Cellulite is a common condition characterized by lumpy, dimpled skin on the buttocks, thighs, lower abdomen and arms. It thought to affect up to 80 percent of postpubertal females.

Cause
Cellulite is believed to be associated with changes in dermal thickness, fat cells, and the fibrous septae (fibrous connective cords) that connect the skin to the fascia (the connective tissue casing around the muscles). As fat cells accumulate, they squeeze up against the skin, while the cords pull the skin down toward the muscle, resulting in an uneven, dimpled skin surface.

Risk Factors
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of cellulite including hormones, genetics, age, skin texture, body type and body weight.

Severity
Cellulite can be graded according to severity: 

• Grade 1 (mild) has an “orange peel” appearance
• Grade 2 (moderate) has a “cottage cheese” appearance
• Grade 3 (severe) has a “mattress” appearance.

Prevention
Cellulite is thought to be more prevalent in smokers, people with a sedentary lifestyle, and people who have too much fat, refined carbohydrates, or salt in their diet. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet and taking regular exercise may help reduce the risk.

Treatments

• Non-medical treatments (including radiofrequency devices, laser/light devices, acoustic wave therapy, and subcision)
• Topical agents (including retinoids, caffeine)
• Dermal fillers (calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) and poly-l-lactic acid (Sculptra))
• Injectable biologics (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes (Qwo))

Qwo (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes) is the first FDA approved injectable treatment for cellulite. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women.

Drugs used to treat Cellulite