How to Get Rid of Cellulite: 7 Strategies You Should Know

If you are one of the many people considering a cellulite reduction procedure, the options can feel overwhelming. But don't worry — this article summarizes some helpful information for you to make that decision! Keep reading to learn more about what cellulite actually is, what causes cellulite, who might be a good candidate for cellulite treatment and how much you can expect to pay for the procedure.

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is a collection of fat beneath the skin. It's often described as “cottage cheese" or “orange peel" in appearance and 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, buttocks, abdomen and breasts.

Cellulite grades

When examining types of cellulite, it is broken down into four grades:¹

• 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.

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 and buttocks. It can eventually cause pain and is often mistaken for obesity. Lipedema looks similar to cellulite on legs, but the skin is also typically swollen and bruises easily. Cellulite is cosmetic and doesn't pose any health risks, while lipedema is a medical condition that can become a concern.¹

What Causes Cellulite?

There's no definitive reason for what causes cellulite, but it is generally thought that causes include skin structure, hormones, genetics and age. Weight and muscle tone 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. Cellulite seems to run in families, which implies that genetics play a big role.²

There are some risk factors² known to cause cellulite, including:

• Unhealthy or fad dieting
• Slow metabolism
• Lack of physical activity
• A high percentage of total body fat

Am I a Good Candidate for Cellulite Reduction?

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery,³ a good candidate for cellulite reduction may be someone who is:

• Bothered by the effect cellulite has on one's appearance
• Not significantly overweight
• In good overall health
• Has realistic expectations about outcomes (i.e. does not expect to completely eliminate cellulite)

7 Strategies to Get Rid of Cellulite

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

1. Endermologie massage

Massage has been shown to be effective in the short term. There's a specific type of massage called endermologie (also known as lipomassage or endermology) that uses a machine to knead the skin and break up the connective tissue that is causing the dimples.² See if a day spa near you offers this type of massage.

2. Exercise and strength training

If you are overweight or out of shape, the most natural way to reduce cellulite is exercise and strength training to help reduce fat and increase muscle mass.¹

3. Acoustic wave therapy

Acoustic wave therapy is a non-invasive method that has been proven 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

4. Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis, also known as fat freezing or CoolSculpting®, is a non-surgical option that is 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" triggers an inflammatory response and the cells die. The dead fat cells are then flushed from the body by the immune system. Improvement can be noticed as soon as three weeks, with more dramatic results occurring around two months.⁶

5. Cellfina™

Cellfina™ is an injectable method in which the dermatologist or professional inserts a needle just under the skin to break up the bands that cause cellulite. This can be effective for up to two years.⁷

6. Laser treatments

One the most popular FDA-approved laser treatments is called Cellulaze™. After numbing the area, the professional injects a laser under the skin. Results last about six to 12 months.⁷ Another form of laser treatment is laser-assisted liposuction which could remove small amounts of fat but isn’t recommended for cellulite at this time. It might even make dimpling more obvious. ⁷

7. High-quality skin products

There is no scientific proof that creams work to reduce cellulite,⁴ but using high-quality skincare products can keep your skin looking young and healthy for a long as possible.

How Much Does Cellulite Treatment Cost?

Cellulite reduction is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore is usually not covered by medical insurance. The average cost for each of the treatments listed above is:

• Endermologie massage: Sessions range from $75 to $150 each.
• Exercise and strength training: Cost of a gym membership and/or home equipment.
• Acoustic wave therapy: Sessions range from $150 to $300 each.
• Cryolipolysis: Sessions cost approximately $1,500 each.⁸
• Cellfina™: Expect to pay $3,000 to $6,000 total, depending on the size of the area being treated.⁹
• Laser treatments: Range anywhere from $2,500 to more than $6,000.

CareCredit Financing for Cellulite Treatments

If you are considering cellulite reduction, your CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance. Use our Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.*