Cellulite: causes and treatment

Knowledge base

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

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 many treatments do you need?

There is no established fixed number of sessions for removing or permanently reducing cellulite. Any follow-up remains your choice.

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 70 euro (30 min), 140 euro (60 min) or 210 euro (90 min); in addition, 5-session cards are available (325, 650 or 975 euro). The free consultation has a 10-minute booking slot. 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