Patient guide
Cellulite, how to make it less visible
Cellulite is one of the most common changes in the appearance of the skin. It appears on the thighs, buttocks, hips and abdomen, also in people who are slim and physically active, sometimes without one clear cause.
Published 11 July 2020. Last reviewed 16 August 2026.
Cellulite is not solely a matter of excess fatty tissue. Its visibility is affected, among other things, by the structure of the skin, the arrangement of connective tissue, hormonal balance, microcirculation, lifestyle and individual predisposition.
This is why it is worth replacing the question "how to get rid of cellulite" with a more realistic one: how to reduce its visibility and improve the quality of the skin. In many cases the aim of treatment is not to remove the changes completely, but to smooth the skin, improve its firmness and reduce the visibility of unevenness. The scope of possible improvement depends on the type of cellulite, the condition of the skin, lifestyle, the method chosen and the individual response of the body. A systematic review of the available methods indicates that the effectiveness of many of them is variable, and some of the effects are temporary (source 1).
What cellulite actually is
Cellulite, commonly known as orange peel skin, is an uneven skin structure resulting from the relationship between fatty tissue, connective tissue fibres and the dermis. When the connective tissue septa pull the skin downwards and the subcutaneous tissue bulges up between them, hollows, lumps and irregularities appear on the surface.
Not every irregularity looks the same. In one person cellulite is visible mainly when the skin is pinched, in another also when standing or moving. The quality of the skin also matters: its firmness, elasticity, hydration and thickness. Thinner, less firm skin can make the irregularities more noticeable.
Why cellulite appears
Cellulite has multiple causes. It is rare to be able to point to a single cause that can be quickly eliminated. The factors that affect its visibility include:
- genetic predisposition,
- the structure of connective tissue and the distribution of fatty tissue,
- hormonal changes,
- a sedentary lifestyle and insufficient physical activity,
- fluctuations in body weight,
- disorders of microcirculation,
- a diet that favours water retention,
- smoking,
- the ageing of the skin and the loss of its elasticity.
Cellulite also occurs in people with a normal body weight and should not be treated as neglect or a reason for embarrassment. According to a review published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, it affects 80 to 90 per cent of women after puberty, regardless of ethnic origin (source 1).
Can cellulite be completely removed
In conversation with a patient, it is more honest to talk about reducing the visibility of cellulite rather than removing it completely. Cellulite results from the structure of the tissues, so it cannot always be eliminated in full. Some methods improve the appearance of the skin, others support its firmness or act on the subcutaneous tissue, but the result depends on many factors.
The stage of the changes also matters. The approach is planned differently for cellulite that is only visible when the skin is pinched than for cellulite where the irregularities are constantly present and are accompanied by skin laxity or a local excess of fatty tissue.
None of the available methods removes cellulite permanently. Material promising a specific loss of centimetres after a single treatment should be treated with caution, because the result depends on the starting condition of the tissues and on whether the change is maintained through lifestyle.
What you can do yourself
Home care does not always produce a clear change, but it can support the condition of the skin and limit the factors that increase the visibility of cellulite.
Physical activity
Regular movement improves circulation, supports the work of the muscles and affects the overall quality of the figure. Combining strength training with aerobic activity can be beneficial: walking, cycling, swimming or interval exercises suited to the body's capabilities. It is not about intensity at any cost, because regularity usually brings better results than short, very restrictive efforts.
Diet and hydration
The way you eat affects body weight, fluid balance and the condition of the skin. It is worth ensuring an adequate intake of protein, vegetables, fruit, wholegrain products, healthy fats and fluids. Limiting highly processed food, excess salt and sugar can be helpful, especially when cellulite is accompanied by a feeling of swelling or water retention.
Skincare and massage
Cosmetics will not rebuild the deep structures of connective tissue, but they can improve the hydration, smoothness and firmness of the skin's surface. Massage, body brushing or regular skincare support microcirculation and make the skin look better cared for. The effects of such actions are usually subtle and require consistency.
When it is worth considering in-clinic treatments
Cosmetology treatments or aesthetic medicine procedures can be considered when cellulite is visible despite regular skincare, physical activity and a stable lifestyle, or when it is accompanied by a deterioration in skin firmness. It is worth preceding the decision with a consultation, at which we assess the skin, the stage of the changes, contraindications and expectations.
