Cellulite is a topographic skin change that occurs predominantly in female skin structure.
Women‘s fat cells are larger - approximately twice more in comparison with men, with less firm connective tissue than men, and their collagenous/elastic fibres are arranged collaterally. As the fat cells grow in volume, it results in the occurrence of unsightly dimples.
Stage 1 is perceptible only at the pinch test. You may notice some water retention and skin congestion.
Stage 2 is characterized by stagnation of blood in the venous system. The effect is uneven swelling of skin and lipedema (fat swelling). The orange skin is visible in harsh artificial light, and is more apparent when the muscle in the region contracts for example while sitting and standing. When lying down, the cellulite becomes less obious.
Stage 3 is the next stage that leads from untreated stage 2, i.e. swelling. Unevenness, also known as dimples – are visible both in the lying and standing positions. The skin is colder, sensitive or even painful to palpation. In this stage there may be damage of the connective tissue and it is necessary to do treatments in order to prevent further (usually irreversible) damages.
Stage 4 is the logical consequence of the untreated third stage. There occurs irreversible degeneration of fat cells and connective tissue. The skin is cold, hypertrophied, stretched and tough, in most affected areas it is painful even without a touch, hard lumps of a diameter up to 10 mm can be felt. Marked unevenness is visible to the naked eye under all conditions. This stage is accompanied with a higher risk of health complications such as chronic skin inflammation.
*pictures from actual treatment although individual results may vary