If you’re here, you’ve probably got cellulite—just like the majority of all adult humans, according to board-certified dermatologist, Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD. And though cellulite is 100 percent normal and nothing to feel uncomfortable about, it’s also okay if you don’t love yours and are looking for information on how to get rid of cellulite at home. But before you spend money on a bunch of too-good-to-be-true products (see: stretch mark creams, tattoo-removal creams, and, unfortunately, cellulite creams), you need to know that there's no quick "fix" for smoothing dimples, and that even professional treatments take time to work.
That being said, it’s almost 2023, and advancements in cellulite-removal treatments have come a long, long way. Which is why I consulted with five dermatologists and two plastic surgeons for all the information on what cellulite is, if it’s possible to get rid of cellulite, and which professional cellulite treatments actually work. Keep reading, and get ready to take notes.
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is the name for the dimpled or lumpy skin that’s commonly found on someone’s thighs, butts, stomachs, hips, and arms. Cellulite forms when fat cells beneath your skin push up against your skin’s connective tissues—known as fibrous bands, or septa—causing the skin to dimple or pucker, explains board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. It’s important to note that everyone has these fat cells, regardless of what you eat or how frequently you exercise, and that cellulite is completely harmless and extremely common, says Dr. Ip.
Though everyone and anyone can get cellulite, it’s especially common in women and people with vaginas, because their fat cells are contained in “chamber-like structures that favor the expansion of fat tissue into the dermis,” says Dr. King. Basically, it’s a ~gift~ you’re born with. Meanwhile, men and people with penises have criss-crossing connective tissue structures, making it more difficult for fat to push through and create dimpling.
Still, your body’s structure only plays a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. The other determining factors include hormones, genetics, age, weight, eating habits, pregnancy, activity, and how much collagen and estrogen you naturally have in your skin. Which, again, is why cellulite is so common in humans.
How to get rid of cellulite
Here’s a rundown from the dermatologists and plastic surgeons on the best ways to get rid of cellulite, from in-office treatments to temporary at-home options:
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REFERENCES:
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: "Cellulite: An Update," "Fat Reduction: Aminophylline Cream -- ASAPS Position," "Aesthetic Surgeons Sort through Data and Hype on New and Upcoming Fat Treatments," "American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Warns Patients to Steer Clear of Injection Fat Loss Treatments," "Wise-woman's Guide to Cellulite Treatments."
Barbosa, Victoria, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Chicago.
Cellulaze: "You Have Questions, We Have Answers."
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International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology: "Tanning Beds."
Misbah Kahn, MD, FAAD, dermatologist; clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College; New York.
Khan, M. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology March 2010.
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Medscape Education: "Topical Treatments for Fat Reduction -- Do They Work? A Best Evidence Review."
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Smalls, L. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, August 2006.
U.S. Federal Trade Commission Staff Report: "Deception in Weight Loss Advertising Workshop: Seizing Opportunities and Building Partnerships to Stop Weight Loss Fraud," December 2003.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: "FDA Warns About Lipodissolve Product Claims," April 7, 2010.
University of New Mexico: "Cellulite: A Review of Its Anatomy, Physiology and Treatment."
Wanner, W. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology April 2008.
West Country Plastic Surgeons of Washington University: “Cellfina In St. Louis.”