With so many aesthetic devices in the industry, it becomes confusing and difficult to research which device will offer the best treatment to address your aesthetic concerns. Over 90% of women over the age of 30 will develop or have developed some form of cellulite.

Cellulite is common due to numerous reasons; it could be genetics, hormonal changes, poor lymphatic drainage, age, lifestyle, smoking, alcohol intake and stress to name a few contributing factors. But what exactly are the root causes of cellulite, and what is the best way to treat it and reduce its appearance?

1. Understanding Cellulite

Cellulite is caused by enlarged fat cells, tight connective tissue bands, and a weakened dermal layer. Fat cells in the subcutaneous layer are arranged in chambers surrounded by bands of connective tissue called septae (collagen). As water is retained, fat cells are enlarged causing fat chambers to expand against the non-flexible connective tissue. Women more are prone to cellulite than men as there is comparably less collagen in the skin, a higher percentage of body fat, and more biological responses to hormones. Also, women have a different subcutaneous layer structure with a U-shaped area as opposed to men who’s structure is criss-cross in nature.

Aging and weight gain cause fat cells to expand and start to fill up these U-shaped areas, pushing on the connective tissue. The septae is initially flexible but changes as a result of holding in fat cells without breaking or moving them into other areas causing the septae hardens, and fat cells begin to rise to the surface dermal layers.

This process results in the dermal layer expanding and molding itself to fat cells, while the hardened and tighter connective tissue pulls down on the dermal layer. The end result is a dimpled appearance.
Additional factors that contribute to the formation and appearance of cellulite include:

• Impairment of lymphatic drainage leading to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid and waste resulting in edema or swelling
• Reduced metabolism rate due to low venous flow and blood microcirculation which ultimately deprives the cells of oxygen and nutrients (low enzymatic activity)
• Increase in rigid and inflexible collagen fibers due to deterioration of collagen quality and the formation of cross- links between the three collagen’s chains

2. Collagen And It’s Important Role

Collagen is a major structural protein in the body and skin that is the principal constituent of white fibrous connective tissue. It makes up about 25 percent of the total amount of proteins in the body and is found in in tendons, skin, bone, cartilage, and ligaments. Collagen is relatively inelastic and not flexible but does have a high tensile strength and the ability to resist forces of stretching. The quantity and quality of your skin’s collagen have a significant role in your skin’s appearance, some even referring to collagen as the glue that holds the body together.

3. Narrowing Down A Solution

There are a lot of ‘solutions’ that are talked about when looking to enhance one’s appearance and reduce cellulite. It’s crucial to understand that the root cause of cellulite cannot be effectively treated with creams, lotions, pills or even diet.  This is because cellulite is a structural problem, and not a fat problem.
Finding a treatment that addresses all of the concerns associated with cellulite at the same time, and the information you receive can often be skewed and difficult to comprehend. To assist in the search for accurate and valuable information, Viora has created 3 important questions you should seek answers to when selecting the right treatment type:

1. Does the treatment target the subcutaneous or fatty layer of the skin?
2. Does this treatment target the dermal layers to stimulate collagen for tightening?
   Note: Some treatments will only target one or 2 depth levels under the skin and often misses treating symptoms in deeper layers.
3. Does the treatment promote or stimulate the lymphatic system?

4. Technology Matters

CORE technology developed by Viora’s in-house R&D department offers a robust and clinically proven solution for cellulite reduction treatments and is a standout performer in today’s fiercely competitive medical aesthetic industry. CORE (Channeling Optimized RF Energy) has 3 distinct modes, each individually targeting a chosen skin depth with an incredibly high degree of accuracy plus a multi-channel mode that targets all skin depths simultaneously.

CORE technology targets the subcutaneous/fatty layer and the dermal layers to stimulate collagen. Each treatment mode (I-IV) applies a preset frequency, each targeting a different tissue depth, from superficial layers of the skin to the hypodermis or subcutaneous/fat tissue layer.
RF energy deployed to the dermis and subcutaneous layers produces heat to increase diffusivity of oxygen released by blood cells, increases cell metabolism, the breakdown of rigid collagen cross-links, increases skin elasticity and improves skin texture.
Deep tissue heating promotes the breakdown of fat cells by an increased temperature of the treatment area which facilitates metabolism or faster breakdown of the stored energy (triglycerides) in the fat cell. When triglycerides are released, the result is physical atrophy, or shrinkage of the fat cell.
Mechanical stretch is caused by electrical pulses released from the RF electrodes that activate fibroblasts located in the dermis in order to induce gene expression of the Type I and III collagen (most abundant in skin), stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and improve secretion and enhance the elasticity of the collagen.
For more information on CORE technology and how it addresses cellulite, click the link

5. Finding A Physician

Viora’s advanced, clinically proven solution for cellulite reduction is waiting to transform your appearance and lift your confidence. It’s time to take the next step!

Join the countless individuals around the world who have taken advantage of effective, non-invasive, pain free cellulite reduction treatments that produce instant, long term results.
To locate a physician near you using our physician locator in the patient portal. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and announcements from Viora.
Editor’s Note: This post was recently edited (July 2017) to include new information and content.