Understanding the Stages of Cellulite: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding the stages of cellulite is essential for determining effective interventions to eliminate it and which strategies to adopt. Currently, cellulite is categorized into four stages:

Stage 0 indicates no presence of cellulite. Adipose tissue is well-perfused with blood, and capillaries support proper metabolic exchanges.

Stage 1, known as edematous cellulite, may not be easily visible, especially when standing. However, upon skin folding, a typical “orange peel” appearance may become apparent. This occurs due to abnormal vessel wall permeability, leading to plasma accumulation and stagnation in interstitial spaces. The skin may appear pale, cool, and dull.

Stage 2, fibrous cellulite, is characterized by dimples on the skin surface that disappear when lying down. Micro-nodules cause gradual connective tissue destruction in the dermis.

Stage 3, sclerotic cellulite, shows dimples both when lying down and standing. Individuals may experience touch sensitivity due to connective tissue fibrosis from inflammation in surrounding tissues.

To effectively address cellulite, early intervention is crucial, ideally before its onset or during its initial stages, to avoid costly and invasive treatments. Therefore, the initial step involves conducting a thermographic analysis of cellulite. Every approach starts with a comprehensive analysis to determine the most suitable cosmetic, aesthetic, or medical aesthetic treatment for the specific condition.

After analyzing cellulite using contact thermography, a technology developed by IPS, which painlessly and accurately detects and classifies cellulite, effective treatments can be implemented.

Liquid crystal thermographic plates, known for their sensitivity and high resolution, produce color images that detect cellulite even when not visible to the naked eye or detectable through palpation. This Made-in-Italy technology is highly effective preventively, enabling early intervention before cellulite becomes visible and entrenched.