, VelaShape III treats cellulite with heat and a vacuum. There’s little to no discomfort, zero downtime, and the treatment sessions are short.
Results are often seen from only one treatment, without any chemicals or needles, making it a safe, comfortable, and successful option.
Love Your Body
Now that you know the answer to “what is cellulite?”, you can choose to reclaim your body positivity and start feeling good in your skin.
Treat your cellulite with the safe technology of VelaShape III to gain confidence without sacrificing safety, comfort, or time.
Book your treatment with us today.