Gynoid lipodystrophy (or sclerotic fibrous edematous panniculopathy, commonly called "cellulite") is an inflammatory structural disease of the subcutaneous tissue that causes alterations in the skin topography. These changes result from protrusions and depressions of the skin, mainly located in the buttocks, lower limbs, and abdomen.

Cellulite occurs in approximately 90% of adult women. It can begin immediately after puberty, but is more evident in women over 30; men rarely manifest it. The etiopathogenesis of this disease has not yet been identified. Among the various hypotheses there are:

• Genetic cause. The polymorphism of ACE enzymes (enzymes that convert angiotensin) has been studied for its possible correlation with the onset of cellulite.
• Hormonal cause. There is evidence showing that estrogens stimulate lipogenesis and inhibit lipolysis.
• Vascular cause. It has been proposed that a disturbance of the microvascular and lymphatic circulation can, with a staged mechanism, lead to the presence of gynoid lipodystrophy.
• Morphological cause.The skin depressions can be the result of a tension that the fibrous septae perform downwards, in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the skin, while the protruding areas are the projection of adipose chambers delimited by fibrous septae

The evaluation of cellulite is fundamental both to determine the best treatment and to correctly monitor the results.

Lymphedema means a chronic and progressive condition characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluids, rich in proteins within the interstitial space.

The lymphatic system (whether it is the transport of vessels, nodes, interstites, etc. or combinations) falls below the capacity necessary to manage the load of microvascular filtrate, including plasma proteins and cells that escape from the bloodstream to end up in the interstice. The inflammation is produced by the accumulation in the extracellular space of excess water, filtered / diffused plasma proteins, extra-vascular blood cells and parenchymal / stromal cellular products. This process culminates in the proliferation of parenchymal and stromal elements with excessive deposition of extracellular matrix substances and adipose tissue.