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Cellulite Grades
Cellulite may be classified into four grades or stages according to clinical and microscopic examination of organs and tissue changes. We included this information because it's important to understand that as cellulite progresses there are underlying and disturbing physical changes taking place within the body. As we have stated in many reports on our site the skin is often an indicator of problems within the body. The more research we read on skin disorders, from acne to cellulite, the more support we find for our position. Grade I – Symptomatic with no superficial changes but on microscopic evaluation, there may be increased thickness of the areolar layer and increased capillary permeability.
Grade II – After skin compression or muscular contraction the skin is pale, decreased temperature and decreased elasticity.
Grade III – A padded skin and/or orange peel appearance is evident at rest; palpable sensation of thin granulations in the deep dermal levels; pain to palpation; decreased elasticity; lack of color in the skin and decreased temperature. On microscopic examination there is: fatty tissue disassociation and rarefaction (due to neoformation of collagen fibrils) followed by enscapsulation of small collections of degenerated adipocytes, forming micronodules, sclerosis and thickening on the internal layer of small arteries; dilation of venules and small veins, obliteration of the border between the dermis and subcutaneous tissue, followed by an increase in the volume of fatty micronodules, which are usually dysmorphic; and sclerosis with inclusion of adipocytes within the connective tissue of the deep dermis (hypodermis).
Grade IV – There are the same characteristics as in grade III with more palpable, visible and painful nodules, adherence to the deep dermal levels and an obvious wavy appearance of the skin surface. Microscopic examination reveals the lobular structure of the fatty tissue has disappeared and some nodules are encapsulated by dense connective tissue. Diffuse liposclerosis followed by important microcirculatory alterations and epidermal atrophy.
Cellulite may also be classified by skin consistency: hard, flaccid, edematous or mixed.
Hard – Hard cellulite is observed in young women who exercise regularly. When pinching, the orange peel aspect is evident. This is most commonly seen in teenagers.
Flaccid – Flaccid cellulite is found in inactive women. It is associated with muscle hypotonia (decreased muscle tone) and flaccidity (flabby softness). It is mainly seen in women over 40 and also occurs in women who have sudden weight loss. The padded surface is evident and the skin shakes with movement and changes according to position. There may be circulatory disturbances.
Edematous – edematous (swelling caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in body tissues) cellulite manifest as increased volume of the entire lower limbs and the area holds the imprint from fingertip pressure when the finger is removed. The skin is bright and thin. There may be a sense of heaviness and sore legs are common complaints. This is the most severe form of cellulite.
Mixed – Mixed cellulite occurs most often. Here more than one form of cellulite is evident on different parts of the body on the same person.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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