Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume 62, Issue 3 , Pages 361-370, March 2010

Treatment of cellulite:

Part I. Pathophysiology

  • Misbah H. Khan, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Dermatology at Robert-Wood Johnson University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Somerset, New Jersey
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Misbah H. Khan, MD, or Neil S. Sadick, MD, Sadick Dermatology and Sadick Research Group, 911 Park Ave, Ste 1A, New York, NY 10075.
    • ,
  • Frank Victor, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Dermatology at Robert-Wood Johnson University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Somerset, New Jersey
    • ,
  • Babar Rao, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Dermatology at Robert-Wood Johnson University Hospital, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Somerset, New Jersey
    • ,
  • Neil S. Sadick, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Dermatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Misbah H. Khan, MD, or Neil S. Sadick, MD, Sadick Dermatology and Sadick Research Group, 911 Park Ave, Ste 1A, New York, NY 10075.

Cellulite is a topographic skin change that is nearly ubiquitous in postpubertal women. Treatment remains elusive. The various treatments currently available are only partially or temporarily effective. Newer therapeutic modalities continue to evolve without much understanding of the complex nature of cellulite. The successful treatment of cellulite will ultimately depend upon our understanding of the pathophysiology of cellulite adipose tissue. Part I of this two-part series on cellulite reviews how the concept and perception of cellulite has evolved over time and its proposed etiologies. The article also focuses on the physiology of human adipose tissue, particularly regarding cellulite.

Learning objectives

After completing this learning activity, participants should be able to differentiate adipocyte physiology between the cellulite-prone areas and other parts of the body, understand the spectrum of conventional and interventional treatment modalities available, including their modes of action and controversies that dominate and question their long-term efficacy based on published studies, and discuss newer horizons for the treatment of cellulite.

Key words: brown adipose tissue, cellulite, subcutaneous fat, white adipose tissue

Abbreviations used: α-2 AR, α-2 adrenergic receptor, BAT, brown adipose tissue, BMI, body mass index, GAG, glycosoaminoglycan, LPLL, lipoprotein lipase, MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, UCP-1, uncoupling protein-1, WAT, white adipose tissue

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 Funding sources: None.

 Conflicts of interest: Dr Sadick and the Sadick Research Group work with Syneron on clinical studies of their equipment seeking approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. In exchange, Sadick Dermatology receives discounted equipment. The other authors, editors, and peer reviewers have no relevant financial relationships to declare.

PII: S0190-9622(09)01449-2

doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2009.10.042

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume 62, Issue 3 , Pages 361-370, March 2010

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution