Cellulite Information, Cellulite Self-Exam
Do you really have cellulite?
The cellulite self examination has not really been addressed appropriately. There are many women who complain of cellulite who seem to think the presence of saddlebags means cellulite. Similarly, women mistakenly refer to fat deposits around the knees as cellulite. Many women refer to fat under the buttock as cellulite, while Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeons refer to this pocket of fat as banana rolls. Oftentimes, these banana rolls are called cellulite. Banana rolls seem to appear several months after liposuction of the thighs. This is a difficult area to perform liposuction. Plastic Surgeons, Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeons usually leave this area untouched. Thus fat tends to deposit in this area because there is an abundance of fat cells just waiting to grow. Of course there are women who have these banana rolls who have never undergone liposuction. This area immediately beneath the buttocks is resistant to exercise, because there are no exercise which can target this little "spot of fat", which is the same for love "love handles" and "saddlebags". Additionally, some women do complain about fat in the inner thighs. This can be smooth which means there is no cellulite; if it's irregular then it is cellulite in the inner thighs.
Not all fat is cellulite
Those of you reading this will be happy to know there are fat deposits on the thighs which do not fall in the category of cellulite. In summary, saddlebags, banana rolls, fat knees and fat in the inner thigh is not cellulite if it's smooth.
"Got Cellulite"
The cellulite exam is very important in self diagnosis. Certainly, there are grades of cellulite. Yet, every woman has the view point that her cellulite is the worst ever. This is understandable, since this condition is very debilitating. Before, we get into the cellulite grades let's talk about what is required for the cellulite examination. It's very simple a full length mirror and a great lighting.
Black underwear amplifies cellulite
It's best to wear black underwear during the cellulite examination. Black brings out the imperfections in the skin whereas pastels diminish the defects. If you want to truly get a good cellulite self-evaluation, do it in black underwear, preferably in a g-string or thong.
Cellulite: the frontal view
During the cellulite self-exam, you will look at your legs from four positions. The first being the frontal view. While approximately 2-3 feet away in front of the mirror with legs close together, look at your legs without bending at the waist. Bending at the waist can make the cellulite appear worse; this is referred to as functional cellulite. Just bend the neck slightly forward without moving the upper body and look for lumps, bumps and dimples. If you see these you have cellulite.
Cellulite: the side view
When examining the side of your legs, turn your side to the mirror. Do not rotate your trunk to look at your thighs, this will make it worse or bring out the appearance of what Dr. Bissoon calls Functional Cellulite. This is a very common mistake made by almost everyone, and will worsen the appearance of cellulite. Now, turn your head toward the mirror and look at your legs without twisting your upper body. If you see lumps, bumps and dimples, then you have cellulite.
Cellulite: the back view
Examining the back of the legs for cellulite can be tricky. With your back towards the mirror, Use a hand mirror and look at the reflection of your legs in the hand mirror. Again, twisting and looking will exaggerate matters. If you see lumps, bumps and dimples, then you have cellulite on the back of your legs.
Cellulite: the pinch test
If you have completed the examination and there is no evidence of visible lumps, bumps and dimples then you can proceed to the pinch test. There are three steps to a great pinch:
- Separate your thumb and Index finger.
- Grab an area of skin approximately two inches in width.
- Squeeze the thumb and index fingers together.
If there is orange peel or mattress appearance to the skin this is cellulite.
