Cellulite During Pregnancy: How To Control?

Image: ShutterStock

Cellulite may build up in the body anytime after puberty. However, the development of cellulite during pregnancy and menopause is more common because of the several physical changes that the body undergoes. Cellulite, or the orange peel syndrome, is a skin condition that occurs in almost all women. It generally occurs around the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks and is characterized by lumpy or dimpled skin with an orange-peel texture (1) (2). Cellulite occurs when the fat tissues protrude into the outer layers of the skin; therefore, the condition is usually found in the areas of the body having more subcutaneous fat. It appears when the collagen fiber, connecting the fat and the skin, breaks, stretches or pulls (3). Read the post for more information on the causes of cellulite during pregnancy and the different treatment options available.

Is It Normal To Get Cellulite During Pregnancy?

Cellulite is likely to affect women in pregnancy as the body undergoes a lot of physical changes, and an increase in the subcutaneous fat could lead to its development.

More deposition of the fat ensures adequate availability of calories for pregnancy and lactation (4). Here are some other factors that might contribute to cellulite during pregnancy (2).

• Hormonal changes
• Genetics
• Diet and lifestyle

What Causes Cellulite In Pregnancy?

One of the reasons for cellulite development during pregnancy could be an increase in the level of estrogen (5)

, which is responsible for the arrangement of fatty tissues in the body (6). Moreover, the resultant lack of progesterone leads to the formation of nodules under the skin. This leads to dimpling and cellulite formation.

Some factors that are likely to increase the chances of cellulite in pregnancy are as follows (7):

• Age, women conceiving at a higher maternal age
• Weight gain, although a normal part of pregnancy, excessive weight gain could be a factor.
• Water retention, where the excessive volume of fluids settles in various parts of the body
• Inadequate exercise, poor diet, and lifestyle habits
  

  Image: IStock

• Genetic factors could also play a role

Point to consider

Sitting or standing for longer periods may worsen cellulite (16).

How To Get Rid Of Cellulite When Pregnant?

Here we list a few ways that may help prevent or get rid of cellulite naturally or with medical treatments.

Natural ways:

• Avoid the intake of foods that are high in calories.
• Add more fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits in the diet.
• Lean meat and oily fish are good additions to the diet.
• Engage in some light pregnancy exercises and yoga
• Avoid smoking
• Stay hydrated (7)

Image: Shutterstock

Medical treatment:

Topical treatments such as anti-cellulite lotions and slimming lotions may be applied to the affected area to reduce its development and make it less evident.

The main content of cellulite cream is caffeine, which is a diuretic and a xanthene.

It might increase the blood flow in the targeted area and stimulates the cells to remove the excess fat (8). However, the use of caffeine and xanthenes is restricted during pregnancy due to their counter-effects. Hence, pregnant women are recommended to use it post-pregnancy (9). If water retention is causing cellulite, lymphatic drainage might be an approach to manage the related cellulite problem.

Did you know?

Massaging the skin using a stiff-bristled brush (dry brushing) increases blood circulation, which might help reduce cellulite (17). However, there is no proof to validate it.

Ways That Might Help Reduce Cellulite Post Pregnancy

There are various medical procedures for treating cellulite post pregnancy. But, remember, there is not enough research to back their efficacy.  Based on the skin condition, the dermatologist may suggest one of the following medical procedures:

• Cellfina: It is a non-invasive method (subcision), wherein a very thin blade is used to break the fat accumulation under the skin (adipose tissue) by inserting it through a small incision. The affected area is slightly suctioned up using the Cellfina device for inserting the blade without impacting the surrounding tissues. The results are visible within a few days and may last up to three years (10).

• Acoustic wave therapy: This therapy involves the stimulation of the connective tissues of the affected area by using vibrations. This method aims at collagen remodeling, thereby improving the texture and appearance of the skin (11).

Image: IStock

• Radiofrequency treatments: These therapies are a combination of tissue massage and radiofrequency technology that includes ultrasound, radial pulses to heat the skin, and infrared light for cellulite treatment (10).

• Cellulaze: It is a laser treatment method used to break the fat bands beneath the skin by inserting a tiny laser probe. The fatty tissues are heated using a laser, which might help in releasing the fat, reducing the thickness of the fat layer, stimulating collagen and elastin production, and improving the elasticity and texture of the skin. The results may last for about one year (10).

• Vacuum-assisted precise tissue release: In this procedure, a device with small blades is used to cut the tough bands beneath the skin to remove the excess fat. Its effect may last for about three years (12).

• Laser-assisted liposuction: It could be suitable for removing a small amount of fat. A laser treatment combined with liposuction is more suitable for cellulite treatment (12).

Image: IStock

• Ionithermie cellulite reduction treatments: This is a spa treatment for the skin using algae or clay or a mixture of both. A mild electric current is then applied to the targeted areas using an electrode. It may help in reducing the size and appearance of the cellulite (12).

• Endermologie: This spa treatment involves deep massaging of the affected area by lifting your skin with a vacuum-like tool. This treatment might need several sessions, and the results may last for about 12 months. It may also cause some bruises (12).

• Carboxytherapy: It is another invasive method that involves the insertion of carbon dioxide under the skin. This method increases blood flow in the targeted area, which could help in reducing the visibility of the cellulite. This procedure may cause a little discomfort and temporary bruises. However, the results are visible after seven to ten treatments (13).

• Cryolipolysis: It is a non-invasive procedure, also known as CoolSculpting. It involves fat removal by freezing the fat tissues and cells under the skin, to prevent any injuries to the skin.

Image: Shutterstock

This procedure needs to be done several times, and it might take around four to six months for it to show a noticeable difference (14). However, this method has been found effective in the removal of large fat pockets under the skin, but not the cellulite.

• Ultrasound: It is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to remove the excess fat from areas like the thighs and abdomen. There is no evidence to prove its effectiveness, but ultrasound with another cellulite treatment may help in reducing the amount of cellulite (12).

Apart from the medical treatments, the natural way to treat cellulite is weight loss. By sticking to regular exercise routines and a healthy diet, you may be able to shed the unwanted fat in the body.

Infographic: Preventive Measures For Cellulite During Pregnancy

As a woman’s body changes during pregnancy, the skin can become stretched, resulting in changes such as the appearance of cellulite. However, as our infographic suggests, you may prevent or reduce cellulite by incorporating simple lifestyle changes. Keep these tips handy and share them with other expectant mothers too.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Shashwat JaniMS

Dr. Shashwat Jani is a consultant obstetrician & gynecologist in Smt. N.H.L. Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad. He has 14 years of experience with a special interest in high-risk pregnancy, infertility, and endoscopy.

Read full bio of Dr. Shashwat Jani

shreeja pillaiMSc

Shreeja holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and diploma in Drug Regulatory Affairs from the University of Mumbai. Before joining MomJunction, she worked as a research analyst with a leading multinational pharmaceutical company.

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Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

Read full bio of Dr. Joyani Das