Cellulite formation
The "cellulite", better identified with the term "edematofibrosclerotic panniculopathy", is a condition that affects about 80-95% of women of childbearing age.
Essentially, cellulite follows from a micro-circulatory stasis of the hypodermis in the lower limbs, with alteration of tissue plasma exchange. Cellulite is often accompanied by layers of localized adiposity, although it can occur as much in obese women as in normal or thin women.
At the tissue level, the following changes are observed when cellulite occurs:
- Hypertrophy of fat cells, which undergo alterations of shape and volume, with breaks and lacerations of the cytoplasmic membrane that surrounds them, and consequent release of triglycerides, which spread at the level of tissues, in the intercellular spaces.
- Accumulation of excess liquids (water retention). The balance of the venous and lymphatic system is modified with a slowing of the blood flow and a retention of liquids by the tissues.
- Involutive phenomena of the reticular tissue around the adipocytes, also involving collagen fibers.
The degeneration of the microcirculation of the adipose tissue involves a consequent alteration of its most important metabolic functions.
Insights
Localization and Clinical Events Stages of Gravity Types of Cellulite Cellulite and Localized Adiposity Cellular Formation Mechanisms Causes and Risk Factors Diagnosis Anti-cellulite Treatments Cosmetic Cellulite TreatmentLocalization and Clinical Events
Cellulite is found mainly in women, in which it is widespread since the 18-20s, and with age the problem is accentuated. The distribution of cellulite in women occurs in certain body regions and can follow the pattern of the gynoid deposit of adipose tissue.
The localization is wide and involves thighs, part of the legs, medial area of the knees, lumbosacral region, buttocks, shoulders, extensor fascia and lateral upper limb, posterior base of the neck, abdomen, etc.
The elective zone, however, is the posterior part of the thighs, which in the first stages appears as furrowed with protrusions and transverse indentations, with an intensity proportional to the adiposity and age of the subject.
A more advanced stage shows an extension of the fat deposits on the sides of the thighs and a "mattress" aspect of their posterior areas (to protruding regions alternating strongly recessed points, as in the sewing of the mattresses).
Soft infiltration zones alternate with hard zones, negatively affecting the free circulation of the lymph: this induces disorder in the structure of the outer layers (skin, subcutaneous, adipose layer).
The "cellulite" skin initially appears more opaque, with a often cyanotic hue, and you can feel a certain decrease in skin temperature. On palpation, the characteristic "orange peel" appears between the fingers. Subsequently, the tissue is enriched with small deep fibrous nodules, ecchymoses for even minimal trauma, telangiectasia and spontaneous or compression-induced pain. The progress of the process leads to the appearance of "undulations" and depressions, which reveal the strong loss of tone and elasticity of the skin.
Stages of Gravity
Three evolutionary stages of cellulite can be identified:
- Edematous phase: cellulite is felt only by touch, at this early stage the accumulation of fluids in the tissues prevails, with swelling or edema, mainly located around the ankles, calves, thighs and arms
- Fibrous phase: adipose tissue is involved. Due to the liquids entering the tissues, the fat cells distance themselves from each other and are no longer able to perform their metabolic functions. The elastic fibers, which make the skin soft and tight, are compressed by fat cells; the collagen fibers, which play a supporting role, degenerate and the capillaries are altered: small nodules are formed and the epidermis takes on an "orange peel" appearance
- Sclerotic phase of cellulite: the tissue becomes hard to the touch, with the appearance of large nodules; the skin surface takes on the typical “mattress” appearance with hollows and spots of color, it is cold and painful to the touch.