Various methods are used in treatment: technologies based on radio waves, ultrasound, vacuum massage, acoustic wave therapy, and in selected cases also injectable procedures or treatments that act on the connective tissue septa. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, some methods can temporarily reduce the visibility of cellulite, but they usually require a series of treatments, and the effects are not the same for everyone. A review of the literature indicates that the best documented results are for acoustic wave therapy, subcision and laser treatments that act beneath the skin, while there is a lack of strong evidence for many of the remaining methods (source 2).
Radio wave
Radio wave is used in treatments intended to heat the tissue and support an improvement in skin firmness. Depending on the technology, it can be combined with massage, vacuum or other forms of action. Such treatments usually require a series of visits, and the improvement achieved may be temporary.
Ultrasound and body contouring
Ultrasound technologies (cavitation) are sometimes used in treatments aimed at local body contouring and working with the subcutaneous tissue. They are carried out in a series, and the extent of the change depends on the starting condition of the tissues. They are not a solution for every type of cellulite: if the main problem is skin laxity or clear hollows resulting from the connective tissue septa, other methods or combined therapy tend to be more suitable.
Mesotherapy and injectable procedures
In some cases, injectable procedures are considered, aimed at improving the skin's quality or supporting its condition. The choice of preparation, technique and frequency of visits requires qualification. We then also discuss the possible reactions after the treatment: redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising and temporary discomfort.
Qualification and number of treatments
Qualification includes a conversation about your health, previous treatments, medications taken, chronic conditions, tendency to bruise, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and your expectations of the therapy. We also assess the skin and subcutaneous tissue: the degree of cellulite, skin tension, presence of swelling, laxity, localised excess fatty tissue and contraindications.
Only after this assessment do we select the method. For some people, one type of treatment is enough, while for others a combined therapy is a better solution, for example a combination of work on skin tension, microcirculation and tissue quality.
It is not possible to responsibly state one number of treatments for everyone. The number of visits depends on the degree of cellulite, the method chosen, the skin's reaction and the aim of the therapy. Some procedures are carried out in a series, others require longer intervals or maintenance treatments. Maintaining the result depends on lifestyle, physical activity, skincare and stability of body weight.
After the treatment
Recommendations depend on the type of procedure. After some treatments you can quickly return to daily activities, after others the skin may be red, tender or swollen. Bruising occurs especially after injectable procedures and more intensive tissue work techniques.
We usually recommend drinking an adequate amount of water, gentle skincare, avoiding overheating the skin for a certain time and following the recommendations given after the treatment. If unusual symptoms, intensified pain, prolonged swelling or a worrying reaction appear, you should contact the practice.
The questions we are asked most often
Can cellulite be removed once and for all
There is no single method that allows every person to completely and permanently remove cellulite. The aim of the therapy is usually to reduce its visibility, improve skin tension and smooth its structure. The extent of the result depends on many factors.
Does cellulite only occur in people who are overweight
No. Cellulite can also appear in slim people. It is influenced, among other things, by the structure of connective tissue, hormones, genetics, skin quality, microcirculation and lifestyle.
What treatments may be considered for cellulite
Depending on the indications, treatments using radio frequency, ultrasound, vacuum massage, acoustic wave therapy, mesotherapy or other procedures selected after qualification may be considered. The choice of method depends on the type of cellulite and the condition of the skin.
Is one treatment enough
In most cases, cellulite treatments are carried out in a series. The number of visits depends on the method, the degree of advancement of the changes and the individual reaction of the skin.
Are cellulite treatments painful
Sensations are individual and depend on the type of treatment, the area of the body and the patient's sensitivity. During the consultation, it is worth discussing possible discomfort and typical reactions after the procedure.
Are diet and exercise enough to reduce cellulite
For some people, regular physical activity, stable body weight, an appropriate diet and skincare can improve the appearance of the skin. If cellulite is more advanced or accompanied by skin laxity, additional in-practice methods can be considered.
About this text
The text was prepared by the NL Clinic team. Published on 11 July 2020, verified on 16 August 2026.
The content is for information and does not replace a consultation.
Assessment before selecting the method
The starting point is an assessment of the skin and a conversation about expectations. Thanks to this, we select the method according to the type of cellulite, the condition of the skin, contraindications and lifestyle.