Cellulite: Why Almost Everyone Has It, and What Can Change Its Look
Why cellulite is so common at every body size, what does and doesn't change its look, non-invasive options, and cellulite vs cellulitis.
Written byFlourish TCM ClinicTraditional Chinese Medicine & skin care · Yaletown, Vancouver
Reviewed byTabasom (Tabi) Mirshahi, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.
Cellulite: Why Almost Everyone Has It, and What Can Change Its Look
Cellulite is the dimpled look of skin on the thighs, buttocks, hips and belly. It happens when fibrous bands under the skin pull down while fat pushes up between them. Most women have some cellulite, at every body size. No non-invasive treatment removes it, but some can temporarily smooth its appearance, and movement and hydration help.
What is cellulite?
Under your skin, fat sits in compartments separated by fibrous bands (septae) that anchor the skin to deeper tissue. When fat pushes up and the bands pull down, the surface looks dimpled, like a quilted mattress. Cellulite is far more common in women than men.
Why is it so common?
Cellulite depends mostly on:
- genetics and sex: how your connective tissue is structured;
- hormones, especially oestrogen;
- skin thickness, which decreases with age;
- fluid retention and circulation.
Weight plays a smaller role than people think. Cellulite appears in slim and athletic people too. It isn't a sign that anything is wrong.
What does and doesn't change its look?
Can temporarily improve its look:
- massage and cupping-based techniques that move fluid and increase circulation;
- lymphatic drainage for fluid retention;
- staying active, which improves muscle tone and circulation;
- hydration.
Doesn't remove cellulite:
- creams (some may give a temporary, subtle smoothing);
- restrictive diets or "cleanses";
- any non-invasive treatment promising removal for good.
Medical procedures such as subcision or certain energy devices are offered by physicians and have their own risks and limits.
Non-invasive options at Flourish
- Cellulite Treatment by area (arms, thighs, tummy and love handles, upper back, or full body): a non-invasive treatment aimed at the look of cellulite (method on the treatment page).
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage: supports fluid movement.
- Body Contouring Massage: firm, invigorating massage.
- Cupping Butt Lift: cupping for the buttocks.
Any smoothing is temporary and needs maintenance. We'll always be honest about that.
The TCM view
Traditional Chinese Medicine associates cellulite with "dampness" and sluggish circulation in the tissues. TCM advice includes regular movement, warm cooked meals, and less greasy and sugary food.
Cellulite vs cellulitis
They sound alike but are completely different. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection: red, swollen, warm, painful skin, sometimes with fever. It needs a doctor promptly. Cellulite is harmless and doesn't hurt.
Where to book
Cellulite and body treatments are available with Amir at our Yaletown clinic, close to the West End and False Creek.
Frequently asked questions
Can cellulite be removed?
No non-invasive treatment removes it; some temporarily improve its look.
Does exercise change how cellulite looks?
Exercise helps tone and circulation but doesn't remove cellulite.
Why do men rarely have cellulite?
Men's connective tissue is structured differently.
How many cellulite treatments do I need?
Most people book a course; maintenance is needed.
Is it covered by insurance?
No. It's a cosmetic treatment.
Sources
- Rudolph C, et al. Structural gender dimorphism and the biomechanics of the gluteal subcutaneous tissue: implications for the pathophysiology of cellulite. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Arora G, et al. Cellulite: presentation and management. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- Collis N, et al. Cellulite treatment: a myth or reality: a prospective randomized, controlled trial of two therapies, endermologie and aminophylline cream. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1999. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
- MedlinePlus — Cellulitis (medlineplus.gov)
Information on this site is general and isn't a substitute for advice from your physician.
Related to this article
Cosmetic Treatments
Cellulite Treatment
The Cellulite Treatment targets the dimpled look of cellulite on the arms, thighs, tummy and love handles, upper back or full body, mainly with vacuum cupping, or with a DDS bio-current massage if you'd rather avoid cupping marks. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, prices start at $150, with Amir Norouzi.
Body Wellness
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
Lymphatic Drainage Massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage that uses directional strokes to support the flow of lymph fluid. People book it for swelling, puffiness and recovery after surgery, with their surgeon's clearance. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it's $170 for 60 minutes.
Cosmetic Treatments
Body Contouring Massage
Body Contouring Massage is a firm, 60-minute DDS bio-current massage performed by hand and with a handheld applicator, focused on areas such as the abdomen, hips and thighs. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $170 with Amir Norouzi.
Cosmetic Treatments
Cupping Butt Lift
The Cupping Butt Lift is a 20-minute cosmetic treatment in which vacuum cups are held on, or glided over, the buttocks with massage oil. At Flourish TCM Clinic in Yaletown, Vancouver, it costs $150, or $1,000 for a series of 10, with Amir Norouzi or Mehri Abedi.
