What is cellulite and what does it look like?
All women know it as “cellulite”, but its actual scientific name is oedematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (OFP).
This term defines an inflammatory state of the subcutaneous adipose tissue caused by many genetic, constitutional, hormonal, circulatory and behavioural factors.
The classic “orange peel” appearance of the skin is due to the increase in the number and volume of fat cells and the thickening of the connective tissue, the “mesh” that keeps these cells in order. These changes, which are caused by problems with the micro-circulation of the adipose tissue, trigger a vicious circle which leads to the further hindering of normal micro-circulation and greater water retention with a subsequent worsening of the inflammation and thus more imperfections.
Thus, the consistency of the subcutaneous tissue changes and the set of phenomena commonly defined as cellulite arise: swelling, nodules, dimples and, indeed, orange peel skin.
This aesthetic change is sometimes accompanied by pain, fragile capillaries and pins and needles.
Usually, cellulite affects the buttocks, thighs and hips, of women predominantly, because women have a higher percentage of fat than men, due in large part to the significant influence of our hormones, namely oestrogen and progesterone.