Cellulite Treatment: Target the Cause Not the Symptom
At least 80% of women experience cellulite in their lifetime. Given the variety of biological and lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of cellulite, this number is not surprising. By understanding what causes cellulite, women can combat it at the source and prevent its further development.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is a chronic-degenerative dysfunction of the connective tissue. As discussed in the previous article in the series, the health of connective tissue is dependent on the exchange of fluids and molecules between the connective tissue and the circulatory and lymphatic systems. When lymphatic circulation is hindered, excess fluid remains in the body’s tissues and liquid is retained. Fluid retention signals the first step in the process of cellulite development. Stagnation of the fluid in the interstitial space of connective tissue causes an inflammatory alteration of adipose tissue in the dermal layer of skin that is pushed towards the skin’s surface, resulting in the orange peel texture of cellulite.
Primary Factors Causing Cellulite
There are many factors, both biological and lifestyle, that affect fluid retention in the body. Understanding these factors is the first step in treating cellulite.
Biological Factors
Hormones play a critical role in regulating the body. The levels of the hormone estrogen in a woman’s body fluctuate throughout her life. During Premenstrual Syndrome, the estrogen levels in the body rise. When estrogen increases, the body responds by retaining fluid especially in the buttocks and thighs. During pregnancy, a woman’s body stores up to 50% more fluid. This fluid retention in combination with weight gain results in swelling of the thighs. During these periods of a woman’s life it is especially important to get regular physical activity. The activity promotes the removal of excess fluid that builds up in the body because of estrogen.
When women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 50, their estrogen levels gradually decrease as menstruation stops. Metabolism slows down and women begin to gain weight and adipose tissue increases. Adopting a healthy diet, in addition to physical exercise, can mitigate the effects of a drop in estrogen levels at this stage in a woman’s life.
Lifestyle Factors
Sedentary lifestyles result in weakened muscles and poor circulation of lymphatic fluid through the body. Without adequate muscle tone to pump fluid, edema occurs and cellulite forms. A sluggish lymphatic system can be remedied with physical activity.
The excessive consumption of salty food contributes to water retention in the interstitial space between cells. Alcohol consumption also prevents adequate transfer of fluid in the dermis which results in edema and swelling around collagen and adipose tissue. Furthermore, alcohol consumption damages the kidneys and liver which filter toxic compounds from the body. In the case of constipation, unnecessary stress is placed back on the liver and kidneys by allowing reabsorption of toxins as waste sits in the body.
Smoking damages the lungs and prevents inadequate oxygenation of the blood. By damaging blood vessels, smoking interferes with proper circulation which prevents fluid exchange within the interstitial space between cells.
Clothing is an often-overlooked factor that affects cellulite generation. Tight clothing that compresses the body hinders blood circulation. It is best to avoid wearing excessively tight underwear, garters, leotards, girdles or stockings to allow for adequate blood flow.
Traditional cellulite remediation methods involve treating surface dimpling with a variety of methods such as electrolipolysis, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, low voltage electric current, mesotherapy and endermologie. While topically effective, these traditional therapies don't address hardened fat and other factors which can marginalize treatment results and result in cellulite returning prematurely.
Cryo T-Shock Therapy – and How Clients Can Help
The newest device in the U.S. market after success in Europe, the Pagani Cryo T-Shock, stands out from the crowd in its treatment approach. The treatment works by tackling cellulite from multiple angles. It reduces the number of fat cells which takes pressure off connective tissue, it increases blood and lymph flow within connective tissue, and softens the hardened connective tissue. Cellulite is a complicated issue and the treatment needs to work on multiple levels to reduce the effects of cellulite and help with long-term maintenance. The T-Shock provides the surface results and also works towards reversing the internal cause of cellulite and resetting the tissue.
Understanding that it is the retention of fluid within the dermis that causes cellulite formation helps make the time after treatment more effective. Once the therapy has removed adipose tissue and softened the connective tissue, the interstitial fluid can more easily pass from the affected area into the lymph system where it will be filtered from the body. This is a critical time to stay hydrated, exercise moderately and promote blood flow in the body to help deter cellulite from returning.
Cryo T-Shock therapy in conjunction with lifestyle changes can not only get rid of unsightly cellulite but also prevent its recurrence. Knowledge about the root cause of cellulite powers the Cryo T-Shock Therapy plan and guides the post-treatment plan for maintaining results.
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