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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Cellulite refers to the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen of most women and some men, too. Cellulite is most common in areas of fat deposits and is the result of the unevenness of this fatty tissue beneath the skin surface. It is not a serious medical condition, but cellulite can be unsightly, and it may make you self-conscious when wearing shorts or a swimming suit.
Many cellulite treatments, including massages or cellulite creams, advertise remarkable results. But unfortunately, most of these treatments don't live up to their claims. Researchers are studying possible medical treatments. In the meantime, you can take a couple steps to slightly improve the appearance of cellulite.
- Khan MH, et al. Treatment of cellulite. Part I. Pathophysiology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62:361.
- Khan MH, et al. Treatment of cellulite. Part II. Advances and controversies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62:373.
- Sakamoto FH, et al. Lasers and flashlamps in dermatology. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3005384. Accessed Nov. 28, 2010.
- Rawlings AV. Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2006;28:175.
- Goldberg DJ, et al. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI analysis of cellulite treatment with a unipolar radiofrequency device. Dermatologic Surgery. 2008;34:204.
- Wollina U, et al. Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008;21:118.
- Manuskiatti W, et al. Circumference reduction and cellulite treatment with a TriPollar radiofrequency device: A pilot study. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2009;23:820.
- Hodgkinson DJ. Clinical applications of radiofrequency: Nonsurgical skin tightening (Thermage). Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2009;36:261.
- FDA warns about Lipodissolve product claims. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm206240.htm. Accessed Nov. 28, 2010.
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