7 Common Questions About Cellulite Answered

While cellulite is generally considered harmless, a lot of people who have it are eager to find ways to reduce or eliminate its appearance. There’s certainly no shortage of creams and treatments that claim to improve the way it looks or even get rid of it. The sad part is many of these so-called miracle cures fall short, offering little to no visible improvement, even with consistent use.

So, what does work when it comes to getting rid of cellulite? Can lifestyle changes make a real difference? And which treatments actually deliver noticeable results? Continue reading as we explore more and answer the 7 most common questions about cellulite.

1. What causes cellulite?

Although the exact cause is unknown, cellulite is said to form when the fat layers underneath the skin begin to push through connective tissues or collagen fibers. It is common in people with excess weight, but even skinny people can have skin dimpling. Below are the factors that contribute to cellulite: 

• Genes – cellulite tends to run in families and having a mother or grandmother with it increases your chance of having cellulite.
• Weight gain – as previously mentioned, skinny people can have cellulite, but it is more common in those with excess body fat. Gaining weight and an increase in fat tissue can also lead to cellulite or make it more noticeable.
• Age – cellulite is more common as people age. This is due to the weakening of cell structures, loss of elasticity, and the natural decline of collagen production.
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits – poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle increase your risk of developing cellulite and gaining weight. And when you smoke, it reduces blood flow and weakens collagen, potentially contributing to cellulite formation.

2. Can cellulite go away on its own?

Cellulite may be more of a cosmetic concern, but it is a complex issue. It involves fat cells, connective tissues, and skin elasticity. And in most cases, it does not go away on its own. It is difficult to get rid of, with its appearance becoming more noticeable over time, especially with bad habits. 

Some treatments can improve its appearance, but completely eliminating it can be extremely difficult. Diet, exercise, and certain treatments can help, but you cannot expect them to get rid of it entirely. Being genetically predisposed to cellulite can also make it more challenging to reduce its appearance.

3. Do home remedies work on cellulite?

Home remedies cannot complexly get rid of cellulite, but some can help improve its appearance or make it less visible. These include dry brushing, coffee scrubs, and some creams with caffeine or retinol. Regular use can help improve skin texture and reduce cellulite’s visibility.

Do take note, however, that these methods may only offer slight or subtle improvement. They are temporary remedies, not permanent solutions. Aesthetic treatments like acoustic wave therapies are more effective in breaking down cellulite, improving blood flow, and minimizing the appearance of skin dimpling. 

4. Can exercise make cellulite go away?

Whether or not you’re dealing with cellulite, exercising regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and improving overall health. And although it isn’t a cure-all for skin dimpling, it may help reduce its appearance, especially for routines that strengthen the muscles in the legs, buttocks, and abdomen.

Gaining muscle mass and losing body fat can lessen the appearance of cellulite. A combination of regular exercise, a healthy diet, and other treatments is likely to offer better results in reducing cellulite appearance. 

5. Can liposuction get rid of cellulite?

While excess fat can contribute to the appearance of cellulite, it’s not the only factor. Cellulite is also associated with the structure and elasticity of the skin, including how connective tissue interacts with underlying fat. And as liposuction targets fat but does not address the fibrous bands beneath the skin, it typically does little to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

In some cases, liposuction may even make cellulite more noticeable. When a significant amount of fat is removed, the underlying support for the skin can be reduced, especially in individuals with lower skin elasticity. This can lead to a more pronounced sagging or uneven texture in the treated area.

6. What lifestyle changes can help improve cellulite?

You can minimize the appearance of cellulite through a combination of exercise, diet, treatments, and some lifestyle changes. Some of the things that can help include: 

• Eating a balanced diet
• Exercising regularly (strength training and cardio)
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding processed foods, too much salt and sugar
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol and smoking

7. What works for cellulite reduction?

At Sanctuary by Cutis, we have acoustic shockwave therapy for cellulite reduction. This non-invasive treatment uses targeted vibrations or radial shockwaves to break down fat under the skin. It helps improve skin firmness and elasticity, which smooths the skin and reduce cellulite appearance. 

We have two acoustic shockwave devices:

• X-Wave – uses targeted vibrations to stimulate the connective tissues, breaking down fat deposits responsible for cellulite. It also promotes lymphatic drainage to flush out toxins and supports collagen production, helping to smooth skin texture, reduce dimpling, and improve the appearance of stretch marks.
• ZWave – uses radial shockwaves that disrupt fat structures and break down the fibrous bands causing cellulite. This treatment also boosts blood circulation, enhances lymphatic flow, and stimulates collagen regeneration. For enhanced fat reduction, ZWave can be combined with fat freezing treatments like ZLipo.

Does cellulite bother you or make you self-conscious? Contact us via WhatsApp at +65 9780 2079 to learn more about cellulite reduction treatments or schedule an appointment.