- Fatty tissue accumulation can cause bumps, dimples, and lumps on the skin’s surface.
- Genetics, hormonal changes, weight gain, injury, and lifestyle/environmental factors can cause fatty tissue buildup.
- Poor skin health, uneven skin tone, and sagging skin can result from fatty tissue buildup.
- To reduce fatty tissue buildup, maintain a healthy lifestyle, consider treatments such as coolsculpting or liposuction, and/or exercise regularly.
- Consulting a licensed dermatologist can help determine the best treatment for your condition.
Have you recently noticed changes in your skin appearance, like dimples and bumps? If yes, then your first consultation should be with your dermatologist. Dimples, bumps, and lumps can result from numerous skin conditions, but at times it could be due to fatty tissue accumulation in the skin layers. Fatty tissue is a concern for many people worldwide. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is Fatty Tissue?
Fatty tissue, adipose tissue, or fat cells is stored underneath the skin in the subcutaneous layer. Having a certain amount of fat cells in your skin is healthy, but when these cells increase at an abnormal level, it results in a lump, dimple, or bump on the skin’s surface.
Fatty tissue is expected around the thigh region, abdominal area, and upper arms. Although it is noncancerous, it can be challenging to eliminate and cause embarrassment, especially when visible on the skin’s surface.
Additionally, fatty tissue buildup on the skin often results in poor blood and nutrient circulation. The fat cells can constrict proper blood flow, leading to poor skin health, which can result in the degeneration of cells, skin elasticity, and collagen production. Poor skin health, in turn, leads to uneven skin tone, sagging skin, and changes in texture.
Reasons For Buildup
Various things can cause fatty tissue buildup. Here are the reasons behind fatty tissue buildup.
Genetics
In some cases, experts believe that fatty tissue buildup is a genetic trait, mainly if it occurs in various family members. Several studies indicate that genetics play a crucial role in forming lipomas, the fatty lumps that grow beneath the skin’s surface.
While there is no cure for genetic factors, it doesn’t mean you can’t take preventative measures. Keeping a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient water intake can prevent the buildup of fatty tissues.
Hormones and Age
Hormonal fluctuations during different phases of life, such as puberty and menopause, may lead to the development of fatty tissue on the skin. During puberty, both men and women experience hormonal changes that can impact the body’s fat distribution.
Meanwhile, women going through menopause may gain weight in specific areas of their bodies, which can lead to fatty tissue buildup. In addition, as a person ages, their skin and fat tissues may lose elasticity, leading to sagginess.
Weight Gain
When you gain weight, the fat cells in your body expand, and some of them can migrate to different areas of your body, resulting in fatty tissue on the skin. This usually occurs in areas of the body where you might have gained weight, such as your arms, stomach, and thighs. Maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and a nutritious diet can help prevent the further buildup of fatty tissue while reducing the appearance of existing lumps.
Injury and Trauma
Injuries and trauma to the skin and underlying tissues can form a lump due to a localized accumulation of fat. Some injuries that may lead to fatty tissue buildup include injections, blows, and accidents. Although such an injury may heal on its own, the fat buildup may remain, causing bumps on the skin. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the fatty tissue.
Lifestyle and Environment
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition can contribute to the appearance of fatty tissue on the skin. In addition, environmental factors such as stress and exposure to pollutants can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause fatty lumps. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and taking care of your skin, you can prevent the appearance of fatty tissue on the skin.
Dealing With Fatty Tissue
Thankfully, you can address fatty tissue buildup and reduce its appearance in various ways.
Coolsculpting
Cool sculpting is one of the best ways to get rid of fatty tissue. It uses a freezing technology to target and freeze fat cells, reducing their size. The treated area may become red or swollen after the treatment, but this should subside within a few weeks. Visit a coolsculpting clinic near you. They can check if you can benefit from the treatment and guide you.
Liposuction
This is another popular procedure that can help reduce fatty tissue buildup on the skin. Using a suction device removes unwanted fat cells, resulting in smoother skin. However, a licensed surgeon should only do liposuction surgery with proper aftercare instructions.
Exercise
Regular exercise and weight management can also help reduce fatty tissue buildup. Exercise helps burn fat cells, and regular physical activity keeps your metabolism active, preventing further accumulation of fat cells. Additionally, it is vital to maintain a healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins to prevent any further buildup of fatty tissues.
Fatty tissue buildup can result from genetic factors, environmental stressors, hormones, and weight gain. While there is no permanent cure, following a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a proper diet can help reduce its appearance on the skin. Additionally, treatments such as coolsculpting and liposuction can help reduce the appearance of fatty tissue.
