BACKGROUND: Cellulite is considered a noninflammatory phenomenon characterized by alterations to the skin surface, with depressed and raised lesions. Few studies have evaluated subcutaneous fat in patients with cellulite, and there is no information about the anatomy of raised lesions. METHODS: Sixty women with raised cellulite lesions were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cellulite grade was evaluated using the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS). Raised cellulite lesions were marked and compared with control areas on the opposite side of the body (buttocks, abdomen, and upper thighs). RESULTS: Mean age was 39.3 ± 11.0 years and average body mass index (BMI) was 25.4 ± 4.1 kg/m(2) . There were no differences between the raised lesions and the control areas in the anatomy of the fat lobes and their size. CSS scores were higher in older patients and in those with higher BMI. Patients with higher BMI had more fat lobes. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of subcutaneous fat was similar in raised and control areas for shape, size, and thickness. Higher CSS scores were found in older patients and those with higher BMI.
BACKGROUND: Cellulite is considered a noninflammatory phenomenon characterized by alterations to the skin surface, with depressed and raised lesions. Few studies have evaluated subcutaneous fat in patients with cellulite, and there is no information about the anatomy of raised lesions. METHODS: Sixty women with raised cellulite lesions were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cellulite grade was evaluated using the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS). Raised cellulite lesions were marked and compared with control areas on the opposite side of the body (buttocks, abdomen, and upper thighs). RESULTS: Mean age was 39.3 ± 11.0 years and average body mass index (BMI) was 25.4 ± 4.1 kg/m(2) . There were no differences between the raised lesions and the control areas in the anatomy of the fat lobes and their size. CSS scores were higher in older patients and in those with higher BMI. Patients with higher BMI had more fat lobes. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomy of subcutaneous fat was similar in raised and control areas for shape, size, and thickness. Higher CSS scores were found in older patients and those with higher BMI.