Cellulite-known as orange peel, is a cosmetic skin condition that occurs due to the deposit of excess fat under the skin that causes a skin lumpy appearance. The areas under the skin which have cellulite contain damaged collagen walls.

It's just normal fat. It looks lumpy because it pushes against connective tissue, causing the skin above it to pucker. It’s not clear why it happens. You can have it whether you're heavy or thin. Muscle tone can affect it, and very fit people sometimes have it. Hormonal factors and genetics both play a role. It might also be related to the thickness of your skin. Women are more likely to get it than men. It tends to form more as you get older. Lifestyle factors may play a role. For example, cellulite may be related to: • Unhealthy diet • Fad dieting • Slow metabolism • Lack of physical activity • Dehydration • Total body fat (But at least one study showed that losing weight doesn’t change cellulite.)

One of the most effective ones is the use of a technique called subcision. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where small needles are inserted to the depressed areas via a special hand held device, cutting and breaking the tightened muscle fiber. The release of the destroyed fibrotic muscle releases and pushes the sunken areas upward again. Collagen synthesis is also stimulated by the body’s natural healing process which lightens and improves the cellulite marks overtime. During cellulite treatment, some patients can ask for a fat transfer to use their own fat to fill in any pockets created from breaking the connective tissue bands.

Several therapies have been suggested for removing cellulite, but none have yet been confirmed by scientific research. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has reviewed a number of techniques that may be successful in reducing the appearance of cellulite by breaking up the bands of connective tissue under the skin’s surface. Acoustic wave therapy uses a hand-held device to transmit sound waves. It may work, but it can take several sessions. Laser treatment may improve the appearance of cellulite for a year or more. It involves inserting a very small laser probe under the skin. The laser is then fired, breaking up the tissue. This can also thicken the skin by increasing collagen production. The thickened skin may reduce the appearance of the cellulite below. Subcision involves a dermatologist putting a needle under the skin to break up the connective tissue bands. Results can last 2 years or more, says the AAD. Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release cuts the bands using a device containing small blades. As it cuts the connective bands, the tissue underneath moves up to fill the space under the skin, removing the appearance of cellulite. This may last for 3 years, but data on its success is limited. Carboxytherapy involves inserting carbon dioxide gas under the skin. Side effects include bruising and discomfort after the procedure, but some cellulite might disappear. Ionithermie cellulite reduction treatment involves covering the affected area with a special mud or clay, then wrapping it in plastic before applying an electric current. It is not proven to be effective. Radiotherapy aims to reduce cellulite by heating it, but any results are short-term. Laser-assisted liposuction removes small amounts of fat, but this may make dimpling worse. Research has not yet shown that it works to reduce cellulite. Ultrasonic liposculpting targets and destroys fat, but again, research is lacking to show that it works.