CelluliteCellulite refers to the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. This tends to occur mostly in women, although men can also be affected. In fact, the majority of women — at least 8 out of 10 — have some degree of cellulite. This is because fat is typically distributed in women in the thighs, hips and buttocks. In addition, the condition is more common with aging, when the skin loses some of its elasticity.

Cellulite most commonly occurs in areas of fat deposits and is the result of the unevenness of fatty tissue beneath the skins surface. It is not a serious medical condition, but it can be unsightly, and it may make you self-conscious when wearing shorts or a swimming suit. Cellulite looks like dimpled or bumpy skin. It is sometimes described as skin with a cottage cheese texture. The condition ranges in severity. It 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. Cellulite is much more common in women than in men.

Weight gain can make cellulite more noticeable, but the condition may still be present in lean individuals. It tends to run in families, so genetics may play the biggest role in whether you develop it. Other factors that may increase your chances of having cellulite include: stress; an inactive lifestyle and the use of hormonal contraceptives.There is no way to prevent the condition’s development. Keeping off excess pounds and strengthening your muscles through regular exercise, however, can go a long way toward maintaining your skin tone and texture.

North Shore Med Spa uses VASER Shape as the primary method of reducing cellulite. VASER Shape offers visible body shaping results in weekly ultrasonic and massage therapy sessions by temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite and increasing local blood circulation.