Cellulite Cellulite is the term used to describe pockets of stored fat located just below the surface of the skin. The affected areas have a dimpled appearance and are often described as looking like cottage cheese or an orange peel.

Cellulite is a common phenomenon. After puberty, about 90 percent of females have signs of the condition, particularly on the buttocks and thighs. While cellulite may be associated with weight gain, it can be found in thin women as well. The condition is rare in men.

The exact cause of cellulite isn't known. Some people say fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscle to the skin can become tight, stretch or break down. The fat stored in between the bands shift, causing some of the areas to bulge and dimple.

Treating Cellulite There is no magic fix for cellulite. Creams and topical agents are sometimes touted as cellulite removers. The products may hydrate the skin and temporarily mask the appearance of cellulite. However, they can't penetrate the skin and remove or change the underlying structure of the stored fat cells.

Body wraps involve the application of herbs and other ingredients to the skin, followed by covering in some type of linen wrap. The technique reduces the appearance of cellulite by compressing areas of fat and promoting fluid loss through sweating. However, it is not a permanent cure. The areas return to their pre-treated state fairly quickly.

Liposuction is the use of a vacuum-like device and a thin cutting tool to break up and remove excess deposits of fat. The procedure is not often used as a treatment for cellulite because it can lead to significant swelling, bleeding and scarring.

Endermologie® is a technique using a mechanical device with two rollers and regulated suction. As the hand piece is moved over the skin, the rollers and suction gently rearrange and smooth out the underlying pockets of fat cells. The effect of the treatment is temporary.

In mesotherapy, small amounts of homeopathic products are injected beneath the surface of the skin. Promoters of the technique say the injected ingredients break down cellulite and improve circulation and lymph drainage in the area. The safety and benefits of mesotherapy have not been fully established.

Accent™ for Cellulite Researchers are testing a new device for treatment of cellulite, called Accent™. The system uses a combination of surface cooling and two types of radiofrequency energy to heat underlying tissue at different depths.

Patients undergoing Accent get six treatments spaced about two weeks apart. First, baby oil is placed on the skin. The hand piece is quickly moved over the target skin areas (although the system provides surface cooling, remaining in one location on the skin for too long can cause serious burns). David Goldberg, M.D., a Cosmetic Dermatologist says Accent tightens the broken bands of tissue that normally hold back the fat, creating a smoother appearance over the skin. The process also reportedly improves circulation in the area and promotes absorption of retained fluids and toxins. Patients feel no pain, but may have some slight redness of the skin.

The Accent system is not yet approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. Goldberg is testing the device on some of his patients and is the lead investigator of an FDA multi-center trial. He says the treatment is not a permanent cure for cellulite. Eventually, the fat deposits will build again and patients may need more treatments. Currently, researchers are uncertain how long the effects of Accent will last.

For information on Accent™, http://www.almalasers.com/accent_overview.phtml?nav=1&subnav=2

For general information on cellulite: American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org American Skincare and Cellulite Expert Association, http://www.ascea.org American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, http://www.surgery.org American Society of Plastic Surgeons, http://www.plasticsurgery.org