Cellulite: one of the perks of being a woman

Cellulite is the name given to the "puckering" and "dimpling" of the skin - which is often likened to "orange peel". It occurs in the subcutaneous layer - the layer of fat under the skin. It is thought to be due to lifestyle and genetic factors. The skin is attached to the deeper structures - the fascia - by fibrous structures called "septa". As the fat cells get bigger, they push upwards and cause the septa to tighten, thus causing the 'dimple' effect on the skin. As the cells get bigger it results in lack of blood circulation which causes stagnation of metabolic waste and can lead to fibrosis.

Treatments for cellulite such as creams, lotions and even liposuction remain largely unsuccessful because they only target the appearance of cellulite. It is finally understood that the 'orange peel' affect on the surface of the skin is a symptom of an underlying cause. Cellulite does not respond well to weight loss, exercise, creams or liposuction. The only FDA approved method to reduce cellulite is ENDERMOLOGIE®.

Why do woman have cellulite and men don't?

There are numerous differences between men and women; one of these concerns the structure of the fat layer just under the skin. The septa (as discussed earlier) is formed of a vertical box-like structure in women. As for men, the septa is formed in a lattice-like structure, thus giving more support for the fat cells, resulting in none or less cellulite than in women Credited to Mark Whiteley, The Whiteley Clinic.