Quick Answer
Cellulite may improve with fat loss, but it does not completely go away for most people. Cellulite is caused by fibrous tissue bands under the skin that pull down and create a dimpled appearance. Losing fat can help improve the appearance of cellulite somewhat, but it cannot get rid of the fibrous bands. Other treatments beyond fat loss are usually needed to significantly reduce the look of cellulite.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulite refers to the dimpled, uneven appearance of the skin that commonly develops on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and arms. It affects up to 90% of women and 10% of men. The dimply look of cellulite is caused by fibrous connective tissue bands that tether between the skin and muscle layers. This pulls down on the surface of the skin, creating an uneven texture when fat cells herniate upward between the bands.
Structural Causes
Cellulite is often described as a structural issue under the skin rather than simply being caused by excess fat. The structural causes include:
- Fibrous septae – Fibrous septae are rigid tissue bands that can harden over time. They tether between the dermis (skin) layer and fat or muscle layers. The tethering from septae pulls down on the skin surface to create depressions.
- Weak dermis structure – A layer of tissue called the dermis sits between the epidermis (surface layer) and subcutaneous fat. Women tend to have thinner dermis structure than men, making the skin more prone to protrusions of fat.
- Fat protrusions – Fat cells can push upward between the fibrous septae, creating bumps under the skin. This happens especially with fat gain, but is made worse by the anchoring of septae.
The structural problem of cellulite often runs in families and is harder to improve with weight loss alone. However, the appearance can get worse with weight gain.
Hormonal Factors
Hormones may also play a role in the formation of cellulite. Estrogen can cause thinning of blood vessel walls. This allows fat cells to potentially push through more easily.
Women going through puberty, pregnancy, or taking hormonal birth control may notice a worsening of cellulite during these estrogenic states. The cellulite may or may not reduce afterwards.
Insulin resistance and high cortisol levels can also increase fatty acids in the bloodstream. This exacerbates the protrusion of fat into the dermis layer. Improving metabolic health may help stabilize cellulite.
Genetic Factors
Genes dictate your natural dermis thickness, body fat distribution, metabolism, and circulation. If your parents have more severe cellulite, you are likely predisposed to it as well. However, lifestyle factors like diet and exercise can improve its appearance regardless of genetics.
Does Cellulite Improve with Weight Loss?
Losing weight through both fat loss and building muscle may help reduce the outward appearance of cellulite. However, it does not change the internal fibrous bands that cause cellulite in the first place.
Less Fat Protrusions
With fat loss, there is less fat to be pushed up against the underside of the skin. Even a modest reduction of 5-10% body fat can make cellulite bumps less pronounced. The remaining fat cells shrink down in size, minimizing the lumpy look.
However, this improvement has limits. Once you have lost substantial fat, the visual improvement plateaus.
Improved Muscle Shape
Building muscle in the lower body lifts and firms the appearance of the skin. The muscles essentially provide a more toned foundation under the cellulite.
Strength training to grow the quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes can tighten loose skin. This reduces the sagging and dimpling effect of cellulite.
Removal of Excess Skin
In cases of massive weight loss of 50+ pounds, some women opt for surgical removal of excess loose skin. This can instantly improve the look of cellulite and sagging after losing the fat volume that once filled it out.
However, the underlying fibrous problem remains. Cellulite will return unless the bands are cut during surgery.
Limits to Improvement
While losing excess fat and toning muscle helps, it cannot eliminate the structural issue of fibrous tethering and protruding fat. At a certain point, cellulite remains visible even at low body fat with high muscle definition.
Genetics plays a role here as well. Some women have more pronounced bands while others have thinner skin. The percent reduction in appearance varies.
Other Treatments Beyond Weight Loss
Because cellulite is fibrotic in nature, sometimes treatments beyond fat loss are needed. Here are some other options for improving the look of cellulite:
Laser Treatment
Laser or radiofrequency devices are used in doctor’s offices to heat the dermis layer of skin. This aims to break up fibrous bands, stimulate collagen production, and tighten skin.
Multiple sessions are usually needed, but some studies show moderate improvement in cellulite appearance. Results last 6-12 months typically. Mild side effects like bruising can occur.
Subcision
A licensed provider inserts a needle just under the skin to cut the fibrotic septae bands tethering it down. This releases the downward pull creating dimples and allows the skin surface to smooth out.
Only licensed providers can perform this technique. Side effects include bruising, swelling, numbness, and rarely infection.
Acoustic Wave Therapy
This treatment uses high pressure sound waves to break up hardened cellulite bands and stimulate blood flow. Multiple sessions with a specialized device are needed, but it is non-invasive.
Temporary redness and bruising can occur after treatment. Results can last about a year.
Medications
Some cellulite creams contain medications like caffeine, retinol, or aminophylline to potentially improve its appearance. The skin thickening effects are generally mild at best, but the creams may temporarily make the skin tighter.
Prescription retinoids have the best clinical research supporting their use. Brand names include Retin-A and Renova.
Massage
Receiving deep tissue massage or using a massage tool such as a foam roller can help break up fibrous bands. This may temporarily reduce dimpling.
Results are short-term, but massage combined with other treatments may boost their effectiveness.
Lifestyle Strategies for Improving Cellulite
Aside from weight loss, other lifestyle approaches help manage cellulite. While not definitive cures, they can enhance the improvement from losing fat.
Stay Hydrated
Cellulite looks more pronounced when skin lacks proper hydration. Drinking enough water keeps skin supple and minimizes dimples and shadows.
Aim for eight 8 ounce glasses daily as a goal. Drink even more during hot weather or heavy exercise.
Build Muscle with Exercise
Having toned and defined legs from strength training counteracts the bumpy fatty look of cellulite. Focus on growing your hamstrings, quads and glutes to fill out skin.
Try squats, lunges, hip thrusts, deadlifts and leg presses using weight as you are able.
Consider Supplements
Some supplements may improve skin cell structure and blood flow, potentially minimizing cellulite. Options include gotu kola, ginkgo biloba, grapeseed extract, evening primrose oil and collagen peptides. However, research is limited.
Ask your doctor before taking supplements, especially with any medications or health conditions.
Use Skin Tightening Creams
While pricey, some creams contain ingredients like retinol and caffeine to potentially tighten up skin and make cellulite less noticeable. Use in problem spots twice daily.
No cream eliminates cellulite fully, however. Manage expectations.
Dry Brush Your Skin
A skin brush with firm bristles can help break up fatty deposits and draw blood flow to the skin’s surface. Gently brush problem areas like thighs in circular motions before showering.
This temporary trick may “blur” away dimples for a day. Use a soft brush if skin is sensitive.
Wear Compression Garments
Tight shorts, leggings or sleeves apply gentle pressure to smooth out the skin. This reduces the dented appearance of cellulite temporarily while worn.
Try wearing during exercise or day-to-day to combat dimpling. Look for textured material to massage the skin as you move.
Get Massage Treatments
Deep tissue massage techniques may help break apart fibrous bands under the skin that cause dimpling. This can be used alone or with other cellulite treatments.
Look for a massage therapist experienced in treating cellulite. Expect mild soreness afterwards.
Use Self-Tanner
Applying self-tanner lotion can help disguise uneven texture and make cellulite less noticeable. Choose a tone matching your skin. Exfoliate first for smooth application.
Reapply every few days to maintain results on your problem spots. Tan also hides faint stretch marks.
Quit Smoking
Smoking impairs blood flow and can worsen the appearance of cellulite. Cutting out cigarettes promotes smooth skin with better texture.
If needed, ask your doctor about products or support to help you quit smoking for good.
Conclusion
While weight loss can help reduce the puckered appearance of cellulite somewhat, it cannot cure the underlying structural cause. A combination approach of fat loss, muscle building, massage, topical products and dermatology treatments works best to smooth and tighten skin.
Stay realistic about your expectations. Cellulite may remain visible to some degree, as it does for most women. But improvement is certainly possible, especially when multiple approaches are used together.