By Nasrin Mani, M.D.
Cellulite is a common condition that affects approximately 80% of adult women, including many women with excellent figures. It develops when the strands connecting the layers of tissue and fat beneath the skin harden and contract over time, resulting in a lumpy, dimpled appearance.
While the exact cause of cellulite is uncertain, there are a variety of theories which speculate about the condition’s origin. Some of the more traditional theories include:
- Poor diet consisting of too much fat, salt, and carbohydrates
- Hormones such as estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones
- Genetics
- Weight gain and obesity
- Smoking
- Not drinking enough water
Recently, Venezuelan psychologist Martha Sanchez Navarro has added a new theory to this list. She believes that childhood stress and trauma as well as repressed creativity may lead to the development of cellulite as an adult. Others, such as natural beauty expert Alexander Barani, agree with this assessment. According to Barani, “Our emotional lives certainly play a part in the physical effects of our bodies.”
However, not all experts agree with Sanchez Navarro’s theory. Dr. Wolf, the Joint Medical Director at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, is not entirely sold on stress as a primary causal factor. “While stress (particularly when coupled with an irregular, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise) can be a genuine cause of cellulite, there has not been enough research to support the notion that low levels of creativity, or any kind of emotional strain, can be to blame.”
If you believe Sanchez Navarro, then you may want to schedule an appointment with a therapist as soon as possible. At the very least, you may want to look into ways to reduce the stress level of your young daughters, if you have any.
But if you are not sold on this theory – and additional research is necessary to truly place any stock in it – then you may want to look into other ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite. At La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic, we offer the Thermage CL cellulite treatment.
Thermage CL can help you improve the appearance of cellulite in just one brief treatment session, and there is no surgery, injections, or downtime involved. Thermage CL uses a special heat delivery tip to administer heat deep into the subdermal and fatty layers of your skin. This will generate new collagen production, increase blood flow in skin tissue, and cause your skin to tighten and firm, resulting in a smoother appearance.
If you are interested in improving the appearance of cellulite, please contact La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic today to schedule your free consultation. We serve patients in the La Jolla, California area.
