Grading of Cellulite
When planning to treat people, or assessing what treatment they require, it is always best to be able to describe the severity of a condition.
Therefore it is essential for us to be able to describe the severity, or grade of cellulite. Cellulite is graded into four categories:
Stage 0 cellulite:
There is no cellulite visible
Stage 1 cellulite:
There is no cellulite visible at rest, but with the "pinch test" dimpling can be seen.
The pinch test is a process where one can choose a reasonable volume of subcutaneous tissue on the buttock or thigh and observe how the skin reacts between finger and thumb. In normal people, tissue will bulge outwards and the skin will appear to be a smooth roll. In stage one cellulite or more, the fibrous septa pull on parts of the skin being pinched, resulting in a dimpling of the pinched roll of tissue. In addition to this, it is likely that congestion of the lymphatics contributes to the dimpling seen.
Stage 2 cellulite:
Stage two cellulite is when the areas of cellulite are seen on standing but disappear on lying down, it is typically soft and "squidgy" and described as soft and jelly like.
Stage 3 cellulite:
This is the worst stage. In stage three, cellulite is visible both when standing and lying. It is often hard to the touch and feels swollen and fibrosed.
To find out more, or to book an appointment, please contact us.
