How to reduce the appearance of cellulite

Cellulite is a change in skin surface texture, often seen as dimples or an orange-peel appearance on the thighs, buttocks, hips, or abdomen. It reflects the way fat compartments press upward while fibrous connective bands pull parts of the skin downward. Skin thickness, connective tissue, genetics, hormones, and body composition can all influence how visible it is.

Cellulite is different from a sudden swollen, painful, or hot area. Weight change may alter its appearance but does not explain every case, and exercise supports general health without selectively removing cellulite. A consultation helps separate ordinary dimpling from another lump or skin change.

Regular movement and resistance training may improve muscle tone and the overall contour beneath the skin. Moisturising can temporarily make the surface look smoother, but creams do not release deeper connective bands. Avoid unregulated injections or aggressive home devices that can burn, bruise, or scar the skin.

A clinician may discuss radiofrequency skin tightening or RF microneedling when laxity and texture are relevant. Carboxytherapy uses injected carbon dioxide and has procedure-specific risks. Subcision targets selected tethering bands beneath dimples. Suitability depends on the area, skin quality, medical history, medications, and the pattern of dimpling; ask how many sessions and what recovery are expected.

Have a new or changing lump assessed if it is one-sided, firm, rapidly enlarging, painful, red, warm, or associated with fever or leg swelling. Seek urgent care for sudden swelling with severe pain, breathing difficulty, or widespread skin colour change. A clinician should examine any appearance that does not behave like your usual dimpling.

Ask what physical feature is being treated, whether your dimples are tethered or mainly related to laxity, what improvement is realistic, how results may change, and which risks apply to your skin and health history.