Cellulite
Cellulite is fat that collects in pockets just below the surface of the skin. It forms around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite deposits cause the skin to look dimpled.
The fat layer of skin is located in the subcutaneous layer of tissue called the hypodermis. The thickness of the fat layer, which varies greatly from one person to another, depends on the size and number of fat cells.
Cellulite is a term that is used to describe fat deposits under the skin that outwardly give the skin a dimpled, or orange-peel like appearance. Cellulite is most often seen in woman because the fat is arranged in large chambers separated by columns of collagen fibers. In overweight people excess fat is stuffed in these compartments causing them to bulge out. On the surface of the skin the bulging provides the dimply appearance of cellulite, especially in areas such as the hips, buttocks or thighs. Cellulite is predetermined by genetics so even thin women can develop the appearance. Factors such as hormones, pregnancy, and aging may all attribute to the weakening of the collagen fibers to give the cellulite appearance.
Information
Everyone has layers of fat under the skin, so even thin people can have cellulite. Collagen fibers that connect fat to the skin may stretch, break down, or pull tight. This allows fat cells to bulge out.
Your genes may play a part in whether or not you have cellulite. Other factors may include:
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- How your body burns energy
- Hormone changes
- Dehydration
Cellulite is not harmful to your health. Most health care providers consider cellulite a normal condition for many women and some men.
Many people seek treatment for cellulite because they are bothered by how it looks. Talk to your provider about treatment options. These include:
- Laser treatment, which uses laser energy to break up the tough bands that pull on the skin resulting in the dimpled skin of cellulite.
- Subcision, which uses a tiny blade to also break up the tough bands.
- Fillers that stimulate collagen to soften appearance of dimpled areas.
- Other treatments, such as carbon dioxide, radiofrequency, ultrasound, creams and lotions, and deep massage devices.
Be sure you understand the risks and benefits of any treatment for cellulite.
Tips for avoiding cellulite include:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Exercising regularly to keep muscles toned and bones strong
- Maintaining a healthy weight (no yo-yo dieting)
- Not smoking
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association website. Cellulite treatments: what really works?
Coleman KM, Coleman WP, Flynn TC. Body contouring: liposuction and non-invasive modalities. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 156.
Hexsel DM, Katz BE, Hexsel CL. Cellulite. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Limited; 2022:chap 38.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 11/30/2022
Reviewed by: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
