What Causes Cellulite?

Causes of cellulite are varied but the most common cause is related to poor blood circulation,reduced venous flow,impaired lymphatic drainage and fluid retention which can trigger the transformation of subcutaneous fat cells into cellulite.

The predisposition to cellulite seems to be genetically inherited. Some people simply have more fat cells, weak veins, fragile lymphatic vessels, poor circulation or hormonal sensitivity.

The following also contribute to cellulite in one way or another:

• Female Hormones
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Sedentary Lifestyles
• Smoking
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes
• Obesity

It is important to understand that these factors may not contribute equally in different people. In some people there may be primary and contributing factors to cellulite.

Cellulite has 5 stages of development and is considered a solely cosmetic condition. Indeed, until recently, cellulite was not acknowledged in medical literature. Now, research has shown that changes over time in the body's skin structure actually lead to the transformation of fat cells into cellulite.

STAGE 1
Blood microcirculation, venous flow, and/or lymphatic drainage to the subcutanoues layer are impaired. Reduced blood circulation starves and weakens the surrounding tissue, making it more susceptible to cellulite. Reduced venous flow translates to higher fluid retention and pooling of the blood. Reduced lymphatic drainage means that lymph fluids, which normally carry waste away from the cells, are trapped in the area. The septae connective tissue may begin to become more fibrous.

In this stage, all the changes are not visible to the naked eye. There may not be any other symptoms, with the possible exception of cuts and bruises taking longer to heal because of the impaired circulation.

STAGE 2
Once the circulation is reduced, the capillaries and veins become weakened and leak blood into the surrounding tissue. This increases the pressure in the tissue and restricts circulation and fluid drainage even more. In this stage, you may notice thicker and more tender skin than normal, as well as discoloration or broken veins. The skin more also bruise more easily, however, there is no appearance of the lumpy cellulite bumps yet.

STAGE 3
After a few months of lymphatic fluid build up, the fat tissues become swollen and begin to push against the outer skin, the first signs of the lumps and the "orange peel" look appear.

STAGE 4
The static lymphatic fluid causes the fibrous septae to congeal into thicker fibers. Cells starved of oxygen and nutrients may also become incorporated into these fibers, thus adding to the thickness of the fibers. These fibers begin to trap and squeeze the fat cells, which press on the surronding tissue and reduce area circulation even more. Becuase of the lack of circulation the skin may feel cold to the touch.

STAGE 5
Because of the high pressure, blood circulation is re-routed around the cellulite area. Septae fibers continue to grow to an extent that the fat cells are completely trapped. Although fat continues to be stored in these cells, it is not efficiently removed through exercise or diet because of the poor circulation.

In this stage, the thick fibers, trapped fat cells and stagnant fluids form a honeycomb structure called steatomes, this causes the "cheesecake" lumps and bumps that are the hallmark of cellulite.

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