Validated Assessment Scales for Cellulite Dimples on the Buttocks and Thighs in Female Patients

Abstract

Background: New treatment methods for cellulite require globally accepted scales for aesthetic research and patient evaluation.

Objective: To develop a set of grading scales for objective assessment of cellulite dimples on female buttocks and thighs and assess their reliability and validity.

Materials and methods: Two photonumeric grading scales were created and validated for dimples in the buttocks in female patients: Cellulite Dimples-At Rest, and Cellulite Dimples-Dynamic. Sixteen aesthetic experts rated photographs of 50 women in 2 validation sessions. Responses were analyzed to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.

Results: Overall inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were both "almost perfect" (≥0.81, intraclass correlation efficient and weighted kappa) for the At Rest scale. For the Dynamic scale, inter-rater reliability and intra-rater reliability were "substantial" (0.61-0.80). There was a high correlation between the cellulite scales and body mass index, age, weight, and skin laxity assessments.

Conclusion: Consistent outcomes between raters and by individual raters at 2 time points confirm the reliability of the cellulite dimple grading scales for buttocks and thighs in female patients and suggest they will be a valuable tool for use in research and clinical practice.