IMAGES PROVIDED BY: Show 1) Daniel Day/Iconica 2) Lisa Spindler Photography Inc. / The Image Bank 3) Maximilian Stock Ltd. / Photographer’s Choice 4) Tetra Images 5) Nacivet / Photographer’s Choice 6) Axel Leschinski / age fotostock 7) StockFood / Colin Cooke 8) Mirko Iannace / age fotostock 9) Lucenet Patrice / Phototeque Oredia 10) mana productions inc. 11) Claudio Beduschi/Photolibrary 12) BSIP/Phototake 13) altrendo images / Stockbyte 14) Tetra Images 15) Getty Images REFERENCES: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: "Cellulite: An Update," "Fat Reduction: Aminophylline Cream -- ASAPS Position," "Aesthetic Surgeons Sort through Data and Hype on New and Upcoming Fat Treatments," "American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery Warns Patients to Steer Clear of Injection Fat Loss Treatments," "Wise-woman's Guide to Cellulite Treatments." If you’re here, you’ve probably got cellulite—just like the majority of all adult humans, according to board-certified dermatologist, Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD. And though cellulite is 100 percent normal and nothing to feel uncomfortable about, it’s also okay if you don’t love yours and are looking for information on how to get rid of cellulite at home. But before you spend money on a bunch of too-good-to-be-true products (see: stretch mark creams, tattoo-removal creams, and, unfortunately, cellulite creams), you need to know that there's no quick "fix" for smoothing dimples, and that even professional treatments take time to work. That being said, it’s almost 2023, and advancements in cellulite-removal treatments have come a long, long way. Which is why I consulted with five dermatologists and two plastic surgeons for all the information on what cellulite is, if it’s possible to get rid of cellulite, and which professional cellulite treatments actually work. Keep reading, and get ready to take notes. What is cellulite?Cellulite is the name for the dimpled or lumpy skin that’s commonly found on someone’s thighs, butts, stomachs, hips, and arms. Cellulite forms when fat cells beneath your skin push up against your skin’s connective tissues—known as fibrous bands, or septa—causing the skin to dimple or pucker, explains board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. It’s important to note that everyone has these fat cells, regardless of what you eat or how frequently you exercise, and that cellulite is completely harmless and extremely common, says Dr. Ip. Though everyone and anyone can get cellulite, it’s especially common in women and people with vaginas, because their fat cells are contained in “chamber-like structures that favor the expansion of fat tissue into the dermis,” says Dr. King. Basically, it’s a ~gift~ you’re born with. Meanwhile, men and people with penises have criss-crossing connective tissue structures, making it more difficult for fat to push through and create dimpling. Still, your body’s structure only plays a role in whether or not you develop cellulite. The other determining factors include hormones, genetics, age, weight, eating habits, pregnancy, activity, and how much collagen and estrogen you naturally have in your skin. Which, again, is why cellulite is so common in humans. Here’s a rundown from the dermatologists and plastic surgeons on the best ways to get rid of cellulite, from in-office treatments to temporary at-home options: 1 Look into Avéli for cellulite The newest procedure to get rid of cellulite is Avéli, a professional treatment in which a long probe is inserted into your skin to cut the connective bands that are causing the cellulite dimple. “It’s the only cellulite device that allows us to identify which of the septa under the skin are the culprits causing the dimple,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Camille Cash, MD, using a light on the end of the probe that allows your provider to see each band that's causing the dimpling. You only need one hour-long treatment for your skin to look immediately smoother (and don’t worry, you’ll be numbed with local anesthetic), but it’s not cheap: You can expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on your location and the provider you see. You might also experience some bruising and swelling afterward—and potentially some pain in the first 24 hours—but you should be able to resume normal activities within a week, says Dr. Cash. Just note that the treatment is so new that it isn’t widely available yet, so use the Avéli website to find a provider in your area. 2 Try QWO to minimize cellulite The cellulite technology that dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, recommends? Cellfina, a minimally invasive treatment that microscopically severs the septa that weave throughout the fat in your thighs and buttocks. “First, the dimple is numbed with a tiny needle,” says Dr. Akhavan, “then a microscopic device goes in and cuts or shatters the connective cord, so the fibrous bands can’t find each other again.” “The good thing about this procedure is you’ll only need to do it once—it’s considered semi-permanent because the results show in as little as three days and are still visible in three years,” says Dr. Arkahavan. Know that this procedure definitely isn’t cheap though—Dr. Akhavan suggests talking to your dermatologist or going to a plastic surgeon for a consultation, since the treatment can cost upwards of $5,000, depending on where you live. 4 Tighten your skin with Emtone Emtone is a professional device that combines radiofrequency (which internally heats your skin to encourage collagen production) with acoustic waves (which boosts circulation and aids in lymphatic drainage) to help thicken and tone your skin, making cellulite less noticeable. Treatments are quick—roughly 20 minutes for the procedure itself—and you’ll only need four treatments (which cost about $1,000 to $1,500 each) spaced a week apart. And, unlike most of the other cellulite treatments, Emtone also has the ability to slightly tighten and firm your skin if you’re dealing with laxity too, such as from weight fluctuations or age.
If you want to get rid of cellulite and help firm your skin at the same time, opt for a laser treatment like Cellulaze. It uses a laser fiber (that’s inserted directly beneath your skin) to heat up and break the bands surrounding fat cells, while also triggering collagen production for tighter, more elastic skin. You only need one treatment to start seeing results (!), but it’ll cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your location and the provider. 6 Freeze fat cells with CoolSculpting While CoolSculpting, aka cryolipolysis, isn’t the first pick from dermatologists for getting rid of cellulite, it can still be beneficial, because it helps reduce the number of fat cells in an area, making cellulite less noticeable over time. The procedure utilizes “very cold temperatures to break down fat cells just beneath the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Will Kirby, MD. “When these fat cells freeze, they die and are then eliminated through your body’s natural processes over the course of weeks to months following your treatment.” You’ll need one to three treatments that can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,7000, but your provider may also choose to combine treatments for better results, like utilizing CoolSculpting to spot-reduce fat on the thighs, while targeting the individual cellulite dimples with Cellfina or Avéli. 7 Massage daily with a caffeine cream U Beauty The Sculpt Arm Compound 8 Try a retinol body cream Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment 9 Try a coffee-based scrub Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub 10 Dry brush to promote lymphatic drainage Joanna Vargas Ritual Brush 11 Check your salt intake Remember: Your eating habits aren't solely responsible for whether or not you develop cellulite—though loading up on nutrition-rich foods definitely won't hurt if you're trying to smooth your cellulite, says Dr. Engelman. She suggests watching your sodium intake, which can lead to puffiness and water retention, and eating plenty of fiber and whole grain foods (think: bran and oat cereals) that improves circulation. Don’t forget to load up on fruits and veggies too. “You want to stay adequately hydrated, since cellulite can appear worse in a dehydrated state,” says Dr. Engelman. “Dehydration can cause the skin to become thinner and weaken, and when the skin is thin, it tends to show more cellulite.” So consider investing in a water bottle you’ll actually want to use (like one with a built-in straw, or one with a time table on the side to keep you on track). 13 Develop an exercise routine Exercise alone won’t completely get rid of cellulite or even prevent it, but it can decrease overall body fat percentage and lead to smoother skin, says Dr. King. So whether you hit the gym a few times a week, take a yoga class when you can, or switch up your commute by jogging or walking, it’s a smart idea to incorporate exercise into your lifestyle, not only for your skin, but for your health in general.
Is it possible to get rid of cellulite?Yes, it’s possible to get rid of cellulite with in-office treatments, according to dermatologists and plastic surgeons. “Think of your cellulite like a button creating a pucker on a couch cushion,” says Dr. Gohara. “To get rid of the pucker, you have to go deeper and cut the cords.” Which, obviously, you can’t do at home. That said, there are a handful of tips and tricks you can use to help temporarily lessen the appearance of cellulite (ahem, see: everything above), and as long as you go into the process with realistic expectations, they’re not a bad place to start. But, of course, remember: Cellulite is super common and natural, and there’s no shame in wanting to keep yours or get rid of yours. Bodies are bodies, and you decide what you want to do with your own. How do I get rid of cellulite naturally?There are no ways to naturally get rid of cellulite at home, and it’s not possible to get rid of cellulite using only natural, topical ingredients, either. Body creams and body scrubs that contain caffeine can make your skin look temporarily smoother, while retinol body lotions can help exfoliate your skin over time—but neither is going to truly get rid of your cellulite, and neither will be clean and natural, either. If you really want to get rid of cellulite, skip the creams and talk to your dermatologist about an in-office procedure. Will cellulite go away if I lose weight?Cellulite could go away if you lose weight, but it often has nothing to do with weight gain or loss. “Anyone can have cellulite regardless of the number on the scale,” says Dr. Ip. Honestly, nothing can truly get rid of cellulite for good, especially at home. “Even if you make the decision to try one of the medical cellulite treatments, it is possible that cellulite may return,” says Dr. Ip, because cellulite is often related to uncontrollable variables, like your genetics, hormones, and inevitable weight fluctuations. Meet the experts:
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from skin barrier and whiteheads. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to cellulite, thanks to asking experts how to get rid of her own for years. She regularly tests and analyzes cellulite treatments for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and plastic surgeons to assess new formulas and brands. Katherine J. Igoe is a contributing editor at Cosmopolitan, and has eleven years of experience as a freelancer—with nearly five of those years writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, including wrinkle serums and pregnancy-safe sunscreen. Her cellulite treatment picks were based on personal testing and product reviews, along with information from experts. Ruby Buddemeyer was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan for nearly three years and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and celebrity news across print and digital, including under-eye bag treatments and facial cleansing brushes. She discussed how to get rid of cellulite with industry experts and researched product reviews and ratings. Beth Gillette Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. Katherine J Igoe Katherine J Igoe (she/her) is a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan, covering SEO beauty, style, lifestyle, and culture (she's obsessed with gift guides and beauty products. She's been a freelancer for 11 years, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. Ruby Buddemeyer Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. |
How to tighten up cellulite in thighs
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