Laser cellulite removal: what to know

Cellulite is a skin-surface pattern created by the interaction of fat, connective tissue, and skin tension. It can appear on the thighs, buttocks, hips, or abdomen and is not the same as an infection or a dangerous tumour. Laser and other energy devices may heat tissue, support collagen remodelling, or alter the way dimples catch the light. Some approaches target lax skin; others address tethering or local fat. A consultation should identify which feature is most visible before a device is selected.

Non-laser options may include [Radiofrequency Skin Tightening](/treatments/laser-and-energy/radiofrequency-skin-tightening/), [RF Microneedling](/treatments/laser-and-energy/rf-microneedling/), [Carboxytherapy](/treatments/aesthetic-procedures/carboxytherapy/), or [Subcision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/subcision/), depending on the assessment.

Ask which layer the device targets, whether the treatment is external or involves an incision, and how many visits are usually considered. Share your medical history, medicines, tendency to form raised scars, skin sensitivity, and any recent procedures. Follow instructions about shaving, sun exposure, compression, exercise, and bathing. Expect the treated area to feel warm or tender for a time; do not massage, scratch, or apply unapproved products while the skin is recovering.

Call the clinic if pain, swelling, redness, numbness, or drainage is increasing, or if the area becomes unusually hard or blistered. Urgent assessment is needed for fever with spreading redness, severe pain out of proportion to the visible skin changes, sudden leg swelling, or breathing difficulty.

What is causing my dimpling: laxity, tethering, or fat distribution? Which device is appropriate for my skin and medical history? What changes should I expect, and how will we assess them? What aftercare and warning signs apply to me?