10 Treatments to Help You Get Rid of Cellulite

Frustrated by stubborn dimpling on your hips, thighs or bum? Cellulite affects most women after puberty, regardless of size, shape and fitness level. It's very common — affecting up to 90% of women — so you're not alone.¹

The good news is that cellulite isn't harmful and doesn't require treatment. But if it undermines your confidence and you'd like to do something about it, there are several treatment options that can help reduce its appearance.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a collection of fat beneath the skin. It's often described as cottage cheese or orange peel in appearance. It occurs when fat pushes against the connective tissue beneath the skin, which is what causes the skin to look lumpy or dimpled.¹ Cellulite occurs more frequently in women than men and is commonly found on a person's hips, thighs and buttocks.²

Cellulite grades

Cellulite is broken down into four grades:³

• Grade 0 cellulite. No cellulite.
• Grade 1 cellulite. Skin is smooth when you stand up, but there is some dimpling when you sit down or apply pressure.
• Grade 2 cellulite. Dimples are visible when standing or sitting.
• Grade 3 cellulite. Severe dimples when standing up or sitting down. The skin may also have raised and depressed areas.

Common causes of cellulite

There's no definitive reason for why cellulite forms, but it is generally thought that causes include skin structure, hormones, genetics and age.⁴ Weight can affect whether or not a person has cellulite, but even very fit people can have it. Most women develop some amount of cellulite after puberty, and it's more common as people get older and the skin loses elasticity.¹

Other factors that may contribute to cellulite include:²

• High percentage of total body fat
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet

While cellulite mostly affects women, some men also have it.²

Cellulite vs. lipedema

Cellulite is different from a condition called lipedema. Lipedema causes excess fat to accumulate in the lower half of the body, usually in the legs. It can eventually cause pain and is often mistaken for obesity.⁴

Lipedema looks similar to cellulite on the legs, but the skin is also typically swollen and bruises easily. Cellulite is cosmetic and doesn't pose any health issues, while lipedema is a medical condition that can become a concern.⁴

10 Strategies to Tackle Cellulite

While there is no way to completely eliminate cellulite, there are several treatment options that can reduce the appearance of dimpling.¹

1. Endermologie Massage

Massage has been shown to be effective in the short term. There's a specific type of treatment called endermologie® (also known as "lipomassage" or "endermology") that uses a machine to knead the skin and break up the connective tissue causing the dimples. See if a day spa near you offers this type of massage.⁵

2. Exercise and Strength Training

If you are overweight or out of shape, the most natural way to reduce the appearance of cellulite is through exercise and strength training, which can help reduce fat and increase muscle mass.⁵

If you're looking for exercises that target the most cellulite-prone areas, like the buttocks and thighs, consider adding squats, step-ups and glute bridges to your regimen. It's a good idea to consult a doctor before starting to exercise.

3. A Healthy Diet

An unhealthy diet can also contribute to cellulite. On the flip side, following a healthy diet may help you avoid cellulite. That includes drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, trying to maintain a healthy weight and avoiding yo-yo dieting.²

4. Acoustic Wave Therapy

Acoustic wave therapy, also called acoustic subcision, is a non-invasive method that has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite. This therapy allows the fat to settle more evenly by using ultrasonic waves to break down the fibrous tissue.⁵

5. Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing or CoolSculpting®, is a non-surgical option designed for spot treatments. A handheld device freezes the layer of fat right below the skin. Fat cells are more susceptible to colder temperatures, so the injury from freezing triggers an inflammatory response and the cells die. The dead fat cells are then flushed from the body by the immune system.⁶

While CoolSculpting doesn't break down the bands of fibrous tissue responsible for dimpling, reducing fat may improve the appearance of cellulite.⁶

6. Cellfina

Cellfina® is a vacuum-assisted precise tissue release treatment that's FDA-cleared to treat cellulite.¹ During the treatment, a dermatologist or cosmetic professional inserts a needle just under the skin to break up the bands that cause cellulite.⁵ This can be effective for up to three years.¹

7. Laser Treatments

One of the most popular FDA-cleared laser treatments is called Cellulaze®. After numbing the area, a laser is injected under the skin. Results can last up to 12 months, and the procedure has a very high satisfaction rate.¹

Other types of laser and light therapies have not been shown to be as effective for treating cellulite.⁵

8. Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency treatments, such as VelaSmooth™ and VelaShape™, are FDA-cleared cellulite treatments that use a combination of radiofrequency, infrared light and massage to reduce cellulite. Multiple treatments are usually needed to see results, and the results don't last as long as other treatments.¹

9. Avéli

Avéli® is an FDA-cleared manual subcision procedure for cellulite treatment on the thighs and buttocks. The surgeon inserts a thin cannula into the area that identifies and releases the bands of fibrous tissue that cause cellulite skin dimpling.⁷

It is typically performed as a one-time treatment, with results shown to last at least 12 months.⁷

10. Topical Cellulite Treatments

Due to the lack of scientific proof that creams work to reduce cellulite, there are no FDA-approved topical treatments specifically for cellulite.⁸ That said, certain skin care ingredients may offer benefits — like retinol, which helps increase collagen production and may have some effect on cellulite.⁵

Caffeine is another ingredient that may reduce the appearance of cellulite by dehydrating cells.⁵ Some topical products containing coffee by-products have been shown to have anti-cellulite effects.⁹

How Much Do Cellulite Treatments Cost?

The national average cost** of cellulite reduction varies significantly by the type of treatment, geographic location and numbers of sessions needed, among other factors.¹⁰

Here are the average costs** of the treatments described above:¹⁰

Calculate the cost of VelaShape cellulite treatment near you**

Are Cellulite Reduction Treatments Covered by Insurance?

Cellulite reduction is considered a cosmetic procedure, so it is not usually covered by medical insurance.

How Can You Pay for Cellulite Reduction Treatments?

There are several ways to pay for cellulite reduction treatments, depending on what your provider offers and your budget. Some pay upfront with cash, check or a credit/debit card. Others may choose a payment plan offered through the practice.

If you'd prefer to pay over time, the CareCredit credit card is another option many patients use for out-of-pocket health and wellness services. If approved, you can make monthly payments (with promotional financing options where available). Promotional financing options vary, so review the details and ask the office whether they accept CareCredit before deciding.

Treating Cellulite in a Way That Works for You

Cellulite can be a common concern for many people. While it doesn't require treatment, its appearance can sometimes impact confidence. The good news is that there are options available— from lifestyle changes to professional treatments — that can help minimize its visibility. With the right approach, you can make a difference in reducing the appearance of cellulite to create smoother, firmer skin.

Financing Cellulite Treatment With the CareCredit Credit Card

When getting cellulite treatment or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for more than two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.