Treatment for Cellulite

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is cellulite?
  Cellulite is a common cosmetic skin condition that causes a dimpled, lumpy appearance on the skin, most often on the thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen. It occurs when fat deposits push upward through fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin. Cellulite is very common, affecting an estimated 80% to 90% of postpubertal women.
• What does cellulite look like?
  Cellulite typically appears as dimpled, uneven, or puckered skin, sometimes described as having an "orange peel" or "cottage cheese" texture. It is most commonly visible on the thighs and buttocks, and may be more noticeable when standing or when the skin is pinched. Severity can range from mild textural changes to more prominent dimpling.
• What causes cellulite?
  Cellulite is caused by the structural relationship between fat, connective tissue, and skin. Fibrous bands called septae pull the skin downward while fat pushes upward, creating the characteristic dimpled appearance. Hormones, genetics, age, and lifestyle factors all contribute to cellulite development.
• When should I see a doctor about cellulite?
  Consider seeing a dermatologist or plastic surgeon if cellulite causes you significant cosmetic concern and you are interested in professional treatment options. Seek evaluation if you notice sudden or unusual changes in skin texture, as these may indicate a different condition such as lipedema.
• How is cellulite treated?
  Treatment options include subcision procedures that release fibrous bands beneath the skin, laser and energy-based therapies, acoustic wave therapy, and injectable treatments. Exercise and strength training do not directly treat cellulite, but they can make it look less noticeable by improving muscle tone and reducing body fat. An in-person evaluation can identify the most appropriate approach based on severity and goals.
• Can cellulite be completely eliminated?
  Complete elimination of cellulite is generally not achievable, as it is a normal physiological variation rather than a disease. Many treatments can meaningfully reduce its appearance, and results from procedural treatments may last from several months to several years. Cellulite often persists regardless of fitness level, so lifestyle changes alone do not directly treat it.
• What can I do at home to reduce cellulite?
  At-home approaches do not directly treat cellulite, but they can affect its appearance. Regular exercise, particularly strength training, may help cellulite look less noticeable by improving muscle tone and reducing body fat. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet may also help. Topical products containing caffeine or retinol can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, though results are modest and short-lived.
• Do creams, massage, or radiofrequency reduce cellulite?
  They work on different parts of the picture, and it helps to know which part. The dimple itself is produced by a fibrous band pulling the skin down toward the muscle. Topical caffeine and retinoid products act on the skin surface and can improve its quality and firmness. Massage and acoustic devices produce temporary swelling that softens the depression for a day or two. Energy-based devices such as radiofrequency act on the tissue more broadly and have been described as producing temporary improvement in appearance. Exercise and weight management improve the surrounding contour and are worth doing on their own merits. What none of them do is mechanically release an individual band, so if the tethered dimple is your main concern, that is the thing to ask about directly.
• What does Aveli do for cellulite dimples?
  It releases the tether. Aveli is a manual subcision device introduced through a small entry point and guided from within the tissue, so the person treating you can confirm the position of each band and release it under direct control before moving on. It is an in-office procedure with local anesthetic, and bruising for a couple of weeks afterward is expected and normal. Aveli addresses dimples specifically; it is not a treatment for skin laxity or general fullness. That is why we start with an evaluation that identifies which of those three is producing the appearance you want changed, and build the plan from there.