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A Guide to Examining Intramuscular Fat Formation and its Cellular Origin in Skeletal Muscle
Published on: May 26, 2022
Cellulite: from standing fat herniation to hypodermal stretch marks
G E Piérard1, J L Nizet, C Piérard-Franchimont
1Department of Dermatopathology, University Medical Center of Liège, Belgium.
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|March 4, 2000
Summary
Cellulite involves fibrosclerotic strands in the subcutis, which may be a gender-linked trait. These strands, potentially a reaction to fat accumulation, contribute to skin dimpling and the characteristic cellulite appearance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Anatomy
- Pathology
Background:
- Microanatomical descriptions of cellulite lack consistency in scientific literature.
- Cellulite is a common skin condition primarily affecting women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the microanatomy of cellulite through microscopic examination.
- To investigate the relationship between fibrosclerotic strands, fat accumulation, and the clinical presentation of cellulite.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of 39 autopsy specimens.
- Inclusion of a control group (4 women, 11 men) without cellulite.
- Analysis of the dermohypodermal interface and subcutaneous tissue.
Main Results:
- The lumpy dermohypodermal interface is a gender-linked characteristic, not exclusive to cellulite.
- Incipient cellulite (mattress phenomenon) correlates with enlarged fibrosclerotic strands partitioning the subcutis.
- These strands may act as a physiological barrier against fat herniation, with histologic features resembling stretch marks.
Conclusions:
- Fibrosclerotic strands are key microanatomical features in cellulite, potentially arising from sustained hypodermal pressure due to fat accumulation.
- Full-blown cellulite may occur when connective tissue response is overwhelmed by progressive fat accumulation.
- The observed histologic changes contribute to the clinical manifestation of skin dimpling.
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