How to get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite forms when fat pushes up against connective tissue beneath the skin, creating a dimpled or puckered appearance. It affects up to 90% of women at some point and is influenced by genetics, hormones, age, and body fat percentage — not just weight. Even people at a healthy weight can have cellulite, because the structure of connective tissue varies from person to person.

You can’t fully eliminate cellulite, but you can make it less noticeable. Exercise is the most accessible approach: running, cycling, and resistance training build muscle and improve circulation, which flattens the appearance of dimples by giving the skin a firmer foundation. Strength training is especially effective because it increases muscle mass under the cellulite-prone area.

For more noticeable results, dermatologists use FDA-cleared treatments. Subcision (brand names Cellfina, Cellulaze) uses a tiny needle to cut the fibrous bands pulling the skin down. Radiofrequency devices heat the skin to stimulate collagen production and tighten the tissue. Acoustic wave therapy uses sound waves to break up the fibrous bands temporarily. Most professional treatments produce visible improvement but require maintenance sessions because the underlying structure eventually returns.