Cellulite
The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. The lumpiness of cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin, leading to the characteristic changes in appearance of the skin.
There is no way to permanently get rid of cellulite. Cellulite is graded into 4 categories:
Grade 1: Mild and visible dimpling only when pinched
Grade 2: visible when standing but disappears when lying down. There is more swelling of the fat and spider veins may also be present.
Grade 3: Cottage cheese effect as fat lobules are protruding and present in all positions
Grade 4: Nodular and possibly even painful. Hills and valleys are present.
Thermage, a one time procedure with no down-time can help improve the appearance of early (Grade 1 & 2).