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Causes

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing the anatomy of cellulite Anatomy of cellulite

Cellulite is caused by fibrous connective cords that tether the skin to the underlying muscle, with the fat lying between. As the fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin, while the long, tough cords are pulling down. This creates an uneven surface or dimpling.

Risk factors Symptoms
References
  1. Khan MH, et al. Treatment of cellulite. Part I. Pathophysiology. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62:361.
  2. Khan MH, et al. Treatment of cellulite. Part II. Advances and controversies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010;62:373.
  3. 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.
  4. Rawlings AV. Cellulite and its treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2006;28:175.
  5. Goldberg DJ, et al. Clinical, laboratory, and MRI analysis of cellulite treatment with a unipolar radiofrequency device. Dermatologic Surgery. 2008;34:204.
  6. Wollina U, et al. Esthetic and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy. 2008;21:118.
  7. 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.
  8. Hodgkinson DJ. Clinical applications of radiofrequency: Nonsurgical skin tightening (Thermage). Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 2009;36:261.
  9. FDA warns about Lipodissolve product claims. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm206240.htm. Accessed Nov. 28, 2010.
DS00891 Jan. 20, 2011

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