What is the Best Way to Get Rid of Cellulite?

If you’ve been dealing with unattractive skin texture caused by cellulite, you’ve probably considered options to help restore smooth, beautiful contours. 

There are many treatments on the market for managing this frustrating and embarrassing issue, many of which are accompanied by big promises and hype.

At Defyne, our board-certified plastic surgeons are proud to offer cutting-edge technology and personalized cellulite treatment. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through what causes cellulite, current medical evidence for the various cellulite reduction treatments available, and how we treat cellulite. 

If you’re ready to achieve smoother, firmer skin, schedule your consultation with us today to learn whether our advanced cellulite treatment is right for you.

Understanding Cellulite and Why It Happens

Cellulite is a very common problem faced by many women (and a small number of men). As many as 80-90% of women have some amount of cellulite after puberty, regardless of their fitness level or weight. 

Cellulite is a structural, not surface-level condition caused by fat cells pushing through the tight fibrous bands of connective tissue beneath the skin (called septae). This creates dimpled skin, described as a “cottage cheese” or “orange peel” texture. 

Common cellulite-prone areas include the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. While not harmful, cellulite can cause emotional distress because it affects appearance.

Risk Factors for Developing Cellulite 

There are several reasons a person may be more likely to develop excess cellulite. There is a common misconception that excess fat is a contributing factor; however, losing weight does not eliminate cellulite, and people of normal weight also experience it.

Common risk factors for cellulite development include:

• Hormones & Gender: Females are affected more than males due to estrogen shifts, and thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin can also play a role.
• Genetics: Certain genes can make a person more susceptible to cellulite formation.
• Age: As people age, the skin loses elasticity, which can increase the appearance of cellulite.
• Lifestyle: Diet, hydration, skin care routines, and fitness level can impact cellulite appearance.

Overview of Evidence-Based Cellulite Treatments 

There are several options available to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but they are not equal. The following are cellulite treatments you are likely to encounter when exploring the best cellulite treatments:

1. Over-the-Counter/At-Home Remedies

Exercise is often recommended to help create a more toned appearance. This can help somewhat tighten body contours, but will not eliminate cellulite. There are also many topical skin creams advertised to help reduce cellulite (often by stimulating collagen production), but research has not shown significant or lasting improvements from this cellulite treatment.

2. Non-Invasive Cellulite Treatments

Various non-invasive treatments are available. These include endermologie (an FDA-approved massage-based treatment that uses motorized rollers and suction to break up tight tissue), and energy-based treatments like acoustic wave therapy (using sound waves to stimulate tissue remodeling), as well as laser treatments and radiofrequency treatments. 

These treatments usually require multiple sessions, and studies show that results are moderate and not typically long-lasting.

3. Minimally Invasive Cellulite Treatments

Subcision, or mechanical release of the fibrous septae that cause dimpling, is another cellulite treatment option available through board-certified plastic surgeons. In studies, it has a high patient satisfaction rate and demonstrates durable results, meaning it lasts longer than many other treatments.

The Defyne Approach to Cellulite Treatment

Defyne uses a sophisticated two‑phase strategy to correct cellulite with a signature cellulite treatment that targets the structural issues responsible for dimpling. This approach provides more natural, lasting improvements than conventional methods, while remaining minimally invasive and requiring minimal downtime.

The first phase involves releasing the fibrous septae that pull the skin downward. Using the Avéli procedure, these connective bands are carefully disrupted to smooth the surface and create a durable improvement.

The second phase focuses on correcting the voids left beneath the skin to help support the released tissue and promote lasting smoothness by preventing the septa from reforming. 

This can be accomplished through fat grafting, where a person’s own harvested fat is used to restore volume, or with alloClae—an innovative, ready‑made filler that blends seamlessly with the surrounding tissue and offers immediate contour enhancement. 

Additional treatment options may include injectables that stimulate collagen production, such as Sculptra, Bellafill, and Radiesse.

By combining these steps, Defyne’s method to treat cellulite replenishes lost volume, supports smoother structural contours, and improves the longevity and quality of the results.

This modern approach integrates advanced techniques with effective comfort measures, allowing the procedure to be safely performed while the patient remains awake. Pro‑Nox sedative gas and local anesthesia are used to maintain comfort throughout the treatment, which generally takes between 30 minutes and several hours, depending on the number of dimples being treated.

Light activities may be resumed within 24–48 hours, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for one to two weeks. Temporary bruising, swelling, and tenderness are common during early recovery but typically improve over the following weeks. While improvements are noticeable immediately, the final results become most evident once swelling and bruising have fully resolved.

Ready to Start Your Journey Toward a Better Appearance?

Although cellulite can be an embarrassing problem, the great news is that effective, long-lasting cellulite treatment options do exist. 

Defyne’s advanced approach to cellulite treatment is aligned with the latest clinical research and is ideal for individuals with visible cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, or hips who are seeking smoother, more even skin texture. 

Schedule a consultation today and take your first step towards a smoother, more confident appearance.