Cellulite: causes and treatment
What actually causes cellulite, why creams reach only the surface, and how connective tissue massage targets the deeper fascia where, according to the prevailing model, cellulite is thought to develop.
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What is cellulite?
Cellulite is the dimpled, mattress-like appearance of the skin, most often visible on the thighs, buttocks, hips and stomach. It is not a disease and it is not a sign of being overweight: slim, athletic people can have cellulite too. It is generally regarded as a structural characteristic of the skin and the tissue beneath it, rather than a medical condition.
The typical look is usually explained by subcutaneous fat compartments becoming visible at the surface. Where the skin is pulled down in some places and pushed forward in others, the recognisable uneven relief can appear. Cellulite is reported to be more common in women than in men, which is generally linked to differences in the structure of the connective tissue beneath the skin. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Visible as dimpling or a mattress-like texture in the skin
- Most often on the thighs, buttocks, hips and stomach
- Can occur in any body type, regardless of weight
- Seen as a structural feature of skin and connective tissue, not a disorder
The cause: fascia and adhesions
To understand cellulite, it helps to look at the layer beneath the skin. This is where the subcutaneous fat cells sit, organised into compartments, with connective tissue between them: the fascia. In women, according to the prevailing model, these connective tissue strands are thought to run predominantly straight up towards the skin, like vertical partitions that enclose the fat compartments.
According to this model, when this connective tissue becomes stiffer, retains fluid or develops localised adhesions, the strands may pull the skin down at certain points while the fat tissue between them bulges forward. That interplay — restricted fascia pulling inward, surrounding fat tissue pushing outward — is often cited as a possible explanation for the characteristic dimpled pattern.
According to this model, then, the cause of cellulite is described as lying not at the surface but in the structure and mobility of the connective tissue beneath the skin. Adhesions and stiffness in the fascia, combined with fluid retention and reduced lymphatic drainage, are thought to play a role. If you would like to understand more about what fascia actually is and the role it plays in the body, read our explainer on what fascia is. You can also read how connective tissue massage can support skin quality and firmness. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Vertical connective tissue strands connect the skin to deeper tissue
- Stiff or adhered fascia may pull the skin inward in places
- The enclosed fat tissue can bulge forward
- Fluid retention and reduced lymphatic drainage may amplify the effect
Why creams address the surface and not the cause
Anti-cellulite creams and lotions are popular, but they mainly act on the skin — the outermost layer. According to the prevailing model, the cause of cellulite lies beneath that, in the fascia and the fat compartments. A product you rub on the skin will, in practice, generally not reach the deeper connective tissue strands.
Many creams can give a temporarily smoother or firmer feeling, for example because the skin briefly swells or is better hydrated. That may soften the appearance for a short time, but it usually changes little about the underlying structure. This is not a judgement of any specific product; it relates to the layer at which a topical product is able to act. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for medical advice.
- Creams act mainly on the skin, not on the deeper fascia
- A smoother feeling is often temporary and superficial
- The structure of the connective tissue usually changes little
- The cause calls for an approach that reaches the deeper tissue
How connective tissue massage addresses cellulite
At BodyFix — specialised in connective tissue and fascia techniques in Amsterdam since 2008 — we focus on the layer where, according to the prevailing model, cellulite is thought to develop. With the BodyFix Method, developed by founder Agnieszka Kadula, we combine deep manual connective tissue massage with device-assisted lymphatic drainage. Before the first treatment we use a Bodyreading to map where adhesions and fluid retention appear to be located, so the treatment can be tailored to your situation.
The thinking behind this approach: by working the stiff or adhered connective tissue manually, the treatment is aimed at supporting the mobility of the fascia, while lymphatic drainage can support the removal of fluid. The manual technique and the drainage are coordinated within this combination treatment. The extent to which the appearance changes differs from person to person and depends on factors such as skin type, lifestyle and starting point; we cannot promise a fixed result. This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
Bodyreading
Before the first treatment we map where adhesions, stiffness and fluid retention appear to be located — diagnosis first.
Deep connective tissue massage
Targeted manual technique works the stiff or adhered connective tissue.
Lymphatic drainage
Device-assisted lymphatic drainage is aimed at supporting the removal of fluid from the treated area.
Want to know more about this way of working? Read how we treat cellulite on our cellulite treatment in Amsterdam page, discover the BodyFix Method or see our full range of treatments.
How many treatments do you need?
How many treatments make sense differs greatly from person to person. It depends on the degree of cellulite, the stiffness of the connective tissue, your lifestyle and how your tissue responds. There is no single number that applies to everyone.
What is appropriate for you is something we determine only after the Bodyreading during the free consultation — at that point we can discuss a realistic recommendation together that suits your situation and your goal. For individual treatments we charge 65 euro (30 min), 130 euro (60 min) or 195 euro (90 min); in addition, 5-session cards are available (300, 600 or 900 euro). The free consultation lasts around 20 minutes. Have more practical questions? See our frequently asked questions.
- The number of treatments differs from person to person
- There is no fixed number that applies to everyone
- Concrete advice follows the Bodyreading at the free consultation
- Individual treatments and 5-session cards are available
Book a free consultation
Want to know what, in our view, may be the cause of your cellulite and which approach suits you best? Start with a free 20-minute consultation. During this consultation we carry out a Bodyreading, discuss your goal and give you honest advice — with no obligation. Our medically trained therapists, with a physiotherapy background and more than 2,500 hours of training, will guide you through it.
BodyFix is located at Legmeerplein 7 (1058 NJ) and Haarlemmermeerstraat 115H in Amsterdam-Zuid. You can reach us Monday to Saturday, 09:00–19:00, on +31 6 5580 4938 or at info@bodyfix.nl.
Curious about the cause of your cellulite?
Book a free, no-obligation consultation and discover what may suit your situation best. We carry out a Bodyreading, discuss your goal and give you honest advice.